PAN cards issued in India do not have an expiry date. Once allotted, a PAN (Permanent Account Number) remains valid for a lifetime unless it is canceled or surrendered. However, if your PAN card is damaged, lost, or contains outdated information (e.g., name change or incorrect details), you may need to apply for a reprint or update PAN through the official NSDL or UTIITSL portal.

Why PAN Card Does Not Expire

1. Permanent Nature of PAN:

The PAN is a 10-digit alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department to uniquely identify taxpayers and facilitate seamless financial transactions. The word “Permanent” in PAN signifies that it is designed for lifetime use, irrespective of changes in age, address, or employment status.

2. No Expiry Policy:

PAN cards do not have an expiry date because they are not tied to time-sensitive factors like validity periods for visas or certifications. Once issued, they remain legally valid unless explicitly invalidated or canceled.

Situations That May Affect PAN Card Validity

Although PAN cards do not have an expiry date, certain situations may affect their usability:

  1. Non-Linkage with Aadhaar:
    • As per government mandates, linking your PAN with Aadhaar is mandatory. If you fail to link the two documents by the deadline, your PAN may become inoperative.
    • To check your linkage status, visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal and use the "Link Aadhaar Status" option.
    • You can reactivate an inoperative PAN by completing the linkage process, though a penalty of ₹1,000 might be applicable.
  2. Duplicate PAN Cancellation:
    • If a person inadvertently obtains multiple PAN cards, the government can cancel or deactivate one or more of them.
    • You can check whether your PAN is active by visiting the e-Filing portal and using the "Verify PAN" feature.
  3. Physical Damage or Loss:
  4. Incorrect or Outdated Information:
    • If your PAN card contains outdated or incorrect details (e.g., name changes after marriage, incorrect date of birth), you must update it to avoid discrepancies during official verifications or financial transactions.

How to Check if Your PAN is Active

If you are concerned about the validity of your PAN card or its status, follow these steps to verify it:

  1.  Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal: Go to the official website.

  2. Navigate to "Verify Your PAN": Under the "Quick Links" section, click on "Verify Your PAN."

  3. Enter Details: Input your PAN, full name, and date of birth. Complete the CAPTCHA verification.

  4. Check the Status: The system will display whether your PAN is active or inactive. 

Ensuring Lifetime Validity of Your PAN

To ensure your PAN remains valid for life, follow these steps:

  1. Link PAN with Aadhaar:
    Use the e-Filing portal to complete the linkage process. Failure to do so can result in the deactivation of your PAN.
  2. Update PAN Details When Required:
    If your personal information changes (e.g., name, address, or contact details), apply for updates through authorized providers like:
  3. Replace Lost or Damaged Cards:
    In case of loss or damage, you can request a duplicate PAN card while retaining the same number.
  4. Monitor for Duplicate PANs:
    If you unknowingly possess more than one PAN card, surrender the duplicate to avoid penalties. You can do this online through the e-Filing portal or by visiting an NSDL/UTIITSL center.

Key Takeaways

  • PAN cards do not expire and remain valid for a lifetime.
  • Ensure your PAN is linked with Aadhaar to maintain its operability.
  • Regularly check your PAN status online to confirm its validity.
  • Update or replace your PAN card promptly if details change or the card is lost/damaged.

By maintaining your PAN card in compliance with government requirements, you can ensure its uninterrupted use for tax filings, financial transactions, and other official purposes