How to Get PAN Card in India 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (Eligibility, Documents, Fees, Online/Offline Apply)

✏️ PAN Correction / Update (Form 49AA) ▼

🔄 Duplicate PAN (Form 49B) ▼

👶 PAN for Minors (Form 49A – Guardian Signed) ▼

🌍 PAN for Foreign Citizens (Form 49AA) ▼

Documents Required for PAN Application

Featured Snippet: PAN applications require three categories of documents: Proof of Identity (POI), Proof of Address (POA), and Proof of Date of Birth (DOB). Accepted documents include Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License, utility bills, and bank statements. Originals or self-attested copies are required.

For Indian Citizens

For NRIs & Foreign Nationals

Step-by-Step: Apply for PAN Card Online 2026

Featured Snippet: Apply for PAN online through NSDL, UTIITSL, or the Income Tax e-filing portal. Fastest method is Aadhaar-based e-KYC (instant e-PAN, free). NSDL and UTIITSL require document upload and take 15–30 days for physical card delivery.

Option 1: Free e-PAN via Income Tax e-Filing Portal (Fastest)

Option 2: PAN via NSDL (Protean) – With Documents

Option 3: PAN via UTIITSL

Process similar to NSDL: Visit www.pan.utiitsl.com, select “PAN Card for Indian Citizen” → “Apply for New PAN Card (Form 49A)” → Choose Digital Mode (fill and upload online) or Physical Mode (print, sign, and submit).

Fee: ₹100–₹110 | Processing Time: 15–30 days for physical card delivery

Apply for PAN Card Offline (Still Possible)

Featured Snippet: You can still apply for PAN offline by downloading Form 49A from NSDL/UTIITSL, filling it manually, getting it signed, and submitting it with original documents at an authorized PAN centre. Offline processing takes 45–60 days and costs the same as online.

Steps for Offline Application

1. Download Form 49A from NSDL or UTIITSL website, or request one from their office.
2. Fill the form in capital letters, matching details exactly to your POI document.
3. Gather documents: Original POI, POA, DOB, and 2 self-attested photocopies of each.
4. Sign the form in the designated signature box.
5. Visit authorized centre (NSDL / UTIITSL office) in your city and submit the form + documents.
6. Pay fee (₹100–₹110) at the centre.
7. Receive acknowledgement slip with application reference number.
8. Wait 45–60 days for PAN card delivery by post.

PAN Card Application Fees 2026

Featured Snippet: PAN application fee for Indian citizens is ₹100–₹110 via NSDL/UTIITSL, free if using Income Tax e-filing portal with Aadhaar. Foreign nationals pay ₹965–₹975. Additional charges apply for duplicate PAN or specific document corrections.

Note: Fees may vary slightly between NSDL and UTIITSL. Always check their official websites before applying. Fees are non-refundable once payment is made.

After Applying: Check Status, Download e-PAN & Receive Physical Card

Featured Snippet: After submitting your PAN application, track status using your acknowledgment number on NSDL/UTIITSL portals. Download your e-PAN immediately (if eligible); physical PAN is delivered within 15–30 days via courier to your registered address.

Check Your PAN Application Status

Download e-PAN (If Eligible)

Physical PAN Card Delivery Timeline

• 15–30 days: Standard delivery via registered courier from NSDL/UTIITSL.
• Track your package: Use tracking number provided in acknowledgment email/SMS.
• Not received after 35 days? Contact NSDL/UTIITSL support or apply for Duplicate PAN.

Common Mistakes That Lead to PAN Rejection

Featured Snippet: PAN applications are rejected due to name mismatches, expired documents, blurry scans, unsigned forms, wrong form selection, or missing details. Ensure your form name matches your Proof of Identity exactly, use recent address proof, provide clear document scans, and sign all required sections.

Special Cases & Exceptions

PAN for Students

Many students need PAN for: Opening bank accounts, mutual fund investments, internship income (taxable), or scholarship reporting.

Application: Use Form 49A (like regular adult). No special form for students. Fee: ₹100–₹110 or free via e-filing (if you have Aadhaar).

Documents: Student ID + passport/Voter ID + recent bank statement.

PAN Without Aadhaar (Exceptions)

If you don’t have Aadhaar:

• Apply online via NSDL/UTIITSL with POI, POA, DOB documents (upload scans).
• Apply offline by visiting NSDL/UTIITSL center with original documents.
• Cannot use instant e-PAN (which requires Aadhaar OTP).
• Physical card takes 15–30 days.

PAN Correction After Marriage

You changed your name after marriage?

1. Download Form 49AA (Correction form) from NSDL/UTIITSL.
2. Fill new name, old name (optional), date of change.
3. Attach marriage certificate as proof of name change.
4. Submit online or offline with ₹100–₹110 fee.
5. Processing time: 5–10 days.
6. PAN number remains the same; only name updated.

Lost or Not Received PAN

If your physical card is lost, damaged, or not received after 45 days:

1. Apply for Duplicate PAN using Form 49B.
2. Fee: ₹50–₹100 (cheaper than new PAN).
3. Provide your existing 10-digit PAN number.
4. New physical card issued within 10–15 days.
5. PAN number remains unchanged.

PAN Application Checklist (Copy-Ready)

📋 Copy This Checklist

═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
PAN CARD APPLICATION CHECKLIST 2026
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

✓ BEFORE YOU APPLY

Personal Details:
  □ Full name (as per POI – passport, Aadhaar, voter ID)
  □ Date of birth in DD/MM/YYYY format
  □ Gender (M/F/Other)
  □ Valid mobile number (linked to Aadhaar, if possible)
  □ Email address (active)
  □ Current residential address (PIN code, city, state)

Documents Ready:
  □ Proof of Identity (POI) – Original + photocopy
    ⊃ Aadhaar / Passport / Voter ID / Driving License
  □ Proof of Address (POA) – Original + photocopy
    ⊃ Electricity bill / Bank statement / Ration card
    ⊃ (Must be ≤ 3 months old for bills)
  □ Proof of Date of Birth (DOB) – If not in POI
    ⊃ Birth certificate / SSLC / Marriage certificate

For Online Application:
  □ Aadhaar (12-digit) – for instant e-PAN
  □ Mobile number linked to Aadhaar
  □ High-quality scans (POI, POA, DOB)
    ⊃ Resolution: 300 DPI minimum
    ⊃ Format: PDF or JPG
    ⊃ File size: ≤ 2 MB each
  □ Internet connection (stable)

─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

✓ ONLINE APPLICATION STEPS (FASTEST)

Method 1: Income Tax e-Filing (FREE, Instant)
  □ Visit: incometaxindia.gov.in
  □ Click "Get New e-PAN"
  □ Enter Aadhaar number
  □ Get OTP on Aadhaar-linked mobile
  □ Verify OTP
  □ Review auto-filled details
  □ Accept & download e-PAN (instant)
  ⏱ Time: ~5 minutes | Cost: FREE | Result: Instant e-PAN

Method 2: NSDL (Protean) Online
  □ Visit: pan.nsdl.com
  □ Select "Apply Online"
  □ Choose application type (Form 49A)
  □ Fill personal & address details
  □ Upload document scans (POI, POA, DOB)
  □ Review form
  □ Make payment (₹100–₹110)
  □ Print/save acknowledgment number
  ⏱ Time: ~10 minutes | Cost: ₹100–₹110 | Result: Physical card in 15–30 days

Method 3: UTIITSL Online
  □ Visit: pan.utiitsl.com
  □ Select "PAN Card for Indian Citizen"
  □ Click "Apply for New PAN Card (Form 49A)"
  □ Choose "Digital Mode"
  □ Fill form details
  □ Upload documents
  □ Make payment (₹100–₹110)
  □ Note acknowledgment number
  ⏱ Time: ~10 minutes | Cost: ₹100–₹110 | Result: Physical card in 15–30 days

─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

✓ OFFLINE APPLICATION

  □ Download Form 49A from NSDL/UTIITSL
  □ Fill form in CAPITAL LETTERS
  □ Ensure name matches POI exactly
  □ Sign form in designated box
  □ Self-attest photocopies (sign & date)
  □ Gather originals: POI, POA, DOB
  □ Visit nearest NSDL/UTIITSL office
  □ Submit form + documents + payment (₹100–₹110)
  □ Receive acknowledgment slip
  ⏱ Time: ~45–60 days for physical card delivery

─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

✓ AFTER SUBMISSION

  □ Save acknowledgment number / confirmation email
  □ Track status on NSDL/UTIITSL portal
  □ Download e-PAN (if eligible via Aadhaar)
  □ Wait for physical card delivery (15–30 days)
  □ IMPORTANT: Link PAN with Aadhaar by Dec 31, 2025
    ⊃ Visit: incometaxindia.gov.in → Link PAN–Aadhaar
    ⊃ No penalty if linked by deadline
    ⊃ ₹1,000 penalty + higher TDS if linked after deadline

─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

⚠️ COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

  ✗ Name doesn't match POI exactly
  ✗ Using old/expired address proof (>3 months)
  ✗ Blurry or illegible document scans
  ✗ Form not signed by applicant or guardian (minors)
  ✗ Selected wrong form (49A for NRI instead of 49AA)
  ✗ Missing email or mobile number
  ✗ Mismatch between form address & POA document

═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
NEED HELP? Contact:
  NSDL: 1800-224-0224 (Toll-free)
  UTIITSL: 18002098888 (Toll-free)
  Income Tax: https://incometaxindia.gov.in/contact
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Expert Compliance Reminder

Pro Tip for New PAN Applicants: When applying for PAN via e-filing with Aadhaar OTP, your PAN is automatically linked with your Aadhaar at the time of generation. No separate linking step needed. However, if you applied via NSDL/UTIITSL, you must manually link PAN–Aadhaar afterward.

For NRIs & Foreign Nationals: You are exempt from PAN–Aadhaar linking. Ensure your PAN status shows “NRI” or “Foreign Citizen” to avoid notices.

Aadhaar Linking Complete Guide 2026: Bank, PAN, License, Voter ID & Government Schemes

How to Get Driving License in India 2026: Complete Guide (Online Apply, Documents, Fees, 2-Wheeler, 4-Wheeler, Disabled)