If someone in your family has died and you want to deactivate their important documents, then this article explains the process of deactivating PAN card, voter ID, passport and driving license.
As difficult as it is to handle the emotional situation after the demise of a family member, it is equally important to properly handle their official documents and identity cards like PAN card, Aadhar card, Voter ID etc.
Often, legal heirs are unsure whether to retain, submit, or destroy these documents. While there are no uniform rules regarding these documents, it’s important to understand that these documents can be misused for fraud, forgery, or illegal transactions. Therefore, it’s crucial to manage them properly.
PAN Card
PAN cards are required for filing income taxes, opening bank and demat accounts, and for many financial transactions. Therefore, keep your PAN card until all accounts and transactions related to your PAN are completed.
If you need to file your ITR, keep your PAN safe until the ITR process is complete. The Income Tax Department can reopen old cases up to four years (including the current assessment year). Once all accounts are closed and other procedures are complete, you can surrender the deceased person’s PAN card to the Income Tax Department.
How to surrender your PAN card?
Write an application to the relevant Assessing Officer (AO).
Enclose the deceased person’s name, PAN, date of birth, and a copy of the death certificate in the application.
Voter ID
To cancel a deceased person’s voter ID, you must fill out Form 7 under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. To do this, go to the nearest election office, submit Form 7, and attach a copy of the death certificate. Once the process is complete, the name will be removed from the voter list.
Passport
There is no mandatory surrender or cancellation of a passport upon death. A passport automatically becomes invalid upon expiration.
Driving License
There is no centralized system for canceling or surrendering a driving license. Each state has its own procedures for driving licenses. Therefore, contact the relevant Regional Transport Office (RTO) for accurate information. If a vehicle is registered in the deceased person’s name, the transfer process can also be inquired from that RTO.
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