How to Fix Name Mismatch in PAN and Aadhar

Aadhar - PAN name mismatches commonly occur due to spelling differences, the use of initials instead of full names, or changes in surname after marriage. Even small variations in name, date of birth, or gender can prevent successful Aadhar-PAN linking.

Since linking Aadhar with PAN is mandatory, any mismatch can lead to linking failure. If the PAN is not linked, it may become inoperative, which can impact income tax filing, refunds and certain financial transactions.

Ensuring that both documents carry identical details helps avoid disruptions and keeps your financial activities running smoothly.

What Counts as a PAN–Aadhar Name Mismatch?

A name mismatch between PAN and Aadhar usually occurs due to differences in spelling, initials, name order, or updates made at different times across the two records.

Common Reasons for PAN–Aadhar Name Mismatch

• Spelling Errors: Small typographical mistakes in either the PAN or Aadhar records.
• Initials and Full Names: Using initials in one document and the full name in the other.
• Middle Name Variations: Inclusion or omission of a middle name in one of the documents.
• Name Sequence Difference: Differences in the order of first name, middle name, and surname.
• Name Changes After Marriage: Use of a maiden name on one document and a married name on the other.
• Use of Nicknames or Aliases: Recording informal or shortened names instead of the official names

Matching your name on PAN and Aadhar ensures smooth linking and uninterrupted financial services.

What Problems You May Face Due to a PAN–Aadhar Name Mismatch?

A mismatch between your PAN and Aadhar name may prevent successful linking, making your PAN inoperative and disrupting important financial activities.

This can lead to:

• Failed mandatory linking, affecting income tax filing.
• Inoperative PAN, restricting high-value transactions like property deals or share investments
• Blocked or frozen bank accounts due to KYC failure.
• Higher TDS/TCS deductions.
• ITR e-verification issues and delayed tax refunds.
• Loan or new account applications rejections.

How to Fix a Name Mismatch Between PAN and Aadhar?

In many cases, people choose to align PAN with Aadhar because Aadhar is widely used for digital verification, though either document may be corrected.

Step 1: Check where the mistake is

• Compare both cards carefully. See which document has the incorrect or different name.
• In most cases, Aadhar is treated as the main identity document.

Step 2: Update the changes

• Name correction/change generally requires visiting an Aadhaar Seva Kendra/Enrolment Centre

Step 3: Update PAN to Match Aadhar

• PAN services (new PAN + corrections) are handled through multiple authorised channels, Protean including UTIITSL as well (and other official routes depending on service).
• The Income Tax Department’s PAN help pages list Protean (formerly NSDL) and UTIITSL as modes/assistance.
• Once the Income Tax Department approves your PAN correction/change request, the updated details are recorded, and a revised PAN card with the same PAN number is issued.

Aadhar name update limit : UIDAI allows name update only twice in a lifetime (standard process).

What to Update After Correcting PAN and Aadhar Name Mismatch?

Once PAN and Aadhar show the same name, it is important to update the same format across other records. If this is skipped, similar issues can continue to appear elsewhere.

Start with:

• Bank Accounts to avoid KYC flags or transaction limits
• Income Tax Profile to ensure smooth return filing and processing
• Investment Accounts such as Mutual Funds, demat, and insurance
• CKYC and DigiLocker Records which many platforms now rely on
• Official Documents to update the name on passports, driving licenses and Voter IDs if necessary for consistency