PAN Card Application Status Not Updating — How to Fix

Applied for a new PAN card or requested corrections, but the tracking status isn't updating? Whether you applied through NSDL (now Protean) or UTIITSL, your application may appear stuck at "Under Process" or the tracking page may show no results at all.

This guide covers every reason your PAN status may not update and how to fix it step by step.

Why PAN Card Status Is Not Updating

How to Check PAN Card Application Status Online

If You Applied Through NSDL (Protean)

1. Visit NSDL PAN Status Track
2. Select Application Type → "PAN - New / Change Request"
3. Enter your 15-digit acknowledgement number (starts with a letter)
4. Enter the captcha and click Submit

If You Applied Through UTIITSL

1. Visit UTIITSL PAN Status
2. Select PAN Card Status → choose your application type
3. Enter your coupon number (printed on acknowledgement receipt)
4. Click Submit to view status

How to Track PAN Card Status via SMS

You can check your NSDL PAN application status by SMS:

Send SMS to 57575:

NSDLPAN <15-digit acknowledgement number>

Example:

NSDLPAN AAABR1234567890

You will receive the current status on your registered mobile number.

Note: SMS tracking works only for NSDL applications, not UTIITSL.

Fix: PAN Status Showing "No Record Found"

If the tracking portal shows no record:

1. Wait 48–72 hours — Status is not available immediately after submission
2. Double-check your acknowledgement/coupon number — Even one wrong digit will show "no record"
3. Verify the portal — NSDL applications cannot be tracked on UTIITSL portal and vice versa
4. Check email — The acknowledgement number is sent to your registered email after successful submission
5. Payment verification — If payment failed, the application was not submitted. Check your bank statement

Fix: PAN Application Stuck at "Under Process"

"Under Process" means the processing centre has received your application but verification is still ongoing.

Normal Processing Timeline

What to Do If It's Been Too Long

1. Wait at least 20 working days before raising a concern
2. Check for email/SMS from NSDL/UTIITSL — They may have requested additional documents
3. Call the helpline (details below) and quote your acknowledgement number
4. Raise a grievance online on the NSDL or UTIITSL portal

Fix: Lost Coupon Number or Acknowledgement Number

If you've lost your acknowledgement number:

For NSDL Applications

1. Check your email — Search for "NSDL" or "Protean" in your inbox (including spam folder)
2. Check SMS — The number is sent to your registered mobile
3. Contact NSDL helpline at 020-27218080 — Provide your name, date of birth, and application date

For UTIITSL Applications

1. Check email for the coupon number confirmation
2. Visit the nearest UTIITSL PAN centre with your ID proof — they can look up your application
3. Call UTIITSL helpline at 033-40802999

Tip: If you applied at a PAN centre (offline), the printed acknowledgement slip has your coupon/acknowledgement number.

Fix: PAN Card Dispatched But Not Received

If status shows "PAN card dispatched" but you haven't received it:

1. Check the dispatch date on the tracking portal — delivery takes 5–15 days via Indian Post / courier
2. Track using Speed Post number — If dispatched via Speed Post, track on India Post
3. Verify your address — Ensure the address on the application is correct and complete with PIN code
4. Wait 30 days from dispatch before applying for reprint

If PAN Card Is Not Received After 30 Days

You can apply for a PAN card reprint (not a new application):

• NSDL: Apply at Protean PAN Reprint — Fee: ₹50 (domestic)
• UTIITSL: Apply at UTIITSL PAN Portal — Fee: ₹50 (domestic)

For a detailed guide, see: PAN Card Not Received by Post — How to Fix

Reprint vs New PAN Application — Which Do You Need?

Important: Do not apply for a new PAN if you already have one. Having two PANs is illegal under the Income Tax Act and attracts a penalty of ₹10,000 under Section 272B.

How to Contact NSDL and UTIITSL

NSDL (Protean e-Governance)

UTIITSL

Income Tax Department (Escalation)

If neither NSDL nor UTIITSL resolves your issue:

• e-Filing Portal Grievance: incometax.gov.in → Grievances → Submit
• AaykarSampark Centre: 1800-180-1961 (toll-free)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for PAN status to update after applying?

Online applications (e-KYC based) update within 48 hours. Physical applications take 5–7 days after documents reach the processing centre.

Can I track PAN status by name and date of birth?

No. Both NSDL and UTIITSL require your acknowledgement number or coupon number to track status. You cannot search by name alone.

My PAN status shows "Documents returned" — what does this mean?

Your documents were rejected — usually due to mismatch in name/DOB, unclear copies, or missing documents. You need to re-submit the documents or apply again.

I applied for PAN via Aadhaar e-KYC but status is not updating?

Aadhaar-based PAN applications are usually processed within 48 hours. If status doesn't update after 3 days, check if your Aadhaar mobile number was active for OTP verification. Contact the NSDL helpline.

Can I check someone else's PAN status?

Yes, if you have their acknowledgement number. The tracking portal does not require login — just the acknowledgement/coupon number.

Related Guides

• PAN Aadhaar Link Failed — How to Fix
• PAN Card Not Received by Post — How to Fix

Summary