A PAN card correction fixes a wrong name, date of birth, father’s name, photo, signature or contact details on your PAN. You apply online through Protean (formerly NSDL e-Gov) or UTIITSL, upload proof for each change and pay a small fee. Your PAN number never changes. This guide explains which documents work, the current fees and each step.
Quick answer
Where: the Protean or UTIITSL PAN portal. Choose Changes or Correction in existing PAN data. Tick only the fields you want to change.
Cost: about ₹107 with a physical card sent to an Indian address, less for e-PAN only, and about ₹1,017 for a foreign address. The portal shows the exact amount.
Time: e-PAN usually arrives by email in a few working days; the physical card takes about two to three weeks by post.
What is a PAN card correction?
PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a ten-character number issued by the Income Tax Department. It is linked to your tax returns, bank accounts, investments and property deals, so the details on it must match your other documents. A PAN card correction updates the data behind your PAN and issues a fresh card with the same number.
You may need a PAN card correction when:
- Your name is spelt differently on PAN and Aadhaar, so PAN–Aadhaar linking fails. An unlinked PAN can become inoperative, which blocks refunds and many financial transactions.
- You changed your name after marriage, divorce or by gazette notification.
- Your date of birth or father’s name is wrong.
- Your photo or signature is unclear or outdated.
- Your address, mobile or email has changed (the address is not printed on the card, but the department uses it for communication).
Documents for a PAN card correction
| Change | Proof usually accepted |
|---|---|
| Name (spelling) | Aadhaar, passport, voter ID or driving licence showing the correct name |
| Name after marriage | Marriage certificate, or passport showing the spouse’s name, or gazette notification |
| Name change (other reasons) | Gazette notification, or a certificate from a gazetted officer |
| Date of birth | Birth certificate, Class 10 certificate, passport or domicile certificate |
| Father’s name | Aadhaar, passport or another document showing the father’s name |
| Address | Aadhaar, utility bill (not older than three months), bank statement, passport or voter ID |
| Photo or signature | No extra proof; upload a fresh photo and signature as instructed |
Since 1 April 2026, under the Income-tax Rules, 2026, Aadhaar alone is no longer enough as proof of date of birth for PAN applications, and this applies to correction requests too. For a date of birth change, keep a birth certificate, Class 10 certificate or passport ready. You also need proof of identity and address for the application itself; Aadhaar normally covers both.
PAN card correction step by step
- Pick a portal. Use either Protean or UTIITSL; both are authorised by the Income Tax Department. Use the one that issued your PAN if you know it, but either will work.
- Start the request. Choose Changes or Correction in existing PAN data / Reprint of PAN card, select Individual, and enter your PAN, name, date of birth, email and mobile. Save the token number you receive.
- Choose how to submit. The fastest route is paperless: Aadhaar OTP-based e-KYC and e-Sign. You can also upload scans and sign by e-Sign, or print the form and post it with documents.
- Tick only what changes. Each field has a box on the left. Tick only the ones you want corrected, fill the correct details and leave the rest as they are.
- Upload proof. Upload proof of identity, address and date of birth, plus proof for each change, in the format and size shown.
- Pay and sign. Pay online by UPI, card or net banking, then authenticate with Aadhaar OTP or e-Sign.
- Save the acknowledgement. Protean gives a 15-digit acknowledgement number; UTIITSL gives an application coupon number. Use it to track the request and download the e-PAN when it is ready.
PAN card correction fees and timelines
| Item | Usual amount or time |
|---|---|
| Physical PAN card + e-PAN, Indian address | About ₹107 (incl. GST) |
| e-PAN only (no physical card) | About ₹66–₹72 |
| Physical card to a foreign address | About ₹1,017 |
| e-PAN by email | Usually 2–7 working days |
| Physical card by post | Usually 15–20 days |
The fees are set by the PAN agencies and may change; always check the amount shown before paying. The e-PAN (a digitally signed PDF) is valid proof everywhere, so the physical card is optional.
PAN card correction and Aadhaar linking
Most people come to a PAN card correction because PAN–Aadhaar linking fails on the income tax e-filing portal. Linking needs your name, date of birth and gender to match. First decide which record is wrong:
- If Aadhaar is wrong, update Aadhaar first (see our Aadhaar address update guide for how myAadhaar works).
- If PAN is wrong, file the PAN card correction, wait for the updated e-PAN and then link again.
- For small differences (initials, spacing), the e-filing portal may still allow linking after demographic checks; if it does not, correct the record that differs from your official documents.
PAN card correction for minors, NRIs and businesses
- Minors: a parent or guardian signs the PAN card correction form as representative assessee. When the child turns 18, apply for a correction to update the photo and signature, because a minor’s PAN card carries no signature.
- NRIs: use the same form, give a foreign address if needed (higher fee) and upload a passport. Aadhaar-based e-KYC works only if you hold Aadhaar.
- Firms, companies and trusts: choose the right applicant category. Name changes need the revised registration certificate, for example a fresh certificate of incorporation or amended partnership deed.
- Deceased person: no correction is needed. Legal heirs register as representatives on the e-filing portal to file returns and claim refunds.
PAN card correction forms after April 2026
The Income-tax Act, 2025 and the Income-tax Rules, 2026 came into force on 1 April 2026 and replaced the old PAN forms. Protean and UTIITSL now show the new forms automatically when you start online, so you do not need to download anything, but the names help when you read instructions:
- Form 93 replaced Form 49A for a new PAN for Indian citizens.
- Form PAN CR-01 is the PAN card correction and reprint request for individuals.
- Form PAN CR-02 is the correction request for companies, firms, trusts and other non-individuals.
The biggest practical change is proof of date of birth. Keep a birth certificate, Class 10 certificate, passport or a sworn affidavit ready if your date of birth needs correcting. Aadhaar still works as proof of identity and address.
PAN 2.0: what is changing
The Government’s PAN 2.0 project will bring all PAN services, including PAN card correction, onto one portal with a QR-coded PAN. As of October 2026 it is still being rolled out, so the Protean, UTIITSL and income tax e-filing portals continue to work in parallel. Your existing PAN stays valid and you do not need to apply for a new card when PAN 2.0 goes live.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying for a new PAN instead of a correction. Holding two PANs is not allowed and can attract a penalty of ₹10,000; surrender any duplicate PAN through the same correction form.
- Ticking every box, which invites mismatches and rejection.
- Giving a name that differs from your proof, even by an initial.
- Uploading only Aadhaar for a date of birth change.
- Paying agents or look-alike websites. Use only the official Protean, UTIITSL or income tax portals.
- Filing a second request while the first is still under processing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a PAN card correction take?
The e-PAN usually arrives by email within a few working days of a paperless application. The printed card takes about two to three weeks to reach you by post.
Will my PAN number change after a PAN card correction?
No. The number stays the same for life; only the details behind it change.
Can I do a PAN card correction on the income tax e-filing portal?
The e-filing portal lets you link Aadhaar, view details and get an instant e-PAN for new applicants, but corrections are filed through Protean or UTIITSL.
How do I change my surname in PAN after marriage?
Choose the PAN card correction form, tick the name field and upload a marriage certificate, or a passport showing your spouse’s name, or a gazette notification.
Do I need an affidavit for a PAN card correction?
Usually not. For a full name change, a gazette notification is the strongest proof. Some offices also ask for a sworn name change affidavit for their own records.
Is Aadhaar accepted as date of birth proof for a PAN card correction?
Not on its own since 1 April 2026. Use a birth certificate, Class 10 certificate, passport or a sworn affidavit. Aadhaar is still accepted for identity and address.
Is PAN 2.0 live?
Not fully. As of October 2026 PAN 2.0 is still being rolled out, and corrections continue through Protean and UTIITSL. Watch the Income Tax Department’s announcements for the switch-over date.
Can I just get a reprint of my PAN card without changes?
Yes. Choose the reprint option on Protean or UTIITSL, verify with Aadhaar OTP and pay a small fee. The same PAN is printed again and sent to your address.
Where can I get a ready-to-use name change affidavit?
Use CIVL’s name change affidavit format. For a complete legal name change, read our gazette name change guide.
CIVL format
Changing your name on PAN?
Start with a sworn affidavit. Use CIVL’s name change affidavit format, follow our gazette name change guide, or Ask CIVL if you are stuck.