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PAN stands for Permanent Account Number and is a unique identification number issued by the Income Tax department of India to identify every taxpayer in the country. Your PAN holds all your tax-related information in one place, and as your PAN card links all your financial transactions to you, it allows the Income Tax Department to maintain a detailed record of all the same. Therefore, the system helps thwart tax evasion extensively.
PAN is not only a card necessary to file IT returns, but you also need it for several other reasons such as to open a bank account, when applying for a debit/credit card, when applying for loans, when starting an FD, and for insurance payments. You can use it as a proof of identity and you have to mandatorily furnish it when initiating a foreign currency exchange. Moreover, submitting a copy of your PAN card is essential when you’re buying/selling vehicles, property, and even when you’re purchasing jewellery.
The PAN Card is not only issued to individuals. Companies and partnership firms can also avail a PAN Card and it becomes mandatory for such entities to have a PAN number when they are filing their income tax returns. Even in the case of individuals, minors, students and Non-Resident Indians can also apply for PAN Card online.
Applying for a PAN Card
If you are wondering how to make a PAN card, you can do so easily by submitting your application to TIN-FC or an NSDL PAN centre. NSDL also accepts applications online and has a step-by-step procedure on how to apply for PAN card online. Whether you want to know how to apply for a new PAN card or wish to correct your existing one, TIN-NSDL enables you to do so conveniently from the comfort of your home.
The process of how to apply for a PAN card online is very simple. All you have to do is follow the below-mentioned simple steps and fill in the necessary details and upload documents on the official website of TIN-NSDL. Once you complete the steps, the physical copy of your PAN card will be delivered to you within 15 days. Here is the stepwise procedure on how to get a PAN card online.
Step 1: Go to the official website of TIN-NSDL and navigate to the PAN section under ‘Services’ to apply online. Here, fill in the details like application type (Form 49A for Indian citizens), category (individual), title (Shri/Smt/Kumari), your name, date of birth, and contact details. Enter the CAPTCHA code and click on the ‘Submit’ button. Note the token number generated, and proceed with the PAN application.
Step 2: You will now be redirected to a page where you will have three options using which you need to submit the documents for your PAN card application. Here you can either submit the documents digitally using e-KYC and e-sign, submit scanned images via e-sign or forward documents physically. Once you decide on the document submission process, fill in the details in the form after reading the instructions carefully and then click on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 3: At the next step you will have to fill in the details related to your source of income, address, as well as your contact information. You have the facility of saving the information at this stage by clicking on ‘Save Draft’.
Step 4: This step requires you to enter your AO (Assessing Officer) details to assess the tax jurisdiction you qualify for. You will find this information on the same page. After filling the details, click on ‘Next’.
Step 5: Finally, enter information about the documents you have submitted as proof of your identity, address, and date of birth. You will also be asked to upload your photograph and signature. Do this and click on the ‘Submit’ button.
After submitting the application and making the payment, you will get an OTP on your mobile number linked to your Aadhaar. Upon entering the OTP, print the receipt with the 15-digit acknowledgement number. Sign this receipt and send it to the NSDL office via courier or post within 15 days from the application date. Subscribe the envelope with ‘APPLICATION FOR PAN-N- (15-digit acknowledgement number)’.
How to Check PAN Card Status
Know your PAN status – One can track PAN Card status online after the applicant has applied for it. The PAN Card application status can be tracked where the PAN status shows whether the card has been issued or not or if it is currently in transit. The applicant can check PAN Card status or check the UTI PAN card status/NSDL PAN card status on the respective websites. The UTI PAN Card status is available on UTIITSL and the NSDL PAN status is available on the NSDL website and both show the respective PAN application statuses. The status of PAN Card can thus be tracked online and one can figure out the online PAN Card status by name and date of birth entered in the websites.
Making changes in a PAN Card - Existing PAN cardholders can make changes on their existing PAN Card details while at the same time retaining the PAN Number. Any correction in the details contained in the PAN Card can also be made using this procedure. For this, a PAN Card update or correction form needs to be filled and submitted to the relevant authority.
Important Points to Remember in PAN Card Application
- Fill in all the details as per the identity and address proof documents you are submitting.
- Get your thumb impression attested by a Magistrate/Notary before submitting the form, to avoid disqualification.
- Write the complete address and provide accurate contact details in the form.
- Fill in the application form in capital letters.
- Don't make corrections or over-write anywhere on the form.
- Do not use initials in the first name or last name columns.
- Do not apply for a new PAN card if your old PAN card is lost/stolen/defaced. Request for a duplicate PAN instead.
Pan Card Application FAQs
1. How long does it take to get a new PAN card?
PAN card can now be applied online and after submitting all the details it needs now just 2-3 days to get your card. You can follow the instructions mentioned in the article above to get the PAN card within a week.
2. How do I get the PAN application form?
You can get the PAN application form at the PAN centre. Alternatively, you can download PAN application form 49A or 49AA online from TIN NSDL website.
3. How much does a PAN card application cost?
You do not have to pay any charge for PAN card application form. However, a charge of Rs 107 has to be paid by applicants residing in India and Rs 1017 by those residing outside India for PAN card.
4. Where should the PAN Card application form be submitted?
The PAN card application form has to be sent to: Income Tax PAN Services Unit, NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited, 5th Floor, Mantri Sterling, Plot No. 341, Survey No. 997/8, Model Colony, Near Deep Bungalow Chowk, Pune – 411 016
5. How do I check the status of my PAN Card application?
You can track the status of your Pan online by visiting
6. How long does it take to get a PAN card?
It takes around 45 days from the time of your application for PAN to the day when your PAN card reaches your residential address. However, in some cases, the timeframe may increase.
7. Will I get an acknowledgement when I submit my PAN application form at a TIN-FC?
Yes, you will receive an acknowledgement that contains a unique 15-digit number.
End Note
The process of how to apply for a PAN card online is very simple. All you have to do is follow the above-mentioned simple steps and fill in the necessary details and upload documents on the official website of TIN-NSDL. Once you complete the steps, the physical copy of your PAN card will be delivered to you within 15 days.