How to apply for a PAN card?

The Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is a vital 10-digit alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department of India. This essential document serves as a universal financial identity for all your tax-related transactions.
Whether you're planning to file income tax returns, open a bank account, or conduct financial transactions above certain limits, having a PAN card is essential. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various application methods, required documentation, and fees involved in obtaining this indispensable financial document.

How to apply for a PAN card online?

The digital era has made it significantly easier to apply for an online PAN card from the comfort of your home. The online application process is straightforward, time-efficient, and accessible to all Indian citizens and foreign nationals residing in India.
There are primarily two authorised service providers through which you can find out how to apply for a PAN card online - the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) and UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited (UTIITSL).

Before initiating your online application, ensure you have scanned copies of the required documents for PAN Card, including identity proof, address proof, and a recent passport-size photograph. The digital format should be either JPEG or PDF with the appropriate file size (typically under 4MB for documents and under 300KB for photographs).

The online application process offers several advantages over the traditional offline method:

• Immediate acknowledgement of your application
• Convenient payment options through credit/debit cards, net banking, or UPI
• Real-time tracking of application status
• Faster processing time
• No need to visit physical centres or stand in queues

For those who have an Aadhaar card, the process becomes even simpler with Aadhaar-based e-KYC verification, which provides near real-time processing. This paperless method is not only environmentally friendly but also reduces the chances of errors in your application. Remember, though Aadhaar linkage with PAN is recommended, it's not mandatory for the initial application process.

How to apply for a PAN card online through the NSDL website?

The NSDL portal offers a user-friendly interface for PAN card applications. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide to apply for PAN Card through NSDL:

1. Visit the official NSDL website: Navigate to the TIN-NSDL portal dedicated to PAN services.

2. Select application type: Click on 'New PAN' under the Application Type section. If you're an Indian citizen, select 'Individual' as your category.

3. Choose applicant category: Select the appropriate category that applies to you (Individual, Company, Firm, etc.).

4. Fill out the online form: Complete the application form with accurate personal details, including:

• Full name (as it should appear on the PAN card)
• Father's name
• Date of birth
• Current residential address
• Contact information (mobile number and email address)
• Aadhaar number (optional but recommended)

5. Upload supporting documents:

• Recent passport-sized photograph (JPEG format, 200KB max)
• Scanned copies of identity proof (Aadhaar, passport, voter ID)
• Address proof (if different from ID proof)
• Date of birth proof (for minors)

6. Review application details: Carefully verify all information before PAN Card form submission, as corrections later will require a separate procedure.

7. Make payment: Pay the application fee online through various payment options, including credit/debit cards, net banking, or UPI.

8. Submit and track: After successful payment, you'll receive a 15-digit acknowledgement number. Save this number for tracking your application status.

The NSDL portal also offers additional services like PAN verification, status tracking, and downloading e-PAN cards. For applicants with a valid Aadhaar number, the NSDL website provides an Aadhaar e-KYC-based application facility that significantly speeds up the verification process.
Once your application is processed and approved, your physical PAN card will be dispatched to your registered address. You can also download an electronic version of your PAN card (e-PAN) immediately after approval, which carries the same validity as the physical card.

How to apply for a PAN card online through the UTIITSL website?

UTIITSL (UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited) is another authorised service provider for PAN card applications. The process to apply for a physical PAN card through UTIITSL is similar to NSDL but with slight variations in the interface.
Here are the steps for UTIITSL PAN Card registration:

1. Access the UTIITSL portal: Visit the official UTIITSL website dedicated to PAN card services.

2. Navigate to PAN services: Look for the 'Apply Online' option under PAN services.

3. Select application type: Choose 'New PAN - Indian Citizen (Form 49A)' for Indian residents or 'New PAN - Foreign Citizen (Form 49AA)' for foreign nationals.

4. Choose form category: Select the appropriate category based on your status (Individual, Company, Firm, etc.).

5. Complete the online form: Fill in all required fields with accurate information.

• Personal details (name, gender, date of birth)
• Contact information (mobile number, email address)
• Residential address
• Identity and address proof details
• Representative Assessee details (if applicable)
• Source of income

6. Document upload: Attach scanned copies of:

• Recent photograph
• Signature/thumb impression
• Identity proof
• Address proof
• Date of birth proof (if required)

7. Verification and submission: Review all entered details carefully to ensure accuracy before final submission.

8. Fee payment: Pay the application fee through available online payment methods (credit/debit cards, internet banking, UPI).

9. Confirmation and tracking: Upon successful payment, you'll receive an acknowledgement slip with a unique application number for tracking purposes.

The UTIITSL platform also offers additional features, including application status tracking, e-PAN download, and correction facilities. For applicants with an Aadhaar, the UTIITSL website offers an Aadhaar-based e-KYC verification option, which significantly simplifies the process.
One notable advantage of the UTIITSL portal is its user-friendly interface, which features clear instructions at each step, making it particularly suitable for first-time applicants.

How to apply for a PAN card offline?

While online PAN Card registrations are convenient, some individuals may prefer the traditional offline method to apply for a physical PAN card.

The offline new PAN Card process is as follows:

1. Obtain form 49A (for Indian citizens) or form 49AA (for foreign nationals) from NSDL or UTIITSL PAN service centres, income tax offices, or download it from their official websites.

2. Fill out the form with accurate details in block letters using black ink only.

3. Attach supporting documents, including identity proof, address proof, and date of birth proof, along with a recent passport-sized photograph.

4. Submit the completed form at any PAN service centre along with the application fee payment.

5. Collect the acknowledgement slip, which contains a unique reference number for tracking your application.

The offline method, while more time-consuming, may be preferred by those who aren't comfortable with online procedures or lack access to internet facilities.

Documents required for a PAN card

To know how to apply for a PAN card, you should also be aware of the documents generally required to be submitted:

• Identity proof: Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, driving licence
• Address proof: Utility bills, bank statements, property documents
• Date of birth proof: Birth certificate, passport
• Photograph: A recent passport-size photograph

Fees and charges to apply for a PAN card

The fee structure for PAN card applications varies based on the application method and document submission format:

Note: These charges are subject to change according to rules and regulations

Payment can be made through various modes, including credit/debit cards, net banking, UPI for online applications, and demand draft or cash for offline applications. It's worth noting that using Aadhaar for verification not only speeds up the process but also reduces the application cost.

For those looking to manage their finances efficiently, Axis Bank's Digital Savings Account offers seamless integration with your PAN and other financial documents, making tax-related transactions smoother.

How to make corrections/updates in PAN?

Even with careful application, errors might occur in your PAN card details that need correction. The process to update or correct information on your PAN card is straightforward:

1. Visit the service provider website (NSDL or UTIITSL) and select the  'Changes or Correction in PAN Data' option.

2. Fill out the correction form with your existing PAN number and the details that need correction. You can request changes to various fields, including:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Father's name
• Address
• Photograph
• Signature
• Gender
• Contact details

3. Upload supporting documents as evidence for the requested changes. For instance, if you're changing your name, you'll need to provide legal name change documents.

4. Pay the correction fee, which is typically the same as a new PAN application (₹110 for Indian residents).

5. Submit the application and note down the acknowledgement number for future reference.

The correction process takes 10–15 working days, after which you will get an updated PAN card at your registered address. Major changes, such as date of birth, require additional verification. For name changes resulting from marriage or legal reasons, provide a marriage certificate or a gazette notification. Also, update PAN details across linked financial institutions for consistency.

Conclusion

A PAN card establishes your financial identity in India. Whether you apply for an online PAN card through NSDL or UTIITSL or prefer the offline route, the process is simple and convenient. Remember, your PAN card is a key document in your financial journey, so provide accurate information during the application.

By following this guide, you’ll learn how to get a PAN card and take a key step towards organised financial management and tax compliance.

Also Read: Benefit more with your NRI PAN card

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I track PAN card delivery?

You can track your PAN card delivery status by visiting the NSDL or UTIITSL website and entering your 15-digit acknowledgement number. Alternatively, you can send an SMS in the specified format to the designated tracking number provided during the application.

How many days does a PAN card take to be processed?

Typically, a PAN card takes 10-15 working days to be processed and delivered after successful verification. Applications with Aadhaar e-KYC verification may be processed faster, sometimes within 7-10 working days. The e-PAN is usually available for download immediately after approval.

Does PAN card expire?

No, a PAN card does not have an expiry date. Once issued, it remains valid throughout your lifetime unless cancelled by the Income Tax Department due to specific reasons, such as duplicate PAN detection or fraudulent information.

Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for informational purposes. The views expressed in this article are personal. Axis Bank and/or the author shall not be liable for any direct or indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader arising from reliance on the content herein. Readers are advised to consult a qualified financial advisor before making any financial decisions. Axis Bank does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of any third-party content or links included in this article.