# Aadhaar vs PAN vs Passport vs Voter ID

> Aadhaar vs PAN vs Passport vs Voter ID - issuing authority, purpose, validity and what each does and doesn't prove, compared side by side.

Canonical page: https://eaadhaarinfo.com/compare-ids

Important: eAadhaar Info is an independent reference publication. It is not UIDAI or a Government of India website. For transactions, current rules and final verification, use the official UIDAI or myAadhaar service linked by the article.

## What each document establishes

Document | Primary role | Citizenship position | Typical validity |

Aadhaar | Verifiable identity for an eligible resident/NRI | Does not prove or confer citizenship or domicile | Number generally continues for life; child biometrics must be updated. |
PAN | Tax identifier for income-tax and specified financial transactions | Not citizenship proof | Generally permanent unless cancelled/inoperative under law. |
Indian passport | Travel document issued to an Indian citizen; commonly relied on as citizenship evidence subject to law | Strong official evidence, but citizenship is ultimately a legal status | Adults normally 10 years. Minors: 5 years or until 18, whichever is earlier; ages 15–18 may choose a 10-year passport. |
EPIC / Voter ID | Election photo identity for an elector on the electoral roll | Electoral registration requires Indian citizenship, but the card is not a general-purpose conclusive citizenship adjudication | Linked to electoral-roll status; replace/update when particulars change. |

## Common misunderstandings

- Aadhaar is not a citizenship document.
- A passport is not interchangeable with PAN for tax reporting.
- Possessing an EPIC is not a substitute for checking the current electoral roll.
- PAN is required/quoted under specific tax and transaction rules; official alternatives may exist for a person without PAN in specified circumstances.

## Official sources

- [UIDAI homepage (My Aadhaar → About your Aadhaar)](https://uidai.gov.in/en)
- [Passport Seva — current fee and validity structure](https://www.passportindia.gov.in/psp/onlineHtml/feeDocument)
- [Election Commission of India — Voters’ Service Portal](https://voters.eci.gov.in/)
- [Income Tax Department — forms and PAN transaction guidance](https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/help/all-topics/e-filing-services/income-tax-forms)

LAST EDITORIAL REVIEW · 26 AUG 2026

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