How to Apply for a PAN Card Online in India (Step-by-Step Guide)

A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a 10-character alphanumeric ID issued by the Income Tax Department. You need it to file income tax returns, open a bank or demat account, invest in mutual funds, buy high-value assets and more. The good news: you can apply for one entirely online, and sometimes in minutes.

Three ways to apply for a PAN card online

You can apply online through the free instant e-PAN on the Income Tax e-filing portal, or through the authorised providers Protean (formerly NSDL e-Gov) and UTIITSL, which charge a small fee of roughly Rs 72–107.

Method 1: Instant e-PAN with Aadhaar (free)

Anyone with a valid Aadhaar who doesn't already have a PAN can apply for an instant e-PAN without filling in a form or submitting documents. The e-PAN is generated from your Aadhaar data (name, date of birth, mobile number and address), so check your Aadhaar details before applying.

Steps

1. Go to the Income Tax e-filing portal and click Instant e-PAN under Quick Links.
2. Select Get New e-PAN and enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
3. Accept the consent declarations and request the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile.
4. Enter the OTP, review your Aadhaar details and submit.
5. Note the 15-digit acknowledgement number. Download the e-PAN from the portal using it; a copy is also sent to your registered email.

Method 2: Apply through Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL

Choose this route if you don't have Aadhaar or want a physical card.

1. Open the Protean PAN portal (linked from the Income Tax site) and choose New PAN — Indian Citizen, or visit the UTIITSL PAN portal.
2. Fill in Form 49A online with your name, date of birth, address, contact details and Aadhaar number if you have one.
3. Upload or submit proof of identity, address and date of birth.
4. Pay the fee online by net banking, card or UPI.
5. Save your acknowledgement number and use it to track the application.
6. Complete e-KYC or e-sign if prompted. Otherwise, print the acknowledgement and post it with documents if the portal asks you to.

What is PAN 2.0?

If you already have a PAN, you don't need to apply again. PAN 2.0 is an optional upgrade that adds a QR code for quick verification and better security. It supports both digital and physical formats, and a physical card costs a nominal Rs 50 for domestic delivery.

Documents and details you'll need

• Aadhaar number with an active linked mobile number (instant route)
• Proof of identity, address and date of birth (Form 49A route). Aadhaar, passport, driving licence and voter ID are accepted as identity proof
• Scanned photo and signature (Form 49A route)
• A valid email ID and mobile number

PAN card fees

• Instant e-PAN via Income Tax portal: free
• New PAN via Protean or UTIITSL: roughly Rs 72–107
• Physical card reprint (domestic delivery): about Rs 50

How to check your PAN application status

• Instant e-PAN: Income Tax portal → Instant e-PAN → Check Status, using your Aadhaar number.
• Protean / UTIITSL: use the “Track Application Status” option with your acknowledgement number.

Common mistakes that cause rejection

• Name or date of birth that doesn't match across documents. If Aadhaar has an error, correct it first.
• Using unofficial websites or agents who charge extra. Use only incometax.gov.in, Protean or UTIITSL.
• Applying when you already have a PAN. Holding more than one PAN is an offence, with a penalty of up to Rs 10,000.
• Using a mobile number that isn't linked to Aadhaar, so the OTP never arrives.

Frequently asked questions