How Long Do PAN And Aadhaar Cards Remain Valid After Death?
In India, documents like Aadhaar and PAN cards are essential for a wide range of government and non-government activities. However, a common question arises—what happens to these documents after a person passes away? How long do they remain active, and what are the official rules regarding their deactivation? Let’s take a closer look.
Importance of Aadhaar and PAN
Both Aadhaar and PAN cards play a vital role in a variety of transactions and official procedures. Whether it's for financial dealings or identity verification, these documents are indispensable. However, if they are not managed after a person’s death, they can be misused, potentially causing problems for the deceased’s family.
Status of Aadhaar and PAN After Death
After a person dies, both the Aadhaar and PAN cards remain active unless specific actions are taken to deactivate them. It is crucial for the family to manage these documents to prevent any unauthorized usage.
How to Lock an Aadhaar Card
To prevent misuse, the Aadhaar card of the deceased can be locked by the family members. Locking the card ensures that no one can use it for unauthorized purposes. This step is essential for protecting the identity of the deceased.
Linking Aadhaar to the Death Certificate
One way to formalize the status of the deceased’s Aadhaar card is by linking it to the death certificate. This provides clarity and helps avoid complications in future transactions, ensuring that the card is not misused.
Closing a PAN Card
Similar to Aadhaar, the PAN card of the deceased should also be deactivated. To close the PAN card, family members can visit an online service center or approach the Income Tax Department. This ensures that no financial transactions are carried out in the deceased’s name.
Surrendering the Documents
Family members also have the option to formally surrender both the Aadhaar and PAN cards of the deceased. By surrendering these documents, they can ensure that no potential issues arise in the future.
Taking these steps will help the family manage the identity and financial standing of the deceased, preventing misuse and ensuring peace of mind.