PAN Card Correction Form: Can I Change My Name in My PAN Card?

Having a PAN, have you ever filled a PAN card correction form? You might have to use this PAN card form after certain life events like marriage, if undergoing a name-change. You might also require PAN card correction to fix a spelling mistake or update your details to reflect changes in official documents. 

If your name is incorrect or has changed, it is crucial to update it on your PAN. Here are details explaining how to use the PAN card correction form to make changes.

Basics of PAN Card Correction

A PAN card correction is the process of updating or rectifying details on your existing Permanent Account Number (PAN) card. 

In this article, we are particularly focussing on changing names in PAN. However, the same PAN card correction process can apply for correcting other PAN details like Date of Birth (DoB) and Father’s name.

It is important to keep your PAN card details accurate and up-to-date. Your PAN is a crucial document required for major financial transactions like:

• Income Tax Returns (ITR) filing
• Banking
• Investing

Mismatched information can lead to transaction failures and compliance issues.

The Official PAN Card Correction Form

For any PAN information changes, you need to fill the form, officially titled 'Request for New PAN Card Or/And Changes Or Correction in PAN Data'. This single PAN card form can serve two purposes: 

1. You can request a reprint of your existing PAN card without any changes
2. You can use it to apply for corrections to your data.

In this form link, you should see the “Changes or correction in existing PAN data/Reprint of PAN card” option from the ‘Select PAN Application Type’ dropdown. 

• You need to carefully fill in your existing PAN number 
• Then, tick the box next to the 'Full Name' field to indicate that you are requesting a change in this specific detail. 
• You will then provide the new or corrected name in the space provided. 
• This PAN card correction form is available on the official portal of the government-authorised agency Protean eGov technologies Ltd. 

Filling this form would ensure that your request is processed officially and your details are securely updated in the Income Tax Department’s (ITD's) database.

What Are the Documents Required for a PAN Card Name Change?

It is essential to submit the correct supporting documents as part of the process. The documents required can depend on the reason for the name change. The name mentioned in the application needs to match the name in the supporting proof.

For Correction of Name (e.g., spelling mistake):

You can provide a document that displays the correct spelling of your name. Accepted proofs of identity can include these documents:

• Aadhaar Card
• Voter ID Card
• Driving License
• Passport
• Ration card having a photograph of the applicant

For Change of Name (e.g., after marriage for women):

If you have changed your surname after marriage or for any other reason, you need to provide an official document that validates this change. You can provide one of the following documents for the same:

• Marriage Certificate: This is the most common document for women changing their surname post-marriage.
• Publication of name change in an Official Gazette: This is a mandatory document for any major name change that is not due to marriage.
• Passport showing the husband's name (for married women).
• Marriage invitation card (sometimes accepted but a marriage certificate is preferred).

Along with proof for the name change, you also need to submit: 

• A Proof of Identity (POI)
• A Proof of Address (POA)
• A Proof of the existing PAN (a copy of your PAN card or the PAN allotment letter).

The Online and Offline Correction Process

As per your convenience, you can have the flexibility to apply for a name change either online or offline. Both online and offline PAN card correction methods are effective.

The Offline Process

1. Get the Form: Download the PAN card form from the Protean eGov Technologies portal or collect a physical form from one of their centers.
2. Fill it Out: Fill the form in block letters using a black pen. Please ensure you tick the name field for correction.
3. Attach Documents: Attach self-attested copies of all the required documents.
4. Submit: Submit the completed form, documents, and the processing fee at the nearest PAN application center or TIN-facilitation center.

Conclusion

Changing your name on your PAN card can be a simple task when you know the correct process. You can simply do the following: 

• Use the official PAN card correction form 
• Provide valid supporting documents as the keys to a smooth process. 

An updated PAN can ensure that your financial identity is accurate. This can also prevent any future complications with tax authorities or financial institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How long does the PAN card correction process take? 

  Once your PAN card correction process is complete, it can typically take about 15 to 20 days for it to be verified, printed and dispatched at your provided address of communication. You can track your application status online using your acknowledgment number.

• Is it mandatory to change the name on my PAN after marriage? \

  While not immediately mandatory, it is highly advisable. A mismatch between your name on the PAN and your bank accounts or other official documents can create problems during financial transactions and KYC (Know Your Customer) verifications.

• What is the fee for PAN card correction? 

  The processing fee is nominal. As of now, it is around ₹110 (inclusive of taxes) if the communication address is within India and around ₹1,020 if the address is outside India. The fee is subject to change.

• Do I get a new PAN number after the correction? 

  No, you will not receive a new PAN number. The Permanent Account Number is permanent. After a successful correction, you will be issued a new PAN card with the updated details, but with the same PAN number.