The death of a loved one brings emotional challenges, but it also comes with the practical responsibility of managing their official documents and IDs, such as Aadhaar, PAN card, Voter ID, passport, and driving license.
Legal heirs often find themselves uncertain about what to do with these documents—whether to retain, surrender, or destroy them. While there are no universal rules for handling such documents, here is a detailed guide on the procedures and considerations for each.
Guide to handle Aadhaar Card, PAN, Passport, and Voter ID after a family member’s death
*Aadhaar Card*
Purpose and retention
Aadhaar is used as a unique identification number and serves as proof of identity and address. It is often linked to critical services like LPG subsidies, scholarships, and EPF accounts.
*Can Aadhaar be deactivated?*
Currently, there is no provision to deactivate or cancel the Aadhaar card of a deceased individual. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has not integrated its system with state death registries, and Aadhaar is not mandatory for registering deaths.
*Preventing misuse*
Legal heirs should ensure the deceased’s Aadhaar is not misused. To secure the biometric data associated with Aadhaar, heirs can lock the biometrics through the UIDAI website.
*PAN Card*
Significance of PAN
The PAN card is essential for filing income tax returns (ITR), operating bank and demat accounts, and completing financial transactions.
*When to retain PAN*
The PAN must be retained until all financial matters, such as filing ITRs, closing accounts, or claiming refunds, are resolved. The Income Tax Department can reopen assessments up to four years from the current assessment year.
*How to surrender PAN*
Write an application to the Assessing Officer (AO) under whose jurisdiction the PAN is registered.
Include the deceased's name, PAN, date of birth, and a copy of the death certificate.
Surrendering the PAN is not mandatory, but it can be done once all financial matters are settled.
*Voter ID*
*Cancellation procedure*
Under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, a deceased person’s voter ID can be canceled.
Visit the local election office.
Submit Form 7, available under the Electoral Rules, along with a copy of the death certificate.
The name will be removed from the voters’ list upon processing.
*Passport*
*Validity after death*
A passport does not require surrender or cancellation upon the holder's demise. However, once it expires, it automatically becomes invalid.
*Recommendation*
Retain the expired passport, as it may serve as a useful document for unforeseen purposes, such as verification.
*Driving License*
*Varied procedures*
Each state has its regulations for the issuance and cancellation of driving licenses. While there is no central provision for surrendering a deceased person’s license, heirs can inquire with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) for specific procedures.
*Vehicle transfer*
Legal heirs should also initiate the process of transferring the ownership of any vehicle registered in the deceased’s name by visiting the RTO.
What happens to a deceased person's documents if authorities aren’t informed?
There is no legal penalty for not surrendering these documents. However, failing to notify the issuing authorities leaves the documents vulnerable to misuse by fraudsters. Informing authorities adds a layer of security against such risks.
*Storage and retention of documents of a deceased family member*
For documents like Aadhaar and passports that cannot be surrendered:
Store them securely with the death certificate.
Do do not destroy these documents, as they may serve as proof of identity or address for future legal or financial matters.
