How Do I Update My Minor PAN to a Major PAN Card?

One other thing worth checking is Aadhaar.

If your Aadhaar details are correct and linked appropriately, some PAN details can be updated using Aadhaar-based e-KYC facilities. The Income Tax Department's current guidance says that the Instant e-PAN area can be used for updating certain PAN details as per Aadhaar e-KYC, including name, date of birth, photograph, mobile number, email and address in the circumstances covered by that service.

However, that doesn't mean the Instant e-PAN service is for everyone with an existing PAN. The Department specifically says a person who already has an allotted PAN isn't eligible to use Instant e-PAN to obtain another PAN.

So I'd separate these two things:

Already have PAN: update/correct the existing PAN information if required.

Don't have PAN: apply for PAN through the applicable allotment process.

For a minor who has now turned 18, the first situation normally seems to be the relevant one.

I'd also make sure the name, date of birth and other details are consistent across Aadhaar and PAN before requesting an update. If there is a mismatch, you may need the appropriate correction route rather than simply trying to update the photograph/signature.

I updated mine after turning 18, but I think there is some confusion online about the phrase “minor to major PAN.”

There isn't a separate PAN number that you receive when you become an adult. Your existing PAN remains your PAN. What you may need is an update/correction of PAN details if the information or supporting details need to be changed.

For example, if your PAN was issued with your parent's involvement while you were a minor, you may now want your own photograph and signature reflected in the PAN records. Whether any representative-assessee information needs changing depends on how the original PAN was issued.

Also, don't assume that the new PAN forms introduced in 2026 mean everyone with an existing PAN needs a new application. The Income Tax Department specifically says existing PAN/TAN numbers remain valid and that the new forms introduced from April 1, 2026 apply to fresh applications.

I'd first check your existing PAN details and then use the current correction/update process if something actually needs to be changed.

And definitely don't create another PAN just to have a “major” version. That's the part I'd be most careful about.

I went through something similar after turning 18. The biggest thing I learned is that you generally don't apply for another PAN just because you became a major.

The PAN number is associated with you, so the important part is updating the existing PAN record where necessary rather than getting a second number. Protean's PAN guidance says that people who already have a PAN can use the request for a new PAN card and/or changes or corrections in PAN data when they need to update existing information.

In my case, I wanted my photograph and signature updated because the original PAN was issued when I was a minor. I also checked that my name and date of birth matched my other documents.

I wouldn't submit a fresh PAN allotment application unless you have been specifically told that you don't already have a PAN. The Income Tax Department also states that an individual who already has a PAN isn't eligible for the Instant e-PAN service.

The exact documents and submission method can depend on what information you're changing, so I'd check the current PAN application instructions before submitting anything.

Here is the step-by-step process to apply for a minor to major PAN card: first, you need to fill out the application form to apply for a minor to major PAN card, then attach all the required documents, provide photos and signature of the applicant, pay the application fees, and submit your application. After successful submission, with the acknowledgment number, you can track your PAN card status from minor to major.

Here are the documents that you will need to update your minor PAN card to a major PAN card: proof of identity, such as Aadhar card, driving license, passport, domicile certificate, proof of address, and proof of date of birth.