How to Apply for New PAN Card Online and Track Application Status

How to Apply for New PAN Card Online and Track Application Status

Who needs this service?

• Any Indian Citizen (Individual) who does not already possess a Permanent Account Number (PAN).

• Minors (through a representative parent/guardian).

• Students, Salaried Employees, or Business Owners needing it for bank accounts, filing ITR, or claiming government benefits.

• Note: Possessing more than one PAN card is illegal and attracts a penalty of ₹10,000.

Required Documents

For most individuals (Indian Citizens), Aadhaar is the single most important document. If you have an Aadhaar card with your correct mobile number linked, you often do not need any other document.

1. Proof of Identity (POI) – Any one:

• Aadhaar Card (Best option – enables fast e-KYC)

• Voter ID Card

• Passport

• Driving License

• Ration Card (with applicant’s photo)

2. Proof of Address (POA) – Any one:

• Aadhaar Card

• Voter ID Card

• Passport

• Driving License

• Bank Account Statement (less than 3 months old)

• Electricity/Landline/Water Bill (less than 3 months old)

3. Proof of Date of Birth (DOB):

• Aadhaar Card

• Birth Certificate issued by Municipal Authority

• Matriculation (10th Class) Marksheet/Certificate

• Passport

Important: If you use Aadhaar for all three proofs, the name and DOB on your application must exactly match your Aadhaar details.

Online Application Process (Step-by-Step)

There are two primary ways to apply. Choose the one that fits your need.

Method A: Instant e-PAN (Free, Paperless, 10 Minutes)

Best for: People who need a PAN number immediately and have Aadhaar linked to their mobile.

1. Go to Official Income Tax Portal: https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/

2. Look for the “Quick Links” section on the left/homepage and click on “Instant e-PAN”.

3. Click on “Get New e-PAN”.

4. Enter Aadhaar: Type your 12-digit Aadhaar number and check the confirmation box.

5. OTP Validation: You will receive an OTP on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Enter it to validate.

6. Verify Details: Your photo, name, and DOB will be pulled from Aadhaar. Verify they are correct.

7. Email ID: Link your email ID (optional but recommended).

8. Submit: Once submitted, you will get an Acknowledgment Number.

9. Download: Wait for 10-20 minutes, go back to the same “Instant e-PAN” link, click “Check Status/Download PAN”, and download your signed e-PAN PDF.

Note: This gives you a digital PAN. If you need a physical plastic card later, you can order a reprint for ₹50 using the NSDL/UTIITSL portals.

Method B: Physical PAN Card (Paid, Standard Process)

Best for: People who want the physical plastic card delivered to their home and want to upload a custom photo/signature.

Official Portal: https://www.protean-tinpan.com/ (formerly NSDL)

1. Navigate to Application:

   • Go to the website -> Click “Services” -> “PAN” -> “Apply Online”.

   • Or use direct link: https://www.onlineservices.nsdl.com/paam/endUserRegisterContact.html

2. Register:

   • Application Type: Select “New PAN – Indian Citizen (Form 49A)”.

   • Category: Select “Individual”.

   • Applicant Details: Fill Title (Shri/Smt/Kumari), Last Name, First Name, DOB, Email, and Mobile Number.

   • Submit: You will get a Token Number on your email. Save this number; you will need it if the page crashes.

3. Fill Form 49A (3 Modes):

   • Select “Submit digitally through e-KYC & e-Sign (Paperless)” if you want to use Aadhaar photo and OTP.

   • Select “Submit scanned images through e-Sign” if you want to upload a different photo and signature (Recommended for clear physical cards).

4. Enter Details:

   • Aadhaar: Enter the last 4 digits of your Aadhaar.

   • Parents: Enter Father’s Name (Mandatory even for married women). Mother’s name is optional.

   • Income/Address: Select “Income from Other Sources” or “No Income”. For address, if using Aadhaar e-KYC, it auto-fills. If uploading docs, type your current residential address carefully.

   • AO Code: This is tricky. Click on “Indian Citizens” -> Select your State -> City. A list of “Ward/Circle” will appear. Choose the one closest to your area or ‘General’ ward.

5. Upload Documents (If scanned mode selected):

   • Upload Photo (JPEG, 3.5×2.5cm, max 50KB).

   • Upload Signature (JPEG, 2×4.5cm, max 50KB).

   • Upload Supporting Docs (Aadhaar PDF/JPG) as proof.

6. Payment:

   • Fee: ₹107 (for physical card within India) or ₹1,017 (for foreign address).

   • Pay via Debit Card, UPI, or Net Banking.

7. Authentication:

   • After payment, you will be asked for Aadhaar Authentication.

   • Enter the OTP sent to your mobile.

   • Once authenticated, the application is signed electronically. No need to send physical documents if you used e-Sign/e-KYC.

Offline Process

If you are not comfortable with online forms, you can apply offline.

1. Download Form: Get “Form 49A” from the Income Tax website or any stationery shop.

2. Fill Details: Use a Black Ballpoint Pen only. Fill in Block Letters.

3. Photos: Paste two recent passport-sized color photos.

4. Sign: Sign across the left photo (half on paper, half on photo) and in the box below the right photo.

5. Submit: Visit a TIN-Facilitation Center (TIN-FC) or PAN Center.

   • Locate Center: https://www.protean-tinpan.com/services/pan/tin-fc.html

6. Fee: Pay cash (approx ₹110 including processing fees).

7. Receipt: Get the Acknowledgment Receipt with a 15-digit number.

How to Check Status / Track Application

1. For NSDL (Protean) Applications:

• Link: https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/pantan/StatusTrack.html

• Step 1: Select “PAN – New / Change Request”.

• Step 2: Enter your 15-digit Acknowledgement Number (found on your receipt/email).

• Step 3: Enter Captcha and Submit.

2. For UTIITSL Applications:

• Link: https://www.trackpan.utiitsl.com/PANONLINE/forms/TrackPan/trackApp

• Step 1: Enter your Application Coupon Number.

• Step 2: Enter your Date of Birth.

• Step 3: Submit to see the status.

3. For Instant e-PAN:

• Link: https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/ -> Instant e-PAN -> Check Status/Download PAN.

Common Problems & Solutions

1. Error: “Name Mismatch with Aadhaar”

   • Reason: The spelling of your name in the PAN application does not exactly match your Aadhaar card (e.g., “Ravi K. Sharma” vs “Ravi Kumar Sharma”).

   • Solution: Update your Aadhaar details first at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra, OR fill the PAN application exactly as per the Aadhaar card, even if the spelling seems slightly off, to get it processed.

2. Error: “Payment Deducted but Receipt Not Generated”

   • Reason: Server timeout during banking transaction.

   • Solution: Do not apply again immediately. Wait for 24-48 hours. Usually, the system refunds the money automatically. Check the status using the “Regenerate Acknowledgment” option on the NSDL portal.

3. Error: “Signature Mismatch” (Offline Mode)

   • Reason: Signing across the face on the right-side photo or signing in Blue Ink.

   • Solution: Sign across the Left photo. Sign inside the box under the Right photo. Use Black Ink only.

4. Error: “Documents Not Received” (Physical Mode)

   • Reason: If you didn’t use e-Sign/e-KYC, you forgot to mail the physical form to the NSDL Pune office.

   • Solution: Print the filled form, attach photos/sign, and courier it to the address mentioned on the acknowledgment receipt (usually ‘Income Tax PAN Services Unit, Pune’) with “APPLICATION FOR PAN – [Ack Number]” written on the envelope.

5. Error: “AO Code Invalid”

   • Reason: Selecting the wrong Ward/Circle.

   • Solution: Use the “AO Code Search” tool inside the application form. If you are unsure, selecting the ‘General’ ward for your city usually works for individuals.

Official Helpline Numbers

If you are stuck, contact these official government helpdesks. Do not call random mobile numbers found on Google Maps.

• Income Tax Department (General Queries):

  • 1800-180-1961

• Protean (NSDL) – For Application Status/Errors:

  • 020-2721 8080

  • Email: tininfo@proteantech.in

• UTIITSL – For UTI Applications:

  • 033-4080 2999

  • Email: utiitsl.gsd@utiitsl.com

This information is from official sources (Income Tax Dept, NSDL/Protean, UTIITSL) as of January 2026. Always verify on the official portal for the latest updates.