PAN Card Correction Guide: Steps, Requirements & Common Problems
Quick Answer Summary
PAN card details can be corrected using Form 49A for Indian citizens or Form 49AA for foreign nationals. Most corrections are free if PAN-Aadhaar is linked. Processing takes 15-20 days. Common corrections include name spelling, date of birth, and address updates. Always match corrections to your Aadhaar card details to avoid linking failures.
What You Need Before You Start
Personal Details You Can Correct
- • Name (spelling mistakes only)
- • Date of Birth
- • Father's Name
- • Mother's Name (if applicable)
- • Gender
Contact Details You Can Update
- • Residential Address
- • Office Address
- • Mobile Number
- • Email Address
- • Telephone Number
⚠️ Cannot Be Changed:
- • PAN Number itself (it's permanent for lifetime)
- • Complete name change without legal documentation (only spelling corrections allowed)
- • Name change after marriage requires marriage certificate and updated Aadhaar
When Do You Need PAN Correction?
- • Name on PAN doesn't match Aadhaar card (most common reason)
- • Date of birth is incorrect or doesn't match Aadhaar
- • Father's name has spelling mistakes
- • Address needs to be updated to current residence
- • PAN-Aadhaar linking is failing due to detail mismatch
- • ITR filing is getting rejected due to name/DOB mismatch
- • Bank won't accept PAN due to incorrect personal details
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Identify What Needs Correction
Minor corrections (spelling only): Usually approved quickly if supporting documents are clear (e.g., "Rahul" → "Raahul")
Major changes (complete name/DOB): Requires additional verification, legal documents, and updated Aadhaar (e.g., maiden name → married name)
Critical: Always correct PAN to match Aadhaar, not the other way around. Income Tax system considers Aadhaar as the master document.
Step 2: Check PAN-Aadhaar Linking Status
Before correction, verify if your PAN is linked to Aadhaar:
- 1. Visit Income Tax e-filing portal
- 2. Go to "Link Aadhaar" section
- 3. Check linking status
- 4. If linked: Most corrections are FREE
- 5. If not linked: Fee of ₹110 applies
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
For name correction, you need:
- • Aadhaar Card (with correct name) — Primary proof
- • Passport / Voter ID / Driving License (if name is correct there)
- • Marriage Certificate (if name changed after marriage)
- • Gazette Notification (for legal name change through court)
For date of birth correction, you need:
- • Birth Certificate (best proof)
- • 10th/12th Mark Sheet or Certificate
- • Passport (if DOB matches required correction)
- • Aadhaar Card (if DOB matches required correction)
For address correction, you need:
- • Aadhaar Card (with current address)
- • Bank Statement (not older than 3 months)
- • Utility Bill - Electricity/Telephone (not older than 3 months)
- • Ration Card with current address
Step 4: Choose Application Method
Two official methods for PAN correction:
Online (Recommended — Faster)
Visit NSDL (incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in) or UTIITSL (utiitsl.com) portal
Select "Changes or Correction in PAN Data" option
Offline (PAN Service Centers)
Visit nearest PAN center with documents and filled Form 49A/49AA
Step 5: Fill Correction Form Accurately
- 1. Select "Changes or Correction" option
- 2. Enter existing PAN number (10-digit alphanumeric)
- 3. Select specific fields to be corrected (name/DOB/address/etc.)
- 4. Enter CORRECT information exactly as per Aadhaar and supporting documents
- 5. Upload scanned documents (PDF format, max 1MB each, clear and complete)
- 6. Upload new photograph if requested (JPEG, white background, less than 50KB)
- 7. Upload signature (JPEG/PDF, black ink on white paper, less than 50KB)
Critical: Enter name exactly as per Aadhaar to prevent future mismatch issues. Follow PAN name format rules strictly.
Step 6: Pay Fee (If Applicable)
FREE: If PAN is already linked to Aadhaar and you apply online through Income Tax portal
₹110 (₹93 + 18% GST): If PAN not linked to Aadhaar OR applying through NSDL/UTIITSL/offline mode
Additional ₹110: For physical PAN card reprinting and Speed Post delivery (optional — database updates automatically)
Payment methods: Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI
Step 7: Submit and Track Application
After successful submission:
- • You'll receive 15-digit Acknowledgement Number (e.g., 123456789012345)
- • Save this number immediately — required for status tracking
- • Acknowledgement receipt will be emailed to registered email ID
- • Database update takes 15-20 working days after verification
- • Physical card delivery (if ordered) takes additional 5-7 days
Documents & Proof Rules
For Name Correction (Any One)
- ✓ Aadhaar Card (most preferred — considered master document)
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Voter ID Card
- ✓ Driving License
- ✓ Marriage Certificate (for name change after marriage)
- ✓ Gazette Notification (for legal name change)
- ✓ 10th/12th Mark Sheet or Certificate
- ✓ Divorce Decree (for name reversion after divorce)
For Date of Birth Correction (Any One)
- ✓ Birth Certificate (best proof)
- ✓ 10th/12th Mark Sheet or Certificate
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Aadhaar Card
- ✓ Driving License
- ✓ Marriage Certificate (if DOB mentioned)
- ✓ Voter ID Card (if DOB mentioned)
- ✓ Pension Payment Order
For Address Correction (Any One)
- ✓ Aadhaar Card (with updated address)
- ✓ Bank Statement (not older than 3 months)
- ✓ Electricity Bill (not older than 3 months)
- ✓ Telephone/Mobile Bill (not older than 3 months)
- ✓ Passport (with current address)
- ✓ Voter ID Card
- ✓ Ration Card
- ✓ Property Registration Document
💡 Pro Tip:
Always update your Aadhaar card FIRST with correct details, then apply for PAN correction to match Aadhaar. This ensures smooth PAN-Aadhaar linking and prevents future mismatches during ITR filing or financial transactions.
Common Problems & Fixes
Name still doesn't match Aadhaar after correction
You must have entered name differently from Aadhaar. Even spacing, initials, and punctuation must match exactly.
Complete name mismatch fix guide →Correction request rejected by Income Tax Department
Usually happens when submitted documents don't support the correction or document quality is poor.
Why corrections get rejected & fixes →PAN-Aadhaar linking still fails after name correction
Wait 2-3 days for database sync after correction approval, then retry linking. Check if DOB also matches between PAN and Aadhaar.
Fix linking failures →Uploaded wrong proof document or poor quality scan
Ensure document clearly shows the corrected information. Scan at 300 DPI minimum. Save as PDF. Keep file size under 1MB. All corners of document must be visible.
Status showing "Under Process" for too long
Standard processing time is 15-20 days. If exceeding 30 days, check for rejection notice in portal or contact NSDL/UTIITSL support.
What to do when processing takes too long →Status, Tracking & What It Means
Correction Processing Timeline
Application Submitted
You receive 15-digit acknowledgement number immediately
Under Process (7-10 days)
Documents verification, biometric matching, Aadhaar cross-check
Approved (2-3 days after verification)
PAN database updated with corrected details
Dispatched (3-5 days if physical card ordered)
Physical PAN card printed and sent via Speed Post
Delivered (3-7 days)
Physical card received. You can also download ePAN anytime after approval
Database Update vs Physical Card:
PAN database is updated within 15-20 days after approval. Physical card delivery is OPTIONAL and takes additional 5-7 days. You can immediately download ePAN with corrected details once database is updated. Physical card is not mandatory for any transactions.
Track Your Correction Status:
Use your 15-digit acknowledgement number to check status on NSDL or UTIITSL portal.
Complete status tracking guide & meaning dictionary →FAQs
Can I correct PAN details multiple times?
Yes, there's no limit on corrections. However, each correction requires a separate application with proper supporting documents. Ensure accuracy in each submission to avoid repeated correction requests and processing delays.
Will my PAN number change after correction?
No. PAN number (10-character alphanumeric code like ABCDE1234F) remains permanent and unchanged for your lifetime. Only the incorrect personal details (name/DOB/address) are updated in the Income Tax database and on physical card if you order reprinting.
Can I use old PAN card while correction is in process?
Yes, your existing PAN remains valid and functional during the correction process. However, financial transactions or ITR filing may fail if your PAN details don't match Aadhaar. Some banks may reject transactions until PAN-Aadhaar details are synchronized.
How to change name after marriage in PAN card?
Step 1: Update your name in Aadhaar card first (submit marriage certificate to UIDAI). Step 2: Once Aadhaar is updated, apply for PAN correction using marriage certificate as supporting document. Step 3: Enter your new name in PAN correction form exactly as per updated Aadhaar. This ensures smooth PAN-Aadhaar linking after name change.
Is physical PAN card mandatory after online correction?
No. Physical card is optional. Once your correction is approved, the PAN database is updated automatically. You can download ePAN (digital PAN) for free from Income Tax portal or NSDL website. ePAN is legally equivalent to physical card and accepted everywhere. Physical card is only needed if you prefer a laminated card.
Why is my correction taking longer than 20 days?
Delays can occur due to: document verification issues, biometric mismatch with Aadhaar, incomplete supporting documents, high application volume during peak periods (March-April for tax filing season), or system downtime. If your application exceeds 30 days in "Under Process" status, check the portal for rejection notice or contact NSDL/UTIITSL support with your acknowledgement number.
Can I correct only address without ordering new card?
Yes. Address updates reflect in the PAN database within 2-3 days after approval. You don't need to order a physical card reprint. Your existing PAN card remains valid even with old address printed on it, as long as the database has your updated address. Banks and government agencies check the database, not the card itself.
What if I don't have any document showing corrected name?
If you don't have any government-issued ID with the correct name, you need to first update your Aadhaar card through UIDAI. For legal name change (not just spelling correction), obtain a Gazette Notification through the court or newspaper publication process. Only after getting proper supporting documents can you apply for PAN correction. You cannot correct PAN without valid proof documents.
Related Guides
PAN Correction Rejected — Reasons & Fixes
Common rejection reasons and step-by-step resolution
PAN Name Mismatch with Aadhaar — Fix Guide
Resolve name differences between PAN and Aadhaar
PAN Aadhaar Linking Guide
Link PAN with Aadhaar after correction
PAN Name Format Rules & Examples
Correct name formatting to avoid rejections
PAN Status Tracking Guide
Check correction status and understand meanings
ePAN Download Guide
Get digital PAN with corrected details instantly
Form 49A Explained
Field-by-field guide for Indian citizens
Acceptable PAN Documents Guide
Complete list of valid proof documents for corrections
Information Accuracy: This guide is based on Income Tax Department PAN correction procedures and NSDL/UTIITSL processes as of February 2026. PAN correction rules and processing times are subject to change based on government notifications.
Disclaimer: This is an independent informational resource providing guidance on PAN correction processes. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Income Tax Department, NSDL, UTIITSL, or any government agency. We do not provide correction services or facilitate PAN applications.