Turning 18 comes with plenty of exciting firsts. You can register to vote, start making more financial decisions and take greater control of your personal affairs.There is also a quieter side to becoming an adult: paperwork.Until now, your parents may have handled most applications and official documents for you. After 18, you gradually start doing these things yourself, whether it is applying for a job, opening a bank account, travelling abroad or learning to drive.Here are the key documents worth having on your radar once you turn 18.
1. PAN card
Your PAN card becomes important as you begin earning and handling money independently.It is used for income tax-related work and several financial activities, including certain investments and transactions. Students may not need it immediately, but having a PAN becomes useful once they enter the workforce or start managing larger financial matters.
2. Voter ID
Turning 18 gives you the opportunity to register as a voter.However, reaching the age of 18 does not automatically register you to vote. You need to complete the registration process and have your name included in the voter list.This becomes particularly relevant for young adults who move to another city for college or their first job.
3. Aadhaar card
For most Indians, Aadhaar is already part of their paperwork before they reach adulthood.What matters after 18 is making sure the information on it reflects your current details. A change of address, phone number or other personal information may mean that an update is required.It is worth checking this before using Aadhaar for an important application.
4. Passport
A passport becomes essential whenever you plan to travel outside India.You may need it for an overseas holiday, university admission, an international internship or a job in another country.Even if you have no immediate travel plans, getting one early can be useful if international travel suddenly becomes part of your plans.
5. Driving licence
For those who want to drive, turning 18 is an important step.At this age, you can apply for a driving licence for eligible vehicles, provided you complete the required process. You cannot simply start driving on public roads because you have reached 18.If driving is not part of your plans, this is one document you can skip.
6. Birth certificate
Your birth certificate is one of the records you should know how to access, even if your parents have always kept it.It records your birth details and can be used as proof of important personal information during certain official processes.If you have never seen the original, ask your family where it is kept.
7. Class 10 and Class 12 certificates
Leaving school does not mean your school records have served their purpose.Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets and certificates can be required for further studies, recruitment processes, entrance examinations and other applications.Later, your college marksheets, degree or diploma certificates become equally important.
8. Bank account records
For many young adults, 18 is when a bank account becomes something they manage themselves rather than something their parents oversee.If you had a minor account, ask your bank what changes are needed after you become an adult.Keep your account number, bank details and access to the phone number linked to the account. These will become part of your everyday financial life.
9. Digital copies of your documents
Once you have your important paperwork together, make digital copies of the documents you are most likely to need.These can include your Aadhaar, PAN, passport, voter ID, birth certificate and educational records. DigiLocker can also provide access to digital versions of several documents.Store these copies securely and avoid sending identity documents to people or websites you do not trust.Thumb image: Canva (for representative purposes only)
