PAN Card Status Check Online (2026)

How to Check PAN Card Application Status

Whether you've applied for a new PAN card, correction, reprint, or Aadhaar-PAN linking, you can track the status online. The tracking method depends on which portal you used to apply — NSDL (Protean) or UTIITSL.

Method 1: Track PAN Status on NSDL (Protean)

Using Acknowledgement Number

1. Visit NSDL PAN Status Track
2. Select "PAN - New/Change Request"
3. Enter your 15-digit acknowledgement number (starts with a letter, e.g., N12345678901234)
4. Enter the captcha code
5. Click "Submit"

Status Messages You May See

Using PAN Number (For Existing PAN)

1. Visit NSDL portal
2. Click "Know Your PAN"
3. Enter your name, date of birth, and mobile number
4. Verify with OTP
5. Your PAN number and status will be displayed

Method 2: Track PAN Status on UTIITSL

1. Visit UTIITSL PAN Tracking
2. Select "PAN Card Status"
3. Enter your application coupon number (provided at the time of application)
4. Click "Submit"
5. Your application status and PAN number (if allotted) will be displayed

Method 3: Check PAN Status via Income Tax Portal

1. Visit Income Tax Portal
2. Click "Quick Links" → "Know Your PAN" or "Verify PAN"
3. Enter your name, DOB, and mobile number
4. Verify via OTP
5. Shows whether PAN is active, inactive, or linked with Aadhaar

Method 4: Check via SMS

• For NSDL: Send SMS NSDLPAN followed by your 15-digit acknowledgement number to 57575
  • Example: NSDLPAN N12345678901234
• You'll receive a reply SMS with the current status

How to Track PAN Card Delivery (Speed Post)

Once the status shows "Card Dispatched":

1. Note the Speed Post tracking number (shown on the NSDL/UTIITSL status page)
2. Visit India Post Tracking
3. Enter the Speed Post tracking number
4. Track the delivery of your PAN card

Common Status Issues and Fixes

Status Shows "Request Rejected"

Reasons:

• Incomplete or unclear documents
• Mismatch between form details and supporting documents
• Photograph or signature not as per specifications

Fix:

• Read the rejection reason on the status page
• Correct the issue and reapply with proper documents
• See our PAN correction guide for help

Status Shows "Returned by Post"

Reasons:

• Incorrect or incomplete address
• Nobody available to receive at the address
• Address not reachable by Speed Post

Fix:

• Apply for PAN reprint with the correct address on NSDL/UTIITSL portal
• Fee: ₹50 (+ GST) for reprint
• Meanwhile, download e-PAN from the Income Tax portal for immediate use

Status Stuck on "Under Process" for Weeks

Possible reasons:

• Physical documents not received by NSDL/UTIITSL (if you used the physical mode)
• High volume of applications causing delays

Fix:

• If you sent documents by post, check if they've been delivered
• If it's been more than 30 days, contact NSDL helpline: 020-27218080 or UTIITSL: 033-40802999
• Consider reapplying with e-KYC mode (Aadhaar OTP) for faster processing

How to Download e-PAN (Instant Access)

Don't want to wait for the physical card? Download your e-PAN:

1. Visit Income Tax Portal
2. Click "Instant e-PAN" → "Check Status / Download e-PAN"
3. Enter your PAN number or Aadhaar number
4. Verify with OTP
5. Download the PDF e-PAN card
6. This is legally valid as original PAN

Processing Timelines

Important Tips

1. Save your acknowledgement number — you can't track status without it
2. Download e-PAN immediately after PAN is allotted — don't wait for physical card
3. Check Speed Post tracking once card is dispatched for delivery updates
4. If your card is returned, apply for reprint quickly with correct address
5. NSDL helpline (020-27218080) is helpful for stuck applications — call during business hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. I lost my acknowledgement number. How do I check PAN status?

Use the "Know Your PAN" option on NSDL or Income Tax portal. Enter your name, DOB, and mobile number to find your PAN details and application status.

Q2. How long does it take to get a PAN card after applying?

7-10 days with e-KYC (Aadhaar OTP mode), 15-20 days with physical documents. Add 5-7 days for Speed Post delivery after dispatch.

Q3. Can I use e-PAN before receiving the physical card?

Yes. The e-PAN downloaded from the Income Tax portal is legally valid and accepted for all purposes including bank KYC, ITR filing, and investments.

Q4. My PAN status shows "allotted" but I haven't received the card. What do I do?

Check the Speed Post tracking number on the status page. If the card was returned, apply for a reprint. Meanwhile, download e-PAN for immediate use.

Q5. How do I check if my PAN is linked with Aadhaar?

Visit Income Tax Portal → "Quick Links" → "Link Aadhaar Status". Enter PAN and Aadhaar to check linking status.

Q6. Can I track PAN correction status the same way?

Yes. Use the same acknowledgement number tracking on NSDL or UTIITSL portal. The process is identical for new PAN and correction applications.

Q7. What if the PAN status page shows an error?

Try after some time — the tracking servers can be slow during peak hours. If the error persists, try the SMS tracking method or call the NSDL/UTIITSL helpline.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent informational platform and is not affiliated with NSDL, UTIITSL, or the Income Tax Department. Verify details on official portals.