A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a mandatory 10-digit alphanumeric identifier issued by the Indian Income Tax Department. It is essential for financial activities like opening bank accounts, receiving taxable salary, or high-value transactions. This guide covers all authorized platforms and offline methods to apply for a PAN card.
Documents Required for PAN Application
- Proof of Identity (POI): Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License.
- Proof of Address (POA): Aadhaar Card, Utility bills (not older than 3 months), or Bank statement.
- Date of Birth (DOB) Proof: Birth certificate, Matriculation certificate, or Aadhaar.
Method 1: Online via Protean (Formerly NSDL e-Gov)
Protean is the primary authorized service provider for PAN. Their portal is fast and secure.
- Visit the official Protean PAN Portal.
- Select 'New PAN - Indian Citizen (Form 49A)' and category as 'Individual'.
- Fill in personal details to receive a temporary Token Number.
- Choose 'Submit digitally through e-KYC' for a paperless process (Aadhaar OTP required).
- Pay the application fee (₹107 for physical card inside India).
Method 2: Online via UTIITSL Portal
UTIITSL is another government-authorized agency for PAN issuance.
- Go to the UTIITSL PAN Portal.
- Click on 'Apply for New PAN Card (Form 49A)'.
- Fill out the digital application form.
- Upload scanned copies of documents or use Aadhaar-based e-Sign.
- Complete the payment and note the Application Coupon Number for tracking.
Method 3: Instant e-PAN via Income Tax e-Filing Portal
If you have an Aadhaar linked to a mobile number and need a PAN immediately for free:
- Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal.
- Under 'Quick Links', select 'Instant e-PAN'.
- Enter your Aadhaar number and validate with OTP.
- A digital e-PAN will be generated within 10 minutes. Note: This is a digital-only card.
Method 4: Offline Application Process
If you prefer the manual way or don't have an Aadhaar-linked mobile:
- Download Form 49A from the Protean or UTIITSL website.
- Fill the form in black ink using block letters.
- Affix two passport-size photos and sign across them as per instructions.
- Attach self-attested copies of POI, POA, and DOB proofs.
- Submit the set at your nearest PAN Center (TIN-FC). Find your nearest center on the Protean website.
FAQ
How much does a PAN card cost?
For a physical card dispatched within India, the fee is ₹107. For e-PAN only, it is ₹72 (via Protean/UTIITSL) or Free (via e-Filing portal).
What is the penalty for holding two PAN cards?
As per Section 272B of the Income Tax Act, a penalty of ₹10,000 can be levied for possessing more than one PAN.