A PAN (Permanent Account Number) card is a crucial document issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It serves as an identity proof for financial transactions, tax filing, and more. However, if there is a mistake in your PAN card details, such as an incorrect name, date of birth, or address, you can apply for corrections online. This guide explains the entire process for applying for PAN card correction online in detail.
Step 1: Understand the Need for PAN Card Correction
You may need to apply for PAN correction if:
- Your name is misspelled or differs from your official documents.
- Your date of birth is incorrect.
- Your father’s name or other details are wrong.
- You have updated your address or contact information.
- There are errors in the PAN card’s printed details.
Timely correction of errors ensures your PAN card matches your identity documents and avoids discrepancies during financial transactions.
Step 2: Choose the Correct Portal
There are two authorized portals for PAN correction:
- NSDL (now Protean eGov Technologies Limited)
- UTIITSL (UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited)
Both portals offer online services for PAN card corrections. The process is similar on both platforms.
Step 3: Required Documents
Before applying for corrections, ensure you have the following documents:
- Proof of Identity (POI): Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, etc.
- Proof of Address (POA): Utility bill, Aadhaar card, passport, etc.
- Proof of Date of Birth (DOB): Birth certificate, Aadhaar card, or Class 10 certificate.
- Supporting Document for Changes:
- For name changes: Affidavit, marriage certificate, or gazette notification.
- For date of birth correction: Aadhaar card or birth certificate.
All documents must be self-attested.
Step 4: Online Application Process
1. Visit the Portal:
Go to the NSDL or UTIITSL website and select the option for “PAN Card Correction/Changes.”
2. Fill the Correction Form:
- NSDL Portal:
- Click on “Apply for PAN” and select “Changes or Correction in PAN data.”
- Fill in your PAN number, name, and other mandatory details.
- Check the boxes for the specific details you wish to update or correct.
- UTIITSL Portal:
- Choose “Apply for Change/Correction in PAN Card Details.”
- Enter your PAN number and follow the prompts.
3. Upload Supporting Documents:
Scan and upload the required documents in the specified format. Ensure the documents match the corrections requested.
4. Pay the Fee:
Pay the applicable correction fee:
- For Indian communication address: ₹101 (including GST).
- For foreign communication address: ₹1,011 (including GST).
Payment modes include credit/debit cards, net banking, or demand draft.
5. Acknowledgment Number:
After successful submission, you will receive a 15-digit acknowledgment number. Save or print this acknowledgment for future reference.
Step 5: Verification and Processing
- The application is verified by the authorities. If your documents are valid and the details are consistent, the corrections are approved.
- The updated PAN card is dispatched to your registered address within 15-20 business days.
Step 6: Track Application Status
You can track your application using the acknowledgment number:
- On NSDL: Visit the “Track PAN Status” page and enter your acknowledgment number.
- On UTIITSL: Use the “Track PAN Application Status” feature.
Key Points to Remember
- Ensure all details are correct and match your supporting documents.
- Use a valid and active mobile number and email ID, as these are used for updates and notifications.
- In case of errors in the acknowledgment, contact customer support for assistance.
- If you hold multiple PAN cards, surrender the duplicate cards to avoid penalties.
Benefits of Correcting PAN Details
- Seamless Financial Transactions: Accurate PAN details ensure smooth banking and investment processes.
- Tax Compliance: Errors in PAN details can cause issues during income tax filing.
- Identity Proof: PAN cards are widely used for KYC verification and other purposes.
Conclusion
Correcting errors on your PAN card is a straightforward process with the online correction facility offered by NSDL and UTIITSL. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure your PAN card reflects accurate information, helping you avoid complications in financial transactions or tax filings. Take timely action to rectify discrepancies and maintain hassle-free use of your PAN card.
