A PAN (Permanent Account Number) card is a vital document required for various legal and financial activities. It also serves as a valid proof of identity, making it essential for every Indian citizen to possess one.
Whenever you apply for a PAN card online, you are issued an acknowledgement number. This number serves as proof of your application and helps you track its progress.
This guide covers the key details regarding the PAN card acknowledgement number.
What is a PAN Card Acknowledgement Number?
The PAN card acknowledgement number is an important part of the PAN application process. It is a unique 15-digit code assigned to each applicant to monitor the status of their PAN card request.
This number is generated automatically once an application is submitted, whether through online or offline mode. Its generation confirms that your PAN card request has been received and is being processed.
Applicants must keep this number secure for future use. It not only allows you to check the status of your PAN card but also helps in addressing any discrepancies with the Income Tax Department or PAN service providers.
How to Get an Acknowledgement Number for a PAN Card?
Obtaining an acknowledgement number for a PAN card is a simple process. When you apply through the official websites of NSDL or UTIITSL, the acknowledgement number is created automatically once your application is successfully submitted.
As proof, you will be issued an acknowledgement receipt containing the number. If you apply online, the receipt will be sent to your registered email ID. For offline applications, a physical acknowledgement receipt will be handed over by the PAN service centre.
Acknowledgement Number of PAN Card Download
Individuals in India who apply for a PAN card through the NSDL portal can also download their PAN card using the acknowledgement number. Follow the steps below to download your PAN card with the acknowledgement number:
Step 1: Go to the official NSDL website.
Step 2: Enter your 15-digit PAN acknowledgement number.
Step 3: Provide your date of birth in MM/YYYY format.
Step 4: Enter the captcha code shown on the screen.
Step 5: Click on the “Submit” button.
Step 6: Enter your registered mobile number and email address.
Step 7: Select the option “Generate OTP”.
Step 8: Enter the OTP received on your mobile/email and click “Validate”.
Step 9: Your PAN card will be displayed, and you can download it in PDF format by clicking the “Download” option.
Since the PAN card is a password-protected PDF, use your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format to open the file.
How to Check NSDL PAN Card Status Using the Acknowledgement Number
You can also track the progress of your PAN card application through your acknowledgement number. Here’s how:
Step 1: Visit the NSDL website.
Step 2: Click on the option “Know Status of PAN Application”.
Step 3: On the next page, open the drop-down menu under “Application Type”.
Step 4: Select “PAN – New/Change Request”.
Step 5: Enter your 15-digit acknowledgement number.
Step 6: Fill in the captcha code shown.
Step 7: Click “Submit” to view the current status of your PAN card application.
How to Download the PAN Card Acknowledgement Number Online?
It is important to note that the acknowledgement number itself cannot be downloaded. However, you can download the PAN card acknowledgement receipt in PDF format, which contains this acknowledgement number. The acknowledgement number is automatically generated once you submit your PAN application.
After successfully submitting your PAN application online, the acknowledgement number is also sent to your registered email address.
Can You Check the Status of Your PAN Card Without the Acknowledgement Number?
Yes, it is possible to check the current status of your PAN card even without the acknowledgement number. Below are some common methods you can use:
1. Checking via NSDL Website Using Name and Date of Birth
You can track your PAN status on the NSDL portal by following these steps:
- Go to the PAN services section of the NSDL or Income Tax Department website.
- Enter your personal details such as first name, middle name, and last name.
- Provide your date of birth/partnership deed/incorporation/agreement/association details, depending on the applicant type.
- Enter the captcha code shown on the screen.
- Click “Submit” to view the current status of your PAN application.
2. Checking via UTIITSL Portal Using Coupon Number
You can also use the UTIITSL website to track your PAN application status:
- Visit the UTIITSL official website and go to the PAN application tracking page.
- Enter your date of birth or relevant details (partnership deed/incorporation/agreement/association information).
- Provide your coupon number in the specified field.
- Fill in the captcha code shown on the screen.
- Click “Submit” to see your PAN card application status.
3. Tracking PAN Card Status via UTIITSL Portal Using PAN Number
You can also check the status of your PAN card application through the UTIITSL website with the help of your PAN number. The steps are as follows:
- Go to the official UTIITSL website and open the PAN application tracking page.
- Provide your date of birth, or in the case of entities, details like partnership deed, incorporation, agreement, or association information.
- If you have a GSTIN, enter it and click on the “Submit” button.
- The screen will display your registered mobile number and email ID. Verify the details carefully and choose the “Generate OTP” option.
- Enter the OTP received on your registered contact details in the given field and continue to the payment page.
- Pay the applicable fee using your preferred payment method.
- After successful payment, you will be given the option to either download your e-PAN card or check the current progress of your application.
4. Tracking PAN Card Status via SMS
Protean eGov Technologies Limited manages PAN and TAN applications on behalf of the Income Tax Department. To help applicants, they also provide an SMS-based service to check PAN card status.
Normally, you can track the status by sending an SMS with the word “PAN” followed by your 15-digit acknowledgement number to 3030. However, if you don’t have your acknowledgement number, you can contact Protean eGov Technologies Limited directly at 022-24994650 or reach out to Aaykar Sampark Kendra at 0124-2438000 for assistance.
Important Note
Whether you apply for a PAN card online or offline, a 15-digit acknowledgement number is automatically generated once your application is submitted. This number is always sent to your registered mobile number and email address. While there are alternative ways to track your PAN application without it, keeping your acknowledgement number safe is strongly recommended for future use.
FAQs on PAN Card Acknowledgement Number & Download
Q1. What is a PAN card acknowledgement number?
The PAN acknowledgement number is a unique 15-digit number generated when you submit your PAN card application. It helps you track your application and download the acknowledgement receipt.
Q2. How can I get my PAN card acknowledgement number?
Once you successfully submit your PAN application online or offline, the acknowledgement number is automatically generated and sent to your registered email ID and mobile number.
Q3. Can I download the acknowledgement number directly?
No, the acknowledgement number itself cannot be downloaded. However, you can download the acknowledgement receipt in PDF format, which contains this number.
Q4. What details are required to download the PAN acknowledgement receipt?
You generally need your application details such as your full name, date of birth/incorporation, and captcha verification to download the acknowledgement receipt.
Q5. Can I check my PAN card status without the acknowledgement number?
Yes, you can. PAN status can be checked using your name and date of birth on the NSDL portal or by using your PAN number or coupon number on the UTIITSL portal.
Q6. Is the acknowledgement number the same as the PAN number?
No. The acknowledgement number is a temporary 15-digit tracking number, while the PAN number is a permanent 10-character alphanumeric ID issued by the Income Tax Department.
Q7. What should I do if I lose my acknowledgement number?
If you misplace your acknowledgement number, you can retrieve it from your registered email or SMS, or by contacting NSDL/UTIITSL customer support.
Q8. Is the acknowledgement receipt required after receiving the PAN card?
The acknowledgement receipt is mainly used during the application and verification process. Once you receive your PAN card, keeping the acknowledgement is optional, but it is advisable to store it safely.