PAN Card Status
Apply, check status, download e-PAN & link with Aadhaar
Check PAN Application Status
If you have applied for a new PAN or correction/reprint:
Go to tin.tin.nsdl.com/pantan/StatusTrack.html (for NSDL/Protean applications) or utiitsl.com (for UTIITSL applications)
Select "PAN - New/Change Request" as the application type
Enter your 15-digit acknowledgment number from your application receipt
Enter the CAPTCHA and click "Submit"
View your application status: Received, Under Process, Dispatched, etc.
Download e-PAN Card (Free)
Visit eportal.incometax.gov.in (Income Tax e-filing portal)
Click on "Instant e-PAN" under Quick Links
Click "Check Status / Download PAN"
Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and verify with OTP
Download your e-PAN card as a PDF (free of cost, valid as official PAN)
How to Apply for New PAN Card
There are two ways to get a new PAN card:
Instant e-PAN (Free, Aadhaar-based)
If you have a valid Aadhaar with an updated mobile number, you can get an instant e-PAN in 10 minutes at no cost. Visit the Income Tax portal and click "Instant e-PAN" > "Get New e-PAN".
Regular PAN Application (INR 107)
Apply through NSDL/Protean portal using Form 49A (for Indians) or Form 49AA (for foreign citizens). Fee is INR 107 (for Indian address delivery) or INR 1,017 (for foreign address). Physical card delivered in 15-20 days.
Documents required: Identity proof (Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID), address proof, date of birth proof, and a passport-size photograph. For instant e-PAN, only Aadhaar is needed.
Link PAN with Aadhaar
PAN-Aadhaar linking is mandatory. If not linked, your PAN becomes inoperative, meaning you cannot:
- File income tax returns
- Receive tax refunds
- Open new demat or bank accounts
- Do financial transactions above INR 50,000
Go to eportal.incometax.gov.in
Click "Link Aadhaar" in Quick Links
Enter your PAN, Aadhaar number, and name exactly as per Aadhaar
Pay the late linking fee of INR 1,000 via challan
Verify via OTP and submit. Linking takes 2-3 working days.
PAN 2.0 - What You Need to Know
The Indian government has approved the PAN 2.0 project, a major upgrade to the PAN ecosystem. Here is what is changing:
- QR code on PAN cards: New PAN cards will feature a dynamic QR code for instant verification, reducing fraud.
- Common Business Identifier: PAN will serve as a universal business identifier across government systems (GST, Customs, etc.).
- Free upgrades: Existing PAN card holders will receive the updated PAN 2.0 card for free. No need to reapply.
- Digital-first: e-PAN will be the default, with physical cards available on request.
- Unified portal: All PAN services (NSDL, UTIITSL, Income Tax) will be consolidated into a single portal.
- Enhanced security: Better encryption, paperless processes, and reduced turnaround time for all PAN services.
The rollout is expected to be completed by mid-2026. Your existing PAN number will remain the same -- only the card format and systems will be upgraded.
Understanding Your PAN Number
PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a 10-character alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department. Here is what each character means:
- Characters 1-3: Alphabetic series (AAA to ZZZ)
- Character 4: Type of holder -- P (Person), C (Company), H (HUF), F (Firm), A (AOP), T (Trust), B (BOI), L (Local Authority), J (Artificial Juridical Person), G (Government)
- Character 5: First letter of the surname (for individuals) or entity name
- Characters 6-9: Sequential numbers (0001-9999)
- Character 10: Alphabetic check digit
Example: ABCPD1234E -- ABC is the series, P means Person, D is the first letter of surname, 1234 is the sequence, E is the check digit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than one PAN card?
No. Having more than one PAN is illegal and attracts a penalty of INR 10,000 under Section 272B of the Income Tax Act. If you have duplicate PANs, surrender the extra one through the NSDL portal.
How long does it take to get a PAN card?
Instant e-PAN takes 10 minutes. Regular applications through NSDL/UTIITSL take 15-20 working days for physical card delivery. You can track status with your acknowledgment number.
Do minors need a PAN card?
Minors need PAN only if they have taxable income (e.g., from investments in their name). A parent/guardian can apply on behalf of the minor using Form 49A.
What if my name on PAN does not match Aadhaar?
You need to correct the name on either PAN or Aadhaar so they match. For PAN correction, apply through NSDL portal using the "Changes or Correction in existing PAN" option (fee: INR 107).