How to Apply for PAN Card Online ā Step-by-Step Guide
Complete guide to apply for a new PAN card online via NSDL and UTIITSL. Documents, fees, step-by-step process, and tracking.
What is a PAN Card?
PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a 10-character alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It is essential for filing taxes, opening bank accounts, and any financial transaction above ā¹50,000.
Who is Eligible?
- Indian citizens (individuals)
- Hindu Undivided Families (HUF)
- Companies registered in India
- Partnership firms and LLPs
- Trusts, associations, and societies
- Foreign citizens earning income in India
- Minors (through guardian/representative)
Note: Every person can hold only ONE PAN card. Having multiple PANs is illegal and attracts a penalty of ā¹10,000.
Documents Required
For Indian Individuals (Form 49A)
Proof of Identity (any one):
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID
- Passport
- Driving License
- Ration Card with photo
- Arm's License
- Photo ID issued by Central/State Government
Proof of Address (any one):
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID
- Passport
- Post Office Passbook
- Electricity / Water / Gas Bill (not older than 3 months)
- Bank Account Statement (not older than 6 months)
- Property Registration Document
Proof of Date of Birth (any one):
- Aadhaar Card
- Birth Certificate
- Matriculation Certificate
- Passport
- Driving License
Aadhaar shortcut: If you have Aadhaar, you can use it as all three proofs (identity + address + DOB). This makes the process much faster.
Step-by-Step Process ā Online (Recommended)
Method 1: Via NSDL (Protean) Portal
Step 1: Visit the NSDL PAN Portal
Go to onlineservices.nsdl.com
Step 2: Select Application Type
- Choose "New PAN - Indian Citizen (Form 49A)"
- For foreign citizens, choose Form 49AA
Step 3: Fill Personal Details
Enter your name, date of birth, email, and mobile number. You'll receive a token number on your email.
Step 4: Complete the Full Form
Using the token number, fill in:
- Source of income
- Address details
- Contact information
- AO (Assessing Officer) code ā the portal auto-fills this based on your area
Step 5: Upload Documents
- Scan and upload identity, address, and DOB proof
- Upload a recent passport-size photo
- Upload signature scan
Step 6: Choose e-KYC or Physical Submission
- e-KYC (Aadhaar-based): Instant verification via OTP ā fastest method
- Physical: Print, sign, and mail the form with documents to NSDL office
Step 7: Make Payment
Pay the application fee online (credit/debit card, net banking, UPI).
Step 8: Submit and Note Acknowledgment Number
Save the 15-digit acknowledgment number for tracking.
Method 2: Via UTIITSL Portal
Step 1: Visit pan.utiitsl.com
Step 2: Click "Apply for New PAN Card"
Step 3: Fill Form 49A and upload documents
Step 4: Pay fees and submit
Step 5: Note token/coupon number for tracking
Instant e-PAN (Free via Aadhaar)
If you have Aadhaar linked to your mobile number:
- Visit incometax.gov.in
- Click "Instant e-PAN"
- Enter Aadhaar number
- Verify via OTP
- e-PAN generated instantly ā download as PDF
This is the fastest method. No documents needed. Completely free.
Offline Process
- Download Form 49A from NSDL or UTIITSL website
- Fill the form in BLOCK LETTERS using black ink
- Paste two recent passport-size photographs
- Attach self-attested copies of identity, address, and DOB proof
- Submit at nearest PAN center or UTIITSL collection center
- Pay fees at the counter
- Collect acknowledgment receipt
Find nearest center: tin.tin.nsdl.com/pancenter
Fees
| Service | Indian Address | Foreign Address |
|---|---|---|
| New PAN (e-KYC / online) | ā¹107 (incl. GST) | ā¹1,017 (incl. GST) |
| New PAN (physical form) | ā¹107 (incl. GST) | ā¹1,017 (incl. GST) |
| Instant e-PAN via Income Tax Portal | Free | N/A |
| PAN Card Reprint | ā¹107 | ā¹1,017 |
Processing Time
- Instant e-PAN: Immediate (within minutes)
- e-KYC (Aadhaar OTP): 7-10 business days
- Online with documents: 15-20 business days
- Offline (physical form): 15-30 business days
How to Track PAN Application Status
NSDL: Visit tin.tin.nsdl.com/pantan/StatusTrack.html ā Enter acknowledgment number
UTIITSL: Visit pan.utiitsl.com ā "Track PAN Application" ā Enter coupon number
Important Tips
- Try Instant e-PAN first ā It's free and takes minutes if you have Aadhaar
- Keep your Aadhaar mobile number updated ā You'll need OTP for e-KYC
- Never apply for a second PAN ā Penalty of ā¹10,000 under Section 272B
- Link PAN with Aadhaar ā This is mandatory; unlinked PANs become inoperative
- Download e-PAN from incometax.gov.in as backup ā it's legally valid
FAQs
Q: Can I apply for PAN card without Aadhaar? A: Yes, you can use other identity documents like Passport or Voter ID. But the process is slower. For instant e-PAN, Aadhaar is mandatory.
Q: How long does it take to get PAN card? A: Instant e-PAN takes minutes. Regular online application takes 7-15 business days. Physical form submission takes 15-30 days.
Q: What is the cost of PAN card? A: ā¹107 (including GST) for Indian address delivery. Instant e-PAN via income tax portal is completely free.
Q: Can minors get a PAN card? A: Yes. A parent or guardian can apply on behalf of a minor. The minor's Aadhaar or birth certificate is required.
Q: What if I already have a PAN and apply again? A: Having two PANs is illegal. Surrender the duplicate to the Income Tax Department immediately. Penalty: ā¹10,000.
Q: Is PAN card mandatory? A: PAN is mandatory for filing income tax returns, transactions above ā¹50,000, and opening bank accounts. If you don't have PAN, higher TDS is deducted on many payments.