Nowadays, most parents start financial planning for their children's future from a very young age. Whether it's investing in the child's name, opening a bank account, or making them a nominee in a scheme, a Minor PAN Card is often required for all these tasks.

Moreover, if the child is earning income for any reason, a PAN card becomes necessary. Since a minor cannot apply for a PAN card themselves, this responsibility falls on the parents or legal guardian. Let's understand in simple terms why a minor PAN card is necessary and how to obtain one.

Why is a Minor PAN Card Necessary?

A minor PAN card may be required in the following situations:

Investing in mutual funds or FDs in the child's name
Opening a bank account in the child's name
Making the child a nominee in investments or insurance
In case the child has their own income
For all these tasks, a PAN card becomes an essential document.

Who Can Apply?
A minor cannot apply for a PAN card themselves. The application is submitted by the parents or legal guardian on their behalf. The application can be made both online and offline.

How to Apply for a Minor PAN Card Online
If you want to apply online, follow these steps:

First, go to the official NSDL website.
Select Form 49A and carefully read all the instructions.
Fill in the minor's personal details, selecting the correct category.
Now upload the minor's age proof and the necessary documents related to the guardian.
Upload the guardian's signature on the form.
Pay the fee and submit the form.
After submission, you will receive a receipt number, which you can use to track the application status. The PAN card will arrive at your address within approximately 15 days of the verification being completed.

How to Obtain a Minor PAN Card Offline
If you prefer the offline method, download Form 49A from the official website. Fill out the form correctly. Attach two passport-sized photographs of the child. Attach all the necessary documents to the form. Submit the form along with the fee at the nearest NSDL office. After verification, the PAN card will be sent to the address provided.

Keep these documents ready while applying:
Address and identity proof of the minor's parents will be required.
The applicant's address and identity certificate are also necessary.
As proof of identity, the minor's guardian will have to submit any one document from an Aadhaar card, ration card, passport, driving license, or voter ID card.
For address proof, a copy of one of the following documents will be required: Aadhaar card, post office passbook, property registration document, or domicile certificate.

Important rule related to a minor's PAN card:
A PAN card issued in the name of a minor does not contain their photograph and signature; therefore it cannot be used as proof of identity. When the minor turns 18, they have to apply separately to update their PAN card.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Zee Business. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.