Generic

How to check if a PAN card is active or not

4 min read

Feb 10, 2026

19 Views

The PAN card is an important financial document in India. It is needed in investments, property, and banking. Thus, it’s important to know how to check if the PAN card is active or not. Read on to learn simple ways to check PAN card status - active or not.

Importance of checking PAN card status

Your PAN card is used for various financial purposes. Hence, when you verify the PAN Card validity, you can check if your PAN is active and available to use in any transaction.

It also ensures that your PAN is linked to your Aadhaar, as per the prevailing tax regulations. If you have applied for a new PAN or reprinted your PAN, a PAN Card status check helps you track its delivery.

At times, your personal information, such as your name or date of birth, might require corrections. The income tax PAN Card verification ensures that these corrections are updated correctly.

Lastly, it assists in identifying any unauthorised usage of your PAN in another taxpayer's return.Understanding how to check if PAN is active or not is a smart thing to do to secure your financial identity

Reasons to check PAN card status

An inactive PAN card can cause some issues, such as:

Simple tasks like opening a bank or Demat account,applying for a Credit Card,or carrying high-value cash deposits will not be possible.
Investment in Mutual Funds,purchase of bonds, or foreign currency exchange will not be allowed.
TDS and TCS will be cut at a higher rate. Refunds will get delayed too, and no interest will be paid for the same.
Property transactions over ₹10 lakhs, and purchase of four-wheelers will be restricted

Therefore, learning how to check PAN card active or inactive is more than just a precaution—it’s financial protection. It can help you avoid the PAN Card deactivation status so that the card is accessible at all times.

Methods to check if the PAN card is active or not

Given below are some easy ways to know how to check if PAN is active or not:

Through the income tax portal

If you are wondering how to verify PAN online, the income tax portal can simplify the task. Visit the Income Tax e-filing website. Go to ‘Verify your PAN’ under ‘Quick links’. Enter your PAN, name, birth date, and mobile number. On submitting the form, the portal will show your PAN’s current status.

Through your ITR profile

Another process for the PAN Card validity check online is when filing taxes. Log in to your e-filing account. Choose ‘My profile’ under ‘My account’. The status will appear under 'PAN details' as active or inactive. If inactive, you can also link your PAN with Aadhaar through this portal.

Via SMS

Use your registered mobile to send an SMS in this format: UTIITSLPANyour 10-digit PAN number. Send it to 567678 or 57575. Your current PAN status will be sent via SMS.

Offline

Visit any nearby PAN service centre (NSDL/UTIITSL). Fill out a request form to check the PAN number status. You must submit self-attested copies of needed documents. You can also try toll-free IVR services for updates via call

What to do if your PAN card is inactive?

If your PAN is not active, you need to take the following proactive actions to avert delays in tax payment or financial transactions:

Step 1: Send a written letter to your jurisdictional Assessing Officer (AO) asking for reactivation of PAN.
Step 2:Along with your letter, send these documents:

A copy of the PAN card that you use while filing returns.
An Indemnity Bond in favour of the Income Tax Department.
Duplicates of the previous three years' ITR submitted under the inactive PAN.

After sending a request to the AO, it takes roughly 10 to 15 days for the PAN to be reactivated. You may also reach out to your AO for follow-up or support throughout this time.

Conclusion

Your PAN card should be active at all times to facilitate easy financial operations. A quick verification can prevent you from being penalised, delayed, or having blocked transactions. Still wondering "How to check if my PAN card is active or not?" Use the income tax website, SMS, or offline methods to remain updated.

Also Read: Difference between NRI PAN Card & Normal PAN Card

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an inactive PAN card be reactivated?

Yes. Write a request letter to your local Assessing Officer and attach documents like a copy of your PAN, an Indemnity Bond, and ITRs from the last three years. It will take 10–15 days for the card to be reactivated.

What details are required to verify if my PAN is active?

You’ll just need a few basic things—your PAN number, full name as on PAN, your date of birth, and the mobile number linked to it. Open the Income Tax e-filing website and enter the details. It’ll tell you right away if your PAN is active or not.

Will I get a notification if my PAN is inactive?

You might not get a notification if your PAN has been marked inactive. You can, however, check whether your PAN card is active or not through the income tax department's website.

Is it mandatory to link PAN with Aadhaar to keep it active?

Yes, unless you're exempt, PAN must be linked with Aadhaar. If it was not linked by 30th June, 2023, your PAN may be inactive, which can affect financial transactions. Simply follow the steps mentioned above to reactivate your PAN card.

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.