A PAN card is one of those documents you rarely think about until you suddenly need it. A bank or employer asks for it, or you cannot file your income tax return without it. Applying is now simple, and many people can get an instant e-PAN using Aadhaar alone.
What a PAN card is, and who needs one
PAN stands for Permanent Account Number. It is a ten character alphanumeric number issued by the Income Tax Department, and it stays the same for life even if you change your address or job. It links your salary, bank deposits and tax payments to your tax record.
You need a PAN if you earn a taxable income or file an income tax return. If you already have one, do not apply for a second. Holding more than one PAN can attract a penalty.
Choose the right route for you
There are three official routes. Pick the one that fits whether you need a physical card and whether your mobile is linked to Aadhaar.
- Instant e-PAN: free, on the Income Tax portal, for individuals with Aadhaar linked to a mobile number. You get a digital PAN, usually within minutes, with no physical card.
- Protean (formerly NSDL e-Gov): for a new PAN, a correction or a reprint, with an e-PAN only or an e-PAN plus a physical card by post.
- UTIITSL: the other authorised provider, offering the same choices as Protean. Either provider works.
Use only the official portals: incometax.gov.in, Protean and UTIITSL. Avoid agents who charge extra for the same form.
How to get an instant e-PAN with Aadhaar
This works if you are an adult, you have never held a PAN, and your mobile number is linked to Aadhaar.
- Step 1: Go to incometax.gov.in and open Instant e-PAN under Quick Links.
- Step 2: Choose Get New e-PAN and enter your twelve digit Aadhaar number.
- Step 3: Agree to the consent terms and enter the OTP sent to your mobile.
- Step 4: Check the details pulled from Aadhaar and confirm them.
- Step 5: Note the acknowledgement number shown on screen. Use it to check the status and download your e-PAN.
How to apply through Protean or UTIITSL
Use this route if you need a physical card, or you are applying for a minor, a firm or a company, or your mobile is not linked to Aadhaar.
- Step 1: Open the Protean or UTIITSL application page and choose the new PAN application for an Indian citizen, Form 49A. Foreign applicants use Form 49AA.
- Step 2: Select your category, such as Individual, and enter your name exactly as on your proof of identity, with your date of birth and address.
- Step 3: Choose a physical card, an e-PAN only, or both, and how to submit documents: Aadhaar e-KYC, scanned uploads, or by post.
- Step 4: Upload your proof of identity, address and date of birth, and complete the OTP or e-sign verification shown on the portal.
- Step 5: Pay the fee shown on the portal. It depends on whether you asked for a physical card and on the delivery address.
- Step 6: Save the acknowledgement number. Use it to track the application and download your e-PAN once it is allotted.
Documents you will need
Most applicants need three proofs: identity, address and date of birth. One document, such as Aadhaar or a passport, can often serve as more than one proof.
- Proof of identity and address: Aadhaar card, passport, voter identity card, driving licence, utility bill or bank statement.
- Proof of date of birth: Aadhaar card, passport, birth certificate, matriculation certificate, or driving licence showing the date of birth.
- Photograph and signature: a recent photograph and a signature, in the format and size the portal asks for.
How to correct, update or reprint a PAN card
A spelling error, a changed address or a lost card can be fixed through Protean or UTIITSL. Choose the correction or reprint option, enter your existing PAN, and change only the fields that need it, with proof for each change. Your PAN number does not change.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Entering a name that does not match your proof of identity.
- Using a mobile number you no longer check, since OTPs go there.
- Applying for a fresh PAN when you only need a correction or a reprint.
- Paying on an unofficial website, or sharing your Aadhaar OTP with anyone.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a PAN card for free? Instant e-PAN through Aadhaar is free for eligible individuals. Other applications and physical cards carry the fee shown on the portal.
How long does it take? Instant e-PAN is usually generated within minutes. A regular application and physical card take longer.
Can a minor get a PAN card? Yes, a parent or guardian can apply on behalf of a minor through Protean or UTIITSL.
Is e-PAN valid like a physical PAN card? Yes, it carries the same PAN number and is accepted for tax filing and most online verification.
What if I have lost my PAN number? Use Know Your PAN on the Income Tax portal, or check a previous tax return or Form 16. Do not apply for a new PAN.
Apply through the official portal, keep your acknowledgement number safe, and double check every detail before you pay. If anything differs from this guide, follow the official portal and notification, since steps and fees can change.
