Think of your PAN Card as the silent engine of your financial life.
You probably secured it years ago—perhaps as a student or a new professional—and tucked it away, assuming it would stay valid forever. But documents, much like the people who carry them, don’t stay the same.
Over time, signatures evolve, faces change, and digital rules like Aadhaar linking have shifted significantly. If your card has outdated details like an unlinked Aadhaar or mismatched photo, it can become a potential bottleneck.
From frozen bank accounts to blocked tax refunds, an "outdated" card can bring your financial momentum to a grinding halt.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential things you must check today to ensure your PAN remains a powerful tool rather than a plastic liability.
Is Your Photograph Still Recognizable?
Take a good look at your PAN card right now. Is that grainy, outdated photo from your teenage years still a fair representation of who you are today?
Over a decade, ink can fade, and plastic can get scratched. More importantly, if you have aged significantly or changed your appearance (like growing a permanent beard or changing your look), bank officials might find it difficult to verify your identity during a physical KYC (Know Your Customer) process.
Why it matters
- In-Person Verification: If you are applying for a high-value home loan or opening a new DEMAT account, a mismatch between your face and your PAN photo can cause unnecessary delays.
- Digital Clarity: Many modern financial apps require you to take a "selfie" and a photo of your PAN. If the AI can’t match the two, your application will be rejected instantly.
- What to do: If your photo is faded or unrecognizable, you can apply for a "Correction/Update" in your PAN Card online through the official portal to get a fresh card with a modern, high-resolution photo.
Is Your PAN Seeded with Aadhaar?
This is perhaps the most critical check on this list. A decade ago, Aadhaar wasn't the giant it is today. If your PAN is old, there is a high statistical chance it isn't linked to your Aadhaar number.
The Government of India has made it mandatory to link these two documents. If you haven't done it yet, your PAN might have already become "Inoperative."
The risks of an inoperative PAN
- Higher Tax Deductions: You might be charged a much higher TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) on your interest earnings.
- Refund Issues: You cannot get your income tax refunds credited to your account.
- Transaction Blocks: You won't be able to open new bank accounts or invest in mutual funds exceeding certain limits.
- How to check: Visit the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal. There is a simple "Link Aadhaar Status" tool where you just enter your PAN and Aadhaar number to see if they are "connected."
Do the "Small Details" Match Your Current Life?
When we are young, we often don't pay attention to the spelling of our father’s name or the exact way our name is printed. However, the PAN Card is a primary identity document. Over ten years, you might have:
- Changed your legal surname after marriage.
- Discovered a spelling error that didn't matter before but matters now for international transactions.
- Changed your signature (which is printed on the card).
The Signature Problem
Old PAN cards often have a physical signature that has faded away. If you are at a bank and your "live" signature doesn't match the one on the card, your cheque or application could be dishonoured.
Pro Tip: Always ensure your name on your PAN matches your name on your Bank Account and Aadhaar exactly—down to the last initial.
Is the Lamination Peeling?
It sounds trivial, but the physical state of your card matters. The PAN Card is printed on a specific type of plastic with security features like a hologram and a QR code (on newer versions).
If your card is more than ten years old:
It likely lacks a QR code, which makes digital scanning difficult.
The lamination might be peeling, making the 10-digit alphanumeric code hard to read.
The card might be brittle and prone to snapping.
If the card is physically damaged, it is legally invalid for use as a KYC document. Instead of taping it together, it is much safer to request a "Reprint" or a "Correction" online. The fee is nominal, and it ensures you have a sturdy, modern card in your pocket.
Does Your Card Have a QR Code?
If your card was issued before 2017, the back of the card is likely blank or just has some text. Newer versions of the PAN Card come equipped with a Quick Response (QR) code.
Why the QR Code matters in 2026
- Instant Verification: Financial institutions now use scanners to read the encrypted data in the QR code. This confirms that the card is genuine and not a sophisticated fake.
- Fraud Protection: Old cards are easier to forge. A QR-coded card adds a layer of digital security that protects your identity from being misused.
Even if your old card is technically "valid," having one without a QR code makes you an outlier in a digital-first world. Upgrading to a modern card is a small step that offers massive peace of mind.
How to Update Your Old PAN Card Online
Updating your card is no longer the bureaucratic nightmare it used to be. You don't need to stand in long queues or visit government offices. You can manage your PAN Card online in a few simple steps:
- Visit the Portal: Go to the official Protean eGov Technologies
- Select Application Type: Choose "Changes or Correction in existing PAN Data / Reprint of PAN Card."
- Fill the Form: Enter your existing PAN number and the details you wish to update (or just select "Reprint" if the data is correct but the card is damaged).
- Upload Documents: You can use e-KYC via Aadhaar, which means you don't even have to mail physical documents. Your Aadhaar photo and signature will be used to verify your identity.
- Pay the Fee: A small processing fee (usually around ₹100–₹110 for domestic addresses) is charged.
- Receive Your Card: The updated card is usually delivered to your registered address within 15–20 working days.
Conclusion: Don't Wait for a Crisis
Most people only realize their PAN Card is outdated when they are in the middle of a crucial life event—like buying a home, applying for a visa, or investing a large sum of money. At that moment, a "rejected" status due to a faded photo or a signature mismatch can be incredibly stressful.
Take five minutes today to pull that card out of your wallet. Check the photo, verify the PAN-Aadhaar linking status, and ensure the card is in good physical shape. If it looks like a relic from the past, it’s time to bring it into the modern era.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Does a PAN card have an expiry date?
No, a PAN card is valid for the lifetime of the holder. However, the physical card may wear out, or the data (like a photo or signature) may become outdated, requiring an update.
Q2: My PAN card is 15 years old and doesn't have a QR code. Is it still valid?
Yes, it is legally valid. However, it is highly recommended to upgrade to a new one to enjoy easier digital verification and better security features.
Q3: Can I have two PAN cards if I want a new one?
No! Holding more than one PAN card is illegal and can attract a penalty of ₹10,000 under Section 272B of the Income Tax Act. If you want a new card, always apply for a "Reprint" or "Correction," never a "New PAN."
Q4: What happens if I don't link my PAN with Aadhaar?
If not linked, your PAN will become "inoperative." This means you cannot file taxes, get refunds, or perform most high-value banking transactions.
Q5: Can I change my photo on the PAN card online?
Yes. By choosing the "Correction" option on the official pan card online portal, you can upload a new photograph and signature.
