By News Desk 
A PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a crucial identification document for every Indian citizen, especially for those involved in taxation, banking, or high-value financial transactions. The government has recently issued a major update affecting millions of PAN cardholders, and timely action is now essential to avoid inconvenience.
If you applied for a PAN card using an Aadhaar Enrolment ID instead of the actual Aadhaar number before October 1, 2024, you are required to update your PAN card with your original Aadhaar number by December 31, 2025. Failure to do so could lead to your PAN becoming temporarily inoperative, affecting your ability to carry out key financial activities.
🔍 What Has Changed in 2025?
On April 3, 2025, the government issued a gazette notification stating that individuals who generated their PAN card using a 28-digit Aadhaar Enrolment ID must now provide the actual 12-digit Aadhaar number.
Previously, this option was allowed when Aadhaar was not widely available. But now, to enhance verification and reduce fraud, linking your actual Aadhaar number is mandatory.
📅 Important Dates and Details
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Who must update | Those who applied for PAN with Aadhaar Enrolment ID before Oct 1, 2024 |
| Deadline | December 31, 2025 |
| What needs updating | 12-digit original Aadhaar number linked to PAN |
| Consequence of non-compliance | PAN becomes temporarily inactive |
| Where to update | Income Tax e-filing website or PAN Center |
| Required documents | PAN card and Aadhaar card |
⚠️ What Happens if You Don’t Update?
If your PAN becomes inoperative, you could face the following issues:
- Unable to file income tax returns
- TDS/TCS deducted at a higher rate
- Bank account restrictions or freezes
- Ineligible for credit cards, loans, or large purchases
- Loss of access to government subsidy schemes
- Disruption in official and financial documentation
✅ Who Needs to Update Their PAN Card?
You must update your PAN card only if:
- Your PAN was issued using an Aadhaar Enrolment ID instead of the actual Aadhaar number.
- Your PAN record still shows a 28-digit Enrolment ID instead of a 12-digit Aadhaar number.
If your PAN is already linked with your Aadhaar, no action is required.
🛠️ How to Update PAN Card with Aadhaar Number (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Visit the official Income Tax e-filing portal.
- Log in with your PAN credentials or register a new account.
- Navigate to the ‘Profile Settings’ > ‘Link Aadhaar’ section.
- Enter your PAN and 12-digit Aadhaar number.
- Complete the OTP verification.
- Submit the request and receive confirmation.
📍 Alternatively, you can visit your nearest PAN service center or CSC (Common Service Centre) for offline help.
🆕 Other PAN Card Rule Changes in 2025
- PAN applications now require original Aadhaar number only—enrolment IDs are no longer accepted.
- Single mothers can apply without entering the father’s name.
- A third gender option is now available for transgender applicants.
- PAN is mandatory for any business or transaction above ₹2.5 lakh.
- A new PAN will not be issued without Aadhaar linkage.
🧓 Who Is Exempt from Aadhaar-PAN Linking?
The following categories are exempted:
- Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
- Foreign nationals
- Senior citizens aged 80 and above
- Residents of Assam, Meghalaya, and Jammu & Kashmir
📌 Key Points to Remember
- 🔔 Last date to update Aadhaar: December 31, 2025
- 📵 If not updated, PAN will be inoperative
- 🏦 Banking, tax filing, and official services will be disrupted
- 🆔 Always use original Aadhaar number for updates
- ⚠️ Don’t fall for misinformation—this rule applies only to those who used Enrolment IDs
📝 Quick Checklist (Bullet Summary)
- PAN made using Aadhaar Enrolment ID before Oct 1, 2024? Update required
- Final deadline: Dec 31, 2025
- Update via Income Tax website or PAN service center
- Don’t delay—risk of penalties and account issues
- Rule applies to millions of PAN holders—act early!
🔚 Conclusion
This mandatory PAN card update is a critical step for millions of account holders. If you created your PAN card using an Aadhaar Enrolment ID before October 1, 2024, make sure to link your actual Aadhaar number before December 31, 2025. This will help you avoid disruptions in tax filing, banking, and other key services. Don’t wait until the last minute—update today to stay compliant and secure.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on the official gazette notification and current government guidelines. This update does not apply to everyone, only to those who received PAN cards through Aadhaar Enrolment IDs. Always refer to official government sources for confirmation.