PAN Card Signature After Update 2026: Minor or Major? Who Should Sign & What To Do
Many applicants who recently updated their PAN card online are confused after receiving the new card. The most common issue? A blank white signature box on the card with a note stating “Card not valid unless physically signed.”
So what should you do? Should you sign it? Should a parent sign it? Or should you leave it blank? Here is the complete official-style explanation.
What Is a PAN Card?
Income Tax Department issues the Permanent Account Number (PAN) under the authority of the Government of India.
PAN is mandatory for:
- Bank account opening
- Income Tax filing
- KYC verification
- Financial transactions above prescribed limits
- Loan applications
Why Is There a Blank Signature Box?
- When you apply or update your PAN card online through:
- Protean eGov Technologies Limited (formerly NSDL)
- UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited
Your application may be digitally signed. However, the printed PAN card sometimes includes a physical signature box. If that box is blank, the card requires manual signature to be considered fully valid for physical verification purposes.
Case 1: Minor PAN Card (Below 18 Years)
If the PAN card belongs to a minor:
✅ Who Should Sign?
The Parent or Legal Guardian must sign.
❌ Who Should NOT Sign?
The minor child should not sign because minors are not legally authorized to provide binding signatures.
Important:The signature must match the guardian mentioned in the PAN application form.
Case 2: Major PAN Card (18 Years and Above)
If the applicant is 18 years or older:
✅ The PAN holder must sign personally.
Parent signature is NOT allowed.
Even if the PAN was originally issued during minor age and now updated, once the person is major, the signature must be their own.
- Which Pen Should Be Used?
- Blue ballpoint pen (Recommended)
- Black ballpoint pen (Acceptable)
- Pencil (Not allowed)
- Sketch/Gel pen that smudges
Sign neatly inside the white box without touching the borders.
What Happens If You Don’t Sign?
If the card states “Not valid unless physically signed” and remains unsigned:
You may face issues during:
- Bank KYC verification
- Financial documentation
- Loan processing
- Government verification procedures
Some institutions strictly check physical signature.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Signing outside the box
- Using pencil
- Allowing a minor to sign their own PAN
- Guardian signing for a major applicant
- Scratching or overwriting
Conclusion:
If you recently updated your PAN and received a card with a blank
signature box:
- Check whether the holder is minor or major.
- Sign accordingly.
- Use proper ink.
- Keep the card safe from moisture.
A simple signature can prevent future legal and banking complications.
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