Does Your PAN Card Expire? Here’s What You Need to Know

The PAN (Permanent Account Number) card is one of the most essential identity and financial documents in India. Whether it’s opening a bank account, filing income tax returns, or carrying out major financial transactions, a PAN card is often a must-have. But have you ever wondered—does a PAN card have an expiry date? If you’ve been using the same PAN card for the last 10 or 15 years, is it still valid?

Let’s clear up the confusion.

Is There an Expiry Date on PAN Cards?

The simple answer is no—PAN cards do not expire. Once issued, a PAN remains valid for the entire lifetime of the holder. There is no need to renew it periodically like a passport or a driving license.

However, it’s important to know that a PAN card can become inactive under certain circumstances. For example, if your PAN is not linked with your Aadhaar number, it may be rendered inoperative by the Income Tax Department. So while the number doesn’t technically expire, failing to comply with linking requirements can make it unusable.

What Happens to a PAN Card After Death?

Although PAN cards are valid for life, they are cancelled upon the death of the holder. This is not an automatic process—family members or legal heirs need to apply for the cancellation. The PAN card ceases to be valid from that point onward.

Why Is PAN So Important?

Issued by the NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) on behalf of the Income Tax Department, the PAN card is primarily used to track and link all financial transactions of an individual or entity. It plays a crucial role in curbing tax evasion and improving income transparency.

Thanks to its unique 10-digit alphanumeric format, the PAN number alone is often sufficient for identity verification purposes. In many situations, individuals are only asked to provide their PAN number rather than a physical copy of the card.

Can You Hold More Than One PAN?

As per Indian law, holding more than one PAN card is illegal. Each individual is allowed only one PAN number. If a person is found with multiple PANs, they can face penalties and legal consequences. According to the Income Tax Act, a penalty of ₹10,000 may be imposed for owning more than one PAN card.

Bottom Line: Your PAN card does not have an expiry date and remains valid for your entire life, provided it’s linked with your Aadhaar and isn’t misused. Keep your details updated, ensure compliance with linking deadlines, and you’ll have no issues using your PAN card for years to come.