Documents such as Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, Voter IDs, and passports are essential for everyone, and we all likely possess these critical items.
But do you know what to do with these documents when someone dies? Let’s explore how to manage these critical papers in detail.
Many people have questions regarding handling important documents like Aadhaar, PAN, Voter IDs, Driving Licenses, and Passports after an individual’s death. These documents are often necessary for various government schemes.
If the government authorities are not informed of a person’s death, there is a risk of misuse of the benefits the deceased received.
Additionally, there is a chance that fraudsters might exploit the cards belonging to the deceased individual. Here’s what you should do with such vital documents when someone passes away:
Aadhaar Card
The Aadhaar card, which has a unique 12-digit number, is proof of identity and address. It is essential for many services, such as LPG subsidies and EPF accounts.
However, there is currently no formal procedure to deactivate the Aadhaar of a deceased person, as the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) has not yet linked its system with state death registers.
Aadhaar is not required for recording deaths. It is the responsibility of the deceased’s heirs to ensure that the Aadhaar is not misused. To protect biometric data, heirs can lock the biometrics of the deceased using the UIDAI website.
PAN Card
The PAN card is necessary for filing income tax returns, maintaining bank accounts, and conducting financial transactions.
Keeping the PAN card until all financial obligations (such as pending income tax returns and closing bank accounts) are settled is advisable. If you wish to deactivate the deceased’s PAN card, write a letter to the PAN registered assessing officer (AO).
Include the name of the deceased, PAN number, date of birth, and a copy of the death certificate. Surrendering the PAN card is not mandatory, but it can be done once all financial matters have been addressed.
Driving License
Rules regarding the cancellation of a deceased person’s driving license vary by state. While there is no centralized system for this process, the heirs should contact the Regional Transport Office (RTO) for the necessary steps.
If the deceased owned a vehicle, the heirs can transfer ownership by visiting the RTO office and submitting the required documents. RTO officials will provide complete details on transferring the License to the heirs.
Voter ID
The Voter ID serves as proof of citizenship and voting rights. According to the Voter Registration Rules of 1960, a deceased person’s Voter ID can be canceled by submitting Form 7 and a copy of the death certificate to the local election office. Once the process is completed, the individual’s name will be removed from the electoral roll.
Passport
A passport is an official travel document issued by the government. A deceased person’s passport must not be surrendered or canceled, as it will automatically expire upon their passing. However, it can be retained as a helpful document for verification purposes.
By responsibly managing these documents after a person’s death, you can prevent potential misuse and protect the interests of all involved.