Change Surname in PAN Card after Divorce

PAN Card is an important document for every individual or entity doing business or carrying out financial transactions in India. It comprises details such as full name, gender, date of birth and signature of the cardholder. Since it’s a vital document, its details should be correct, or the cardholder might get into trouble.

In the case of females, most of them request for a PAN card name change after divorce or marriage. The process may sound like a headache, but it’s simple. Just follow the necessary steps, and you’ll get an updated PAN card sooner than you expected. 

How to Change Surname in PAN Card after Divorce? 

Most girls in India change their surnames after getting married. Some keep the changed surname even after divorce because they think getting their names changed on a document like a PAN card is a hassle. But that’s not the case. The Government of India (GOI) understands that different citizens have different needs, and getting their names changed after marriage/divorce is a choice. They’ve made the surname change process as easy as possible.

There are two ways to change surname in PAN Card after Divorce:

• Online
• Offline

We’ve listed the step-wise procedure for both methods below.

Online Process – PAN Card Name Change After Divorce

The online process to change surname in PAN Card requires you to access the official TIN NSDL/Protean eGov Technologies Limited website and follow these steps. 

Step 1: Go to the PAN services section on the official Protean eGov Technologies Limited or TIN NSDL website –https://www.tin-nsdl.com/services/pan/pan-index.html

Step 2: In the ‘Application Type’ section, select the Changes or Correction in the existing PAN Data option from the drop-down.

Step 3: Select ‘Individual’ from the Category drop-down

Step 4: Now, fill out all the general information like your Title, Last Name, Middle Name, First Name, along with the

• DOB
• Email ID
• Mobile Number
• PAN Number

Step 5: Select the consent checkbox

Step 6: Read the Captcha code and enter the same in the prescribed box

Step 7: Click on Submit

Step 8: Once the submission is complete, you will get a temporary token number

Step 9: Choose how you would like to submit your documents.

Step 10: Submit essential documents such as identity, address and date of birth proof.

Step 11: Pay the application fee via debit card, credit card or net banking.

Step 12: After the payment completes, you will get an acknowledgement number in your email. 

Offline Process – PAN Card Name Change After Divorce

Many people prefer the offline procedure over the online one since it’s less complicated.

Step 1: Download the PAN Card correction form from – https://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/documents/form-for-changes-in-pan.pdf

Step 2: Fill out the form with all the necessary details.

Step 3: Attach the documents asked associated with the name change.

Step 4: Send the form, your current PAN Card as well as your recent passport size photos to the official Protean eGov Technologies Ltd or UTI address. 

Step 5: You will have to make a payment of ₹110, and with that, your application process will be complete.

Step 6: You will receive your updated PAN Card within two weeks. 

NOTE: If you are an Indian citizen outside India, you will have to pay a higher application charge of ₹910. 

Documents to Provide When Requesting Change Surname in PAN Card after Divorce 

• An Affidavit, news publication or gazette notification proves your name change
• Diploma or school certificate
• Bank Statement
• Passport
• Voter ID 
• Driver’s License
• School certificates or diplomas
• Passport
• Divorce papers

For Address Proof, you May Submit:-

• Utility Bills such as telephone or electricity bill 
• Voter ID
• Passport 

Things To Remember When Filing the Form For PAN Card Name Change After Divorce

• Change of surname falls in the Correction in PAN Card or Request for Reissue of PAN Card category. Therefore, you must apply for a PAN Card surname change under the same. 
• Fill out the form with all the essential details and make it a point to select the right corresponding boxes. 
• Your updated PAN Card will have the same PAN number. The only difference will be the surname change that you requested. 

Form Filling Instructions for Change Surname in PAN Card after Divorce

Here are some important points to keep in mind while filling the form for Change Name in PAN Card:-

• Use only BLOCK LETTERS and Black Ink when filling the form offline.
• Enter the correct PAN number. Verify it at least twice to ensure that it is not wrong. 
• The photos you attach should be 3.5cm x 2.5cm in size. 
• The photos should not be clipped or stapled.
• Ensure your signature or thumb impression is given property across the attached photo. It should not cover the entire photo and ruin it. 
• The thumb impression or signature should be within the specified box, i.e. on the form’s left side. 
• The signature shouldn’t be on the form’s right side. If that happens, your application will not get processed. 
• In case of changes or corrections in the PAN Card, you should tick all the boxes on the left margin wherever the correction is necessary. 
• You may have to provide the AO Code; make sure you have that in handy. 
• When posting the application form, write the complete address and the landmark. 
• Do not forget to write the PIN CODE in the address section. 
• Fill out the correct email address and mobile number to generate an OTP for PAN card tracking purposes. 

What Not To Do When Filling the PAN Card Change or Correction Form?

Sometimes even a small mistake can reject your PAN Card change or correction application. To ensure it is accepted, do not make the following mistakes:-

• No overwriting, scribbles or correction in the application form.
• Sign within the given box only, not outside the box. 
• A common mistake most people make is applying for a new PAN Card when requesting a correction or change.  
• When writing your name in the first, middle or last name fields, do not use abbreviations. 
• No need to give extra information such as your designation or birthmarks. Stick to the details that have been asked. 
• Do not submit proof of identity, age or address that are not in your name, i.e. the individual request for change or correction in the PAN Card. 

Wrapping Up

With this, we hope to have provided you with all the information you needed relating to changing your name on your PAN Card after divorce. If you still have questions or concerns, head to the FAQ section below to find answers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)