A Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is a vital document for every Indian citizen. Apart from serving as proof of identity, it is required for filing Income Tax Returns, opening bank accounts, receiving tax refunds, and more. A PAN is a unique 10-character alphanumeric code, such as “AAAAA8888A”.
All individuals, including minors, students, and non-resident Indians, are eligible to apply for a PAN card. In addition, entities like Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), companies, partnership firms, trusts, and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) must obtain a PAN card separately, as they are recognized as independent legal entities.
When is a PAN Card Mandatory?
A PAN card is required in the following cases:
- Opening a bank account
- Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR)
- Applying for a debit or credit card
- Opening a Demat account
- Purchasing mutual fund units
- Buying a vehicle (except two-wheelers)
- Sale or purchase of immovable property
- Cash deposits exceeding Rs.50,000 in a day with a bank or post office
- Cash purchase of a bank draft or pay order over Rs.50,000 in a single day
- Time deposits exceeding Rs.50,000 per day or Rs.2,50,000 in a financial year with banks, NBFCs, or Nidhis
- Sale or purchase of goods or services worth more than Rs.2,00,000 per transaction
- Bank transactions above Rs.10,000
PAN Card Eligibility
The following can apply for an individual PAN card:
- Indian citizens
- Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
- Minors
- Students
- Foreign nationals residing in India or engaged in financial transactions in India
How to Apply for a PAN Card?
Individuals can apply for a PAN card either online or offline.
Online PAN Card Application (via NSDL Portal)
Step 1: Visit the NSDL portal.
Step 2: Under Application Type, select New PAN – Indian Citizen (Form 49A) or New PAN – Foreign Citizen (Form 49AA). Choose Individual under Category.
Step 3: Provide your name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number. Tick the consent box and click Submit.
Step 4: A Token Number will be sent to your email. Click Continue with PAN Application Form.
Step 5: Choose one of the three methods to submit documents:
- Paperless submission via e-KYC & e-Sign (using Aadhaar OTP)
- Upload scanned documents via e-Sign
- Physical submission of application documents
Step 6: Select whether you need a physical PAN card. If not, it will be sent digitally to your email. The application fee varies depending on the submission method and whether a physical card is requested.
Step 7: Enter Aadhaar details (mandatory), along with name, gender, date of birth, and parents’ names, then click Next.
Step 8: Fill in your income details, communication address, residential address, and office address (mandatory if salaried or self-employed). Provide phone number and email ID, then click Next.
Step 9: Enter the AO code, upload documents, complete the declaration, and click Submit.
Step 10: Proceed to the payment page and pay the applicable fees to complete the process.
Once the fee payment is completed, an acknowledgment slip will be generated containing a 15-digit reference number.
If you selected the option “Forward application documents physically” in Step 5, you must print the acknowledgment, paste your photograph, sign it, and send it along with the required documents to the address below by post:
Income Tax PAN Services Unit,
Protean eGov Technologies Limited,
4th Floor, Sapphire Chambers,
Baner Road, Baner, Pune – 411045
After the application is received at the PAN services unit or submitted online, it is usually processed within 15–20 days, and the PAN card is delivered to the residential address provided in the form.
Online PAN Application via UTIITSL Portal
Step 1: Visit the UTIITSL website.
Step 2: Under ‘PAN Card for Indian citizen/NRI’ or ‘PAN Card for foreign citizen’, click ‘Click to Apply’.
Step 3: Choose ‘Apply for New PAN Card’.
Step 4: Select the document submission method, applicant status (Individual), PAN card type, and click Submit.
Step 5: Once registered, you will receive a reference number. Click OK to continue.
Step 6: Fill in personal details, document details, contact information, parent details, and address details, then click Next Step.
Step 7: Upload the required documents, verify the information, and click Make Payment.
Step 8: Select your preferred online payment mode and complete the payment. A success message will appear once payment is confirmed. Take a printout of the completed form.
If you selected “Physical (Forward Application with documents physically)” in Step 4, print the form, attach your photograph and signature, enclose the required documents, and post them to the nearest UTIITSL PAN Processing Center in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, or New Delhi.
Once the application reaches the UTIITSL office or is submitted online, it is processed and the PAN card is dispatched to the applicant’s address within 15 days.
Offline PAN Card Application
Step 1: Download Form 49A (for Indian citizens) or Form 49AA (for foreign citizens) and take a printout on A4-size paper.
Step 2: In the first section of the form, enter the AO code and area code.
Step 3: Fill in the remaining details carefully using BLOCK letters and a black ink pen.
Step 4: Paste a recent color passport-size photograph with a plain background in the space provided. Two photographs must be affixed at the top of the first page.
Step 5: Sign the form in the two designated spaces marked “Signature / Left Thumb Impression of Applicant”. One signature must also be placed across the photograph pasted on the top left corner.
Step 6: Attach self-attested copies of your identity proof, address proof, and date of birth proof along with the form.
Step 7: Visit the nearest PAN service center, submit the completed form with the required documents, and pay the prescribed fee. You will receive an acknowledgment number from the PAN center officials.
Documents Required for PAN Card Application (Indian Citizens)
For Identity Proof (any one of the following):
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID
- Driving License
- Passport
- Ration Card with applicant’s photograph
- Arms License
- Photo ID issued by Central/State Government or PSU
- Pensioner Card with applicant’s photograph
- Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) Card
- Original certificate of identity issued by an MP, MLA, Gazetted Officer, or Municipal Councillor
- Original bank certificate on branch letterhead with the applicant’s photo, bank account number, and official stamp/signature
For Address Proof (any one of the following):
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID
- Driving License
- Passport of applicant or spouse
- Bank statement with address
- Post Office passbook with address
- Depository account statement or credit card statement
- Latest property tax assessment order
- Utility bills (electricity, water, gas, landline, or broadband) not older than 3 months
- Property registration document
- Domicile certificate issued by the Government
- Employer’s certificate (original)
- Allotment letter of government accommodation (not older than 3 years)
- Certificate of address issued by an MP, MLA, Gazetted Officer, or Municipal Councillor
For Date of Birth Proof (any one of the following):
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID
- Driving License
- Passport
- Matriculation certificate or marksheet from a recognized board
- Birth certificate
- Domicile certificate issued by the Government
- Pension payment order
- Marriage certificate issued by Registrar of Marriages
- CGHS Photo Card
- Affidavit before a magistrate stating date of birth
- Photo ID card issued by Central/State Government or PSU
Documents Required for PAN Card – Foreign Citizens
For Identity Proof (any one of the following):
- Passport copy
- Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card or Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card issued by the Government of India
- Citizenship Identification Number (CIN) or National/Taxpayer Identification Number, duly attested either by Apostille (for countries under the Hague Convention, 1961), or by the Indian Embassy/High Commission/Consulate in the applicant’s country of residence, or by authorized officials of overseas branches of Scheduled Banks registered in India
For Address Proof (any one of the following):
- Passport copy
- OCI card or PIO card issued by the Government of India
- Valid Visa along with appointment letter/contract from an Indian company, plus employer’s certificate confirming Indian address
- Residence certificate in India or residential permit issued by State Police authorities
- Bank account statement in the country of residence, or NRE (Non-Resident External) bank account statement in India
- Citizenship Identification Number (CIN) or National/Taxpayer Identification Number, attested by Apostille, Indian Embassy/High Commission/Consulate, or authorized officials of overseas branches of Scheduled Banks registered in India
PAN Card Application Status
After submitting your PAN card application, you can check its status by following these steps:
- Visit the NSDL PAN website or the UTIITSL website.
- Click on the option ‘Know Status of PAN Application’ or ‘Track PAN Card’.
- Enter your Acknowledgement Number and the captcha code, then click Submit.
- The current status of your PAN card application will be displayed on the screen.
How to Correct Details on Your PAN Card
If any information on your PAN card is incorrect, it can be rectified by submitting the ‘Changes or Correction in existing PAN Data / Reprint of PAN Card’ form.
- You can complete this correction form online via the NSDL or UTIITSL portals by entering the required details, uploading supporting documents, and paying the applicable fees.
- Alternatively, you can download the correction form, fill it manually, and submit it at the nearest PAN centre.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about PAN Card
1. How long does it take to receive a PAN card?
Usually, it takes about 15–20 working days to get a PAN card after submitting the application online or at a PAN service center. In some cases, applicants may receive it earlier if applied online.
2. Can minors apply for a PAN card?
Yes. Parents or guardians can apply for a minor’s PAN card by providing both their own documents as well as the child’s documents.
3. Do foreigners need a PAN card in India?
Yes. Foreign nationals residing in India or engaging in financial transactions within India must obtain a PAN card. It is required for filing income tax, paying capital gains tax, purchasing property, or making high-value investments.
4. Is a PAN card mandatory to open a bank account?
Not always. While a PAN card is required for most financial transactions, a bank account can still be opened using Aadhaar as proof. However, certain restrictions may apply until a PAN is linked.
5. Is there any age limit for applying for a PAN card?
There is no minimum age for applying. Even infants and minors are eligible for a PAN card.
6. How can I apply for a PAN card?
You can apply online through the NSDL or UTIITSL website or by visiting a PAN service center with the required documents.
7. What documents are required to apply for a PAN card?
The essential documents include proof of identity (Aadhaar, passport, voter ID, etc.), proof of address (electricity bill, ration card, etc.), and proof of date of birth (birth certificate, Aadhaar, etc.).
8. Can I have more than one PAN card?
No. Holding more than one PAN card is illegal and punishable under the Income Tax Act. Each individual is allowed to have only one PAN card.
9. What should I do if I lose my PAN card?
If your PAN card is lost or misplaced, you can apply for a duplicate PAN card online through NSDL or UTIITSL by providing your PAN number and required documents.
10. Can I update or correct details on my PAN card?
Yes. If there are spelling errors, changes in name, or address updates, you can request PAN card correction or reprint online or at a PAN service center.
11. Is e-PAN valid like a physical PAN card?
Yes. The digitally signed e-PAN issued by NSDL or UTIITSL is equally valid as a physical PAN card and can be used for all financial and legal purposes.
12. What happens if I don’t have a PAN card?
Without a PAN, you may face restrictions on filing income tax, opening certain types of bank accounts, purchasing property, or conducting high-value transactions in India.
