A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is not just a card — it’s your unique financial identity in India. Issued by the Income Tax Department of India, PAN serves as a universal identification key for all financial transactions. Whether you are opening a bank account, filing income tax returns, buying or selling property, or investing in mutual funds — a PAN card is mandatory.
In today’s digital world, applying for a PAN card has become quick, easy, and fully online. You no longer need to visit any office or stand in long queues. The government has authorized two major portals — Protean (formerly NSDL) and UTIITSL — for applying online.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything from eligibility, required documents, online application process, fees, tracking, downloading e-PAN, and even how to make corrections — all explained step-by-step.
🧾 What is a PAN Card?
PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a 10-character alphanumeric code (like ABCDE1234F) issued to every individual or entity by the Income Tax Department under the Income Tax Act, 1961.
This code uniquely identifies your financial records across the country. It ensures that all your tax-related transactions are linked under one identification number, helping the government track income and prevent tax evasion.
🧍♂️ Who Can Apply for a PAN Card?
PAN cards can be obtained by:
| Category | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Indian Citizens | Any Indian resident above 18 years old (including minors with a guardian) |
| Foreign Citizens | Individuals or companies earning income in India |
| Companies / Firms | All registered companies, partnerships, trusts, and NGOs operating in India |
| HUF (Hindu Undivided Family) | Through the Karta (head of family) |
| Minors | Can apply through parents or guardians |
🔍 Types of PAN Application Forms
| Form | Applicable To | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Form 49A | Indian Citizens, Companies, Trusts | For residents of India |
| Form 49AA | Foreign Citizens or Entities | For non-residents or foreign organizations |
| Correction/Change Form | Existing PAN Holders | To update or correct PAN details |
🌐 Official Websites to Apply for PAN Card Online
You can apply for a PAN card through either of these two official portals:
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🔗 Protean (formerly NSDL e-Gov): https://www.protean-tinpan.com
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🔗 UTIITSL (UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited): https://www.pan.utiitsl.com
Both portals are recognized by the Income Tax Department and follow the same process and guidelines.
🧭 Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for PAN Card Online (2025)
Let’s go through the entire process step by step, so even first-time users can apply easily:
🪙 Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Choose one of the two:
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Protean NSDL: https://www.protean-tinpan.com
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UTIITSL: https://www.pan.utiitsl.com
Both sites have dedicated sections for new PAN registration, correction, and reprint.
🪙 Step 2: Choose Application Type
Once on the site:
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Select “Apply Online”
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Then choose “New PAN – Indian Citizen (Form 49A)”
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If you are a foreign applicant, select Form 49AA
Click “Proceed” to move forward.
🪙 Step 3: Fill Out the PAN Application Form
You’ll now see a form where you need to fill in personal details. Be accurate, as even a small error can delay approval.
Information required:
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Full Name (as per Aadhaar or proof document)
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Father’s/Mother’s Name
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Gender
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Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY)
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Mobile Number
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Email ID
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Aadhaar Number
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Address (Residential or Office)
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Source of Income (Salary, Business, etc.)
💡 Tip: Always use the same name as on Aadhaar to ensure e-KYC verification works smoothly.
🪙 Step 4: Choose Application Mode
You’ll be given three options:
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| e-KYC (Paperless) | Details auto-filled from Aadhaar, e-sign using OTP |
| Scan-based Submission | Upload scanned documents manually |
| Physical Submission | Send signed acknowledgment form with documents by post |
Recommendation: Use the e-KYC (Aadhaar based) method for fastest processing — no need to send physical documents.
🪙 Step 5: Upload Required Documents
You’ll need to provide valid proofs for identity, address, and date of birth.
| Document Type | Accepted Proofs |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity (POI) | Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License |
| Proof of Address (POA) | Aadhaar Card, Bank Statement, Electricity Bill, Rent Agreement |
| Proof of Date of Birth (DOB) | Birth Certificate, Passport, SSC Certificate, PAN Allotment Letter |
📎 Note: If you choose Aadhaar-based e-KYC, you don’t need to upload these separately.
🪙 Step 6: Upload Photograph & Signature
You’ll need to upload:
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A passport-size color photograph (JPEG format, up to 50 KB)
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A scanned signature (JPEG format, up to 20 KB)
Ensure:
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The photo has a plain background
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The signature is on white paper using black/blue ink
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Both are clear and legible
🪙 Step 7: Pay the Application Fee
You can pay online using credit/debit card, net banking, UPI, or demand draft.
| Category | Fee (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Indian Communication Address | ₹93 + GST |
| Foreign Communication Address | ₹864 + GST |
Once payment is successful, you’ll get a transaction ID and acknowledgment number.
🪙 Step 8: Submit & Verify Application
After payment:
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Review all details carefully
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Click on Submit
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If you opted for e-KYC, you’ll receive an OTP on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number for e-Signature.
Once verified, you’ll receive a confirmation message, and your application is officially submitted.
🪙 Step 9: Send Documents (if applicable)
If you didn’t choose e-KYC mode, download the acknowledgment form (PDF), print it, attach photo & signature, and send it with copies of required documents to the designated address.
Address for NSDL:
Income Tax PAN Services Unit,
Protean eGov Technologies Ltd,
5th Floor, Mantri Sterling, Plot No. 341, Survey No. 997/8,
Model Colony, Near Deep Bungalow Chowk, Pune – 411016, India.
Address for UTIITSL:
UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Ltd,
PAN Department, Plot No. 3, Sector 11, CBD Belapur,
Navi Mumbai – 400614.
Send by speed post or registered post only.
🧾 PAN Card Processing Time
| Mode | Average Time |
|---|---|
| e-KYC / Aadhaar-based | 5–7 working days |
| Physical / Scan Submission | 10–15 working days |
Once processed, your PAN number is generated and emailed, and the physical card is dispatched to your address.
💳 How to Download e-PAN Card Online
Once your PAN is approved, you can download the e-PAN (digital PAN card) anytime for free.
🔹 Option 1: From Income Tax e-Filing Portal
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Click on “Instant e-PAN”
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Enter your Aadhaar Number
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Verify OTP
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Download your e-PAN instantly
🔹 Option 2: From NSDL or UTIITSL Portal
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Visit the portal you used for application
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Click Download e-PAN
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Enter acknowledgment number and date of birth
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Verify via OTP
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Download the e-PAN in PDF format
💡 The first download is free, but subsequent downloads may require a small fee.
🧩 PAN Card Structure Explained
A PAN looks like this: ABCDE1234F
| Section | Meaning |
|---|---|
| First 3 Letters | Alphabetic series |
| 4th Character | Type of PAN Holder (P=Individual, C=Company, F=Firm, H=HUF, T=Trust) |
| 5th Character | First letter of surname or entity name |
| 6th–9th Characters | Random numbers |
| 10th Character | Check digit |
Example: For an individual named Ravi Kumar, PAN could be ABCPK1234L.
📊 Why PAN Card is Important
| Purpose | Usage |
|---|---|
| Income Tax Filing | Mandatory for filing ITR |
| Banking | Required to open a bank or Demat account |
| Property Transactions | Needed for buying/selling property above ₹10 lakh |
| Investments | Required for mutual funds, stocks, or bonds |
| Business Registration | Essential for GST and company registration |
| Loan / Credit Card | Used for identity and income verification |
🧮 Difference Between e-PAN and Physical PAN
| Feature | e-PAN | Physical PAN |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Digital (PDF) | Plastic Card |
| Validity | Fully Valid | Fully Valid |
| Delivery | Instant | 5–15 Days |
| Cost | Free (1st time) | Included in Application Fee |
| Use | Online and Offline | Offline |
🔄 How to Make Corrections or Update PAN Details
If you need to correct your name, date of birth, address, or photograph, you can apply for a PAN Correction online.
Steps:
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Visit NSDL PAN Correction Form
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Choose “Changes or Correction in PAN Data”
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Enter your PAN and Aadhaar
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Update details and upload proof documents
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Pay correction fee
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Submit and e-sign or send documents
You’ll receive an updated PAN card after verification.
💡 Common Reasons for PAN Rejection
| Reason | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Mismatch between Aadhaar and PAN details | Always double-check names, DOB, and gender |
| Blurry or incorrect photo/signature | Upload clear images in proper format |
| Invalid documents | Use only government-approved proofs |
| Payment failure | Retry or use a different payment mode |
🧠 Tips for Smooth PAN Application
✅ Use Aadhaar-based e-KYC for faster approval.
✅ Keep scanned copies of all documents ready before starting.
✅ Avoid spelling errors in your name.
✅ Always use an active mobile number and email ID.
✅ Save your acknowledgment number immediately after submission.
✅ Track your PAN application regularly until delivery.
📞 PAN Card Helpline & Support
If you face any issues, you can contact:
Protean NSDL Helpdesk:
📞 020 – 27218080
📧 tininfo@protean.in
UTIITSL Helpdesk:
📞 1800 266 0310
📧 utiitsl.gsthelpdesk@utiitsl.com
📦 How to Track PAN Card Status
After submitting your application:
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Enter your Acknowledgment Number
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Click Submit
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You’ll see your current application status (Under Process / Approved / Dispatched)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I apply for a PAN card without Aadhaar ?
➡ No. Aadhaar is now mandatory for all PAN applications in India.
Q2. Is the e-PAN valid everywhere?
➡ Yes. e-PAN is as legally valid as the physical card.
Q3. Can a student apply for a PAN card?
➡ Yes. Students above 18 years can apply using Aadhaar or school ID as proof.
Q4. What to do if I lose my PAN card?
➡ Apply for a duplicate/reprint PAN using your existing PAN number on NSDL/UTIITSL site.
Q5. Can I hold two PAN cards?
➡ No. Holding more than one PAN card is illegal and punishable under the Income Tax Act.
Applying for a PAN card online has become incredibly simple, secure, and efficient. With Aadhaar-based e-KYC, you can get your PAN in just a few days without any paperwork or office visits.
Having a PAN card is not just about taxation — it’s your key to India’s financial ecosystem. Whether you are starting a job, business, or investing for the future, a PAN card is your first step toward building a verified financial identity.
So, don’t delay — visit www.protean-tinpan.com or www.pan.utiitsl.com and apply today!
