Individuals who possess a PAN (Permanent Account Number) card may need to change their name. Reasons may vary due to personal circumstances such as divorce, re-marriage, or other legal reasons.
In such cases, it becomes necessary to apply to update the personal details of an existing PAN card with the updated name. This is especially important for individuals who maintain investments, property, and other interests in India, especially those who hold an active PAN card.
Consequently, parts of the application process can be cumbersome due to differences in country-to-country requirements and several technical points between the document equivalents and application procedures.
This article provides an overview of the process for updating one’s full name on an existing PAN card, specifically in terms of UK resident requirements and the potential need for a Deed Poll, depending on the reason for the change of name.
Eligibility To Apply
Before proceeding to apply for a name update on your PAN card, it is crucial that the PAN must be active status in order to proceed with a name update application.
Where a PAN is not in active status, reactivating it will require an application to the JAO (Jurisdictional Assessing Officer) within India. Therefore, there are country limitations on reactivating an inactive PAN from outside of India.
Additionally, this process may require ample time as it involves addressing several layers.
Overview of Process
When PAN is in active status, an individual must fulfil the application and documentary evidence requirements for their application to be considered.
Here is an outline of steps involved:
- An application is submitted through the designated depository to update the name on an existing PAN card from outside of India.
- The application must include documentary evidence supporting the requested changes, which will be in accordance with the reason for the name update application, such as recently married, etc. The acceptable list of documents must be checked before proceeding.
- In the same way, when seeking to update the full name on PAN, the applicant should obtain documents according to the depository guidelines and Indian authorities’ requirements. These documents must be in the appropriate legal format per the name change guidelines.
- At times, further legalisation of documents is necessary for a country to recognise the validity of documents from another country. This involves following the correct due process and accounting for time sensitivity.
The process for updating an existing PAN card differs from applying for a PAN for the first time.
Timescales
In particular, updating one’s name on an existing PAN card may take longer than other changes such as updating the residential address.
If an individual is travelling to India for property matters, it is essential to account for timescales in this process in advance. For instance, the complete process may average an estimated 4 -12 weeks approximately, variable case by case and depending on the nature of the application and documents. This would include the depositary review of the application and income tax approval process.
Before making travel plans to India, it’s essential to consider the time required to obtain the necessary documents from the country of residence.
Blind Spots
Additionally, consider the case of the enrolled deed poll, which may be a crucial document. For UK residents who are foreign citizens and intend to travel to India, obtaining an “Enrolled Deed Poll” beforehand is vital to prevent delays.
It is essential to ensure the receipt of the official document and, if necessary, legalisation of the document before making travel arrangements to India. Inadequate documentation as per Indian authorities’ requirements may lead to severe delays.
Key Document(s) In A Chain of Requirements
To update the name on your existing PAN card, you must submit key documents (s) such as a marriage certificate, enrolled deed poll, or any other document per the acceptable list outlined by the Indian authorities. The documents required will depend on the circumstances under which you apply to update your full name.
In addition to this, other important documents as part of the requirements are essential for the application to be reviewed. For instance, proof of identity and proof of address.
UK Equivalent of Publication of Name Change In Official Gazette India
The UK equivalent of the Gazette of India Notifications process (published by the Department of Publication for officially changing one’s name) is a Deed Poll. The specific type of Deed Poll required by Indian authorities, as specified, is an “enrolled” Deed Poll. An enrolled Deed Poll provides official proof of the name change.
An applicant would first need to apply for an enrolled Deed Poll and follow the application guidelines. Once issued, an enrolled Deed Poll may then require further legalisation by apostille. This process makes it valid for international use and under the Indian authority guidelines (subject to change).
After that, the necessary procedures for changing the name on the PAN card with Indian authorities can be completed.
The overall time frame involved can vary;
- The application and processing time for the enrolled deed poll is estimated 4 – 10 weeks.
- Further legalisation of the issued enrolled Deed Poll is estimated to take 15-20 days.
- The application process with the Indian authorities, whether from within India or abroad, upto 4 weeks.
Enrolled Deed Poll
In the UK, an enrolled deed poll refers to a legal document that serves as proof of a person’s intention to change their name. When a deed poll is “enrolled,” it means it has been recorded with the courts. This makes it an official and public declaration of a person’s name change.
This registration serves as a public record and provides evidence of the existence of the deed. Enrolling a deed poll can provide additional security and certainty regarding the legal status of the document. As well as the intentions it contains.
An enrolled deed poll is considered as strong evidence of the name change. And, it is widely accepted by government bodies, financial institutions, and other organizations.
An apostilled, enrolled deed poll can also be useful in chain documents. For example when required for property matters in India. Therefore, it should be kept for future reference if the need arises.
Where an applicant is a Foreign Citizen and not a Resident of India, typically, in such cases, further legalisation of this document may be needed.
For example, documents may need legalisation by apostille. Where apostille is mandatory, it will specify this on the subsequent guidelines.
Paper apostilles (legalisation certificates) issued by the Legalisation Office bear a raised and embossed imprint of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office crest.
Importance of Bilateral Expertise
Furthermore, it is important to consider the need for expertise in international matters between country to country. This includes understanding the legal administrative requirements of the Indian authorities and the processes of one’s home country in meeting the demands of the Indian authorities. Therefore, having guidance and expertise in both areas can significantly streamline an applicant’s requirements.
Rules and regulations can also be updated at any time by the respective authorities.
The following section delves into some of the potential implications of failing to update a PAN card.
Potential Implications of Not Updating A PAN Card
Individuals who have undergone a name change and hold a PAN card in their previous name may encounter various difficulties. These can include challenges and subsequent delays. For instance, in conducting financial transactions, income tax filings, and official documentation related to property and investments.
Inconsistencies between different official documents, such as the PAN card and other official document proofs, can lead to confusion and complications. And, this can result in unaccounted delays.
Therefore, it becomes important for individuals to update their PAN details to reflect their current name. This will help ensure smoother and more accurate identity verification and document processing.
Here are examples of potential implications depending on the circumstances
- Delays in Indian property matters due to incorrect name, such as selling, transfer, buy etc.
- Issues in income tax related affairs, such as filing, refunds etc.
- Issues in investments such as stocks, funds etc.
Ways To Apply To Update PAN Card Full Name
If you meet all the necessary documentary requirements, there are several routes available to apply for updating the name on an existing PAN card:
- From outside India via the designated depositary:
- Online and paper application and physical submission, or
- Paper application and physical submission.
- From within India, applying via the nearest PAN center or using the depositary portal.
- Seeking professional assistance with the application where unsure from outside or within India.
Can We Help
We may be able to assist for matters in India depending on your circumstances, contact us on 020 8757 5751 or use our contact form.
What Our Clients Say
“I engaged Whytecroft Ford to assist on the matter. Looking for a pain-free approach to updating my personal details with Tax Information and Services, Whytecroft Ford provided clear guidance and direction to ensure an issue-free outcome. “ Mr. Mandrekar, United Kingdom
Frequently Asked Questions
If a deed poll is provided as part of the key documents, the guidelines state it must be an official gazette publication equivalent. The equivalent being a UK enrolled deed poll for British Citizens.
An official document issued by the UK authorities may need to be further legalised for use in India to ensure its legal validity and acceptance within the jurisdiction of India.
A PAN card must be in an active status to apply to update personal details.
