Minor PAN Card for OCI & NRI Guide – Eligibility, Documents, Process 2026

A minor PAN Card is a 10-digit alphanumeric number for children under 18 years, issued by the Income Tax Department. It is the same as the standard PAN card. The difference is that a minor’s PAN card does not carry their photograph or signature. It only includes the minor’s photograph and the signature of either the parent or guardian.

Is a PAN card required for every child? No, it is not required for every child. It is only required when investing, opening a bank account, naming the child as a nominee for any financial holdings, and so on.

If you are parents and guardians living out of India as an NRI or OCI holder, you can easily apply for a minor PAN card online or offline (NRI or OCI) on behalf of your child at any time, as there is no minimum age to apply.

Want to know more? Continue reading to find out more about a PAN card for a minor, the documents required and eligibility, and also review the steps to apply for a minor PAN.

Key Takeaways

• The Income Tax Department issues a PAN card for a minor under 18. Its purpose is the same, but here you don’t need to upload the minor’s photograph or signature.
• If you are a parent or guardian, you can easily submit a PAN application on behalf of your child online or offline.
• Online applications can be made via the NSDL website, while offline applications require the submission of Form 49A or 49AA, along with the necessary documents and photographs.
• The minor PAN card application fee may vary depending on the form of application and delivery location (inside or beyond India).
• Processing a minor PAN card usually takes 10-15 working days for domestic delivery and 3-6 weeks for international ones.
• When a minor turns 18, their PAN card must be changed to reflect their new status.

What is a Minor PAN Card?

The Income Tax Department issues minor PAN cards to individuals under the age of 18. The main use of a PAN card is to conduct financial transactions, open bank accounts, and make investments under the minor’s name.

A minor PAN card works the same as a Standard PAN Card; however, you don’t need to include a photograph or signature because a minor cannot legally sign documents. When the minor turns 18, you will need to upgrade to a standard card.

When is a Minor PAN Card Required?

A Minor PAN Card may be required in several financial and legal situations, including the following:

How to Apply for a Minor PAN Card?

Minors cannot apply for a PAN card on their own; however, their parents, guardians, or representative must apply on their behalf. You can apply for a minor PAN card both online and offline. Here are the steps to apply for a PAN card for a minor:

Online Application Process for Minor PAN Card

Follow the steps below to apply for a minor PAN card:

Step 1: Visit the official website of PAN- https://onlineservices.proteantech.in/paam/endUserRegisterContact.html

Step 2: Select application type as “New PAN” and the category as “Individual”. Ensure to choose the correct form:  Form No. 93 (Indian citizens), and Form No. 95 (foreign citizens/OCI minors).

Step 3: Fill Out the Required Details-

• First Name (as per passport or official documents)
• Middle Name (if applicable)
• Last Name / Surname
• Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY)
• Email ID (for application updates)
• Mobile Number (to receive OTP and status notifications)
• Accept the declaration by checking the consent box.
• Complete the CAPTCHA and click Submit to proceed to the next step.

Step 4: Note Down the Token Number

Once you click the Submit button, a Token Number will be generated on your screen.

Step 4: Choose the Application Submission Method

You’ll now see three different methods to submit your PAN application.

If you’re applying for a Minor PAN Card, select the third option:

✔️ Forward application documents physically (Fill PAN application online and send supporting documents through Speed Post/Courier).

Step 5: Enter the Minor’s Personal Details

Now, fill in the child’s basic details carefully.

• Enter the last 4 digits of the Aadhaar number (if applicable).

Step 6: Select Your Citizenship and Verification Details

Next, choose the citizenship of the minor.

• Select Indian Citizen if the child is an Indian citizen.
• Select Foreign Citizen if you’re applying for an OCI or foreign citizen child.

In the Verification section, enter the details of the parent or guardian who is submitting the application. Also, provide the place from where the application is being filed.

Step 7: Review the Application & Pay the PAN Fee

A summary of your PAN application will now appear on the screen.

Before proceeding, carefully review all the details to ensure there are no mistakes. You may also be asked to enter the first 8 digits of the Aadhaar number for verification (where applicable).

If everything is correct, proceed to the payment page.

The application fee for a Minor PAN Card is generally ₹117 (for communication addresses within India). After successful payment, download and print the payment receipt and the completed PAN application form for your records.

Step 8: Paste Photographs and Sign the Application Form

After printing the application form:

• Paste two recent passport-size photographs of the minor in the spaces provided.
• On the left photograph, the parent/guardian should sign across the photograph, ensuring the signature extends onto the form.
• On the right side, the parent/guardian should sign only inside the signature box. This signature will be printed on the PAN card (where applicable).

Make sure the photographs are clear and the signatures do not extend outside the designated areas.

Look at the example-

Step 9: Attach Supporting Documents

Attach the same supporting documents that you uploaded while filling out the online application. These may include:

• Proof of Identity
• Proof of Address
• Proof of Date of Birth
• Parent/Guardian’s PAN and identity documents (where applicable)

Ensure that all photocopies are clear and self-attested if required.

Step 10: Send the Application to the NSDL/Protean PAN Centre

Place the completed application form, passport-size photographs, payment receipt (if applicable), and all supporting documents in an envelope.

Send the application through Speed Post or a reliable courier service to the Protean (formerly NSDL) PAN Processing Centre. PAN processing centres are available across different cities in India, and the correct mailing address will be provided after you complete the online application.

Once your documents are received and successfully verified, your Minor PAN Card will be processed and dispatched to the communication address provided in the application

*Point to Note: It is not mandatory to use an Indian address; you can use a foreign address.

Offline Application Process for Minor PAN Card

Follow the steps below to apply for a PAN card for a minor offline:

• Step 1: Visit the official NSDL website and download Form 95A (for Indian citizens, including NRIs with Indian citizenship).
• Step 2: Fill out the form correctly as per the given instructions.
• Step 3: Attach a copy of the relevant documents.
• Step 4: Attach two recent photographs of the minor.
• Step 5: Submit the application form along with the required documents to the nearest PAN center along with the applicable fees.

Note:- Same look like above form,

After submitting the application, you will receive an acknowledgement number from which you can easily track of the minor’s PAN card application status.

Documents Required for Minor PAN Card Application

Before applying for a Minor PAN Card, make sure you have the following required supporting documents ready.

Minor PAN Card Fees and Processing Time

The application fee for a Minor PAN Card depends on the type of PAN you choose and the communication address provided in the application. The charges may vary if you opt for a physical PAN card, an e-PAN, or if the card needs to be delivered outside India. The table below provides the latest Minor PAN Card application fees for different categories

Processing Time for Minor PAN Card

The processing time for a PAN card for a minor may vary based on the courier and verification process. For PAN delivery within India, it may take 10-15 working days. However, for PAN card delivery outside India, it might take 3-6 weeks.

 7 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Minor’s PAN Card

Mistake #1: Incorrect or Incomplete Representative Assessee Details

The Fix: Always ensure the RA’s name, address, and other details on the application form are identical to those on their supporting documents (like Aadhaar card, passport, or voter ID). Double-check that you have filled out Item 14 and the RA details schedule in Form 49A completely.

Mistake #2: Getting the Minor PAN Card Signature Rules Wrong

Here’s the correct procedure:

• The Photograph: The application must have the minor’s recent color photograph (3.5 cm x 2.5 cm) affixed in the designated box. Do not use the parent’s photo.
• The Signature: The Representative Assessee (the parent) must sign, not the minor. Even if your child can write their name, their signature is not valid for this purpose.
• Signature Placement: The RA must sign in two places. First, across the minor’s affixed photograph (from top-left to bottom-right, partially on the photo and partially on the form). Second, in the signature box below the photograph.
• Thumb Impression: If the RA is illiterate, they must provide their left-hand thumb impression in the same two places.

Mistake #3: Submitting Invalid or Mismatched Documents for the Child

Mistake #4: Common Form 49A for Minor Application Errors

Watch out for these common slip-ups on form 49A for minor:

• Mixing up Aadhaar Numbers: Entering the minor’s Aadhaar number in the section meant for the RA’s Aadhaar, or vice versa.
• Incorrectly Ticking the Status: You must select “Individual” as the status of the applicant.
• Contact Details: The phone number and email address provided should belong to the Representative Assessee, as all communication regarding the application will be sent to them.

The best practice is to download the latest version of Form 49A and read the instructions carefully before you begin filling it out.

Mistake #5: Forgetting to Provide the Minor’s Aadhaar Number

Mistake #6: Ignoring the Mandatory Update at Age 18

Mistake #7: Choosing Offline Application and Making Manual Errors

Need Help Applying for a Minor PAN Card?

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Final Thoughts

Applying for a minor’s PAN card is a straightforward process when you pay close attention to the details. By understanding the critical role of the Representative Assessee, adhering to the specific rules for photos and signatures, and ensuring all documents are perfectly aligned, you can navigate the application smoothly. Avoiding these seven common mistakes will ensure your child’s application is approved without any hitches, setting them on the right path for their financial future.

Furthermore, to get accurate guidance and ensure compliance with the latest rules, seek assistance from professional tax experts at helpoci. We have been helping NRIs from over 90+ countries with their financial matters and tax obligations. Our team will assist you throughout the minor PAN application process by offering end-to-end guidance. Connect with us right away as our experts are actively working 24*7 across all time zones.