A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is an important identification number issued by the Income Tax Department. It is commonly required for income-tax-related activities, opening certain financial accounts, high-value financial transactions and other services.
Individuals who have never been allotted a PAN and meet the requirements can use the Income Tax Department’s Instant e-PAN facility. The service is online and free when the applicant is eligible for Aadhaar-based instant e-PAN. A valid Aadhaar and a mobile number linked with Aadhaar are required.
PAN Card – Key Information
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Document | Permanent Account Number (PAN) |
| Issuing Authority | Income Tax Department, Government of India |
| Instant e-PAN | Available for eligible individuals who have not previously been allotted PAN |
| Main Requirement | Valid Aadhaar and Aadhaar-linked mobile number |
| Instant e-PAN Fee | Free |
| Application Mode | Online |
| e-PAN | Valid form of PAN |
Important Official Links
| Service | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Income Tax Department | Visit Official Website |
| Instant e-PAN | Apply / Check Instant e-PAN |
| Protean PAN Services | Visit Protean |
Who Can Apply for Instant e-PAN?
The Instant e-PAN facility is intended for eligible individuals who have not previously been allotted a PAN. According to the Income Tax Department, the applicant should have a valid Aadhaar, a mobile number linked with Aadhaar and should not be a minor on the date of the request. Certain other eligibility conditions also apply.
- You must not already have a PAN allotted to you.
- You should have a valid Aadhaar number.
- Your mobile number should be linked with Aadhaar.
- Your Aadhaar details should have updated KYC information.
- You must not be a minor on the date of the request.
- The Instant e-PAN facility is not available to foreign citizens.
Documents and Details Required
For the Aadhaar-based Instant e-PAN process, the Income Tax Department states that the applicant needs a valid Aadhaar with updated KYC details and a mobile number linked to Aadhaar. The process does not require uploading scanned photographs or signatures and does not require in-person verification.
- Aadhaar Number
- Mobile number linked with Aadhaar
- Correct name and date of birth in Aadhaar
- Access to the mobile phone for OTP verification
- Email address, where required for e-Filing-related services
How to Make a New PAN Card Online
If you are eligible for Instant e-PAN, you can apply through the Income Tax Department’s e-Filing portal.
Step 1: Visit the Income Tax Department Website
Open the official Income Tax Department e-Filing website and select the Instant e-PAN service.
Step 2: Select Instant e-PAN
Choose the Instant e-PAN option to start the Aadhaar-based PAN application process.
Step 3: Enter Your Aadhaar Number
Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number carefully and proceed with the verification process.
Step 4: Verify Your Aadhaar
An OTP will be sent to the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar. Enter the OTP to authenticate your Aadhaar details.
Step 5: Submit the Request
After successful Aadhaar authentication, follow the instructions displayed on the portal and submit the e-PAN request.
Step 6: Save the Acknowledgement Number
After successful submission, an acknowledgement number is displayed. Save this number because it can be used to check the status of your request.
Step 7: Wait for PAN Generation
The request will be processed online. If the e-PAN is successfully generated, you can access it through the relevant e-Filing service.
How to Download e-PAN Card Online
Once your e-PAN has been generated, you can download a copy directly through the Income Tax Department portal.
- Visit the official Income Tax e-Filing website.
- Open Instant e-PAN.
- Select Check Status / Download PAN.
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
- Complete OTP verification using the mobile number linked with Aadhaar.
- Check the current status of your e-PAN request.
- If the PAN has been generated, select View e-PAN or Download e-PAN.
- Save the downloaded e-PAN PDF securely on your device.
The official user manual confirms that after successful Aadhaar OTP validation, applicants can view or download the e-PAN when it has been generated.
How to Download e-PAN After Login
If you have an e-Filing account, you can also access the download facility after logging in.
- Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing portal.
- Open your dashboard.
- Go to Services.
- Select View / Download e-PAN.
- Enter the requested Aadhaar details.
- Complete OTP verification.
- View your PAN status.
- Select the download option when your e-PAN is available.
These steps are based on the Income Tax Department’s current Instant e-PAN user manual.
How to Get a Physical PAN Card
The Instant e-PAN service itself issues an electronic PAN rather than automatically sending a physical card. The Income Tax Department states that an e-PAN is a valid form of PAN. If a physical PAN card is required after PAN has been allotted, a printed card can be requested through the designated PAN service providers.
The official Income Tax Department FAQ identifies the physical-card request routes through Protean and UTIITSL.
- Use the authorized PAN service provider’s physical-card/reprint facility.
- Enter your PAN and required details.
- Complete authentication and payment, where applicable.
- Confirm the delivery details.
- Save the acknowledgement or transaction details for future reference.
What If Instant e-PAN Application Fails?
If your Instant e-PAN request fails, the Income Tax Department advises that you can apply for PAN through the regular PAN application facilities provided by Protean or UTIITSL.
This route may also be relevant where your Aadhaar information does not meet the requirements for Instant e-PAN or where you need to use the regular PAN application process.
Important Points Before Applying
- Do not apply for another PAN if a PAN has already been allotted to you.
- Check that your name and date of birth in Aadhaar are correct.
- Make sure the mobile number used for OTP verification is linked with Aadhaar.
- Keep your acknowledgement number safe after submitting an application.
- Use only official Income Tax Department, Protean or UTIITSL websites for PAN-related services.
- Do not share Aadhaar OTPs or other authentication credentials with unknown persons.
- Do not pay unofficial websites or agents claiming to provide a free Instant e-PAN service.
PAN Card Application Fees
The Aadhaar-based Instant e-PAN facility is stated by the Income Tax Department to be free of cost for eligible applicants.
Regular PAN applications and physical-card services can involve applicable processing or dispatch charges. The applicable amount can vary depending on the type of request and delivery location, so applicants should check the current fee displayed on the authorized PAN service provider’s website before making payment.
What Is the Difference Between e-PAN and Physical PAN?
| e-PAN | Physical PAN Card |
|---|---|
| Electronic PAN document | Printed PAN card |
| Can be downloaded online | Delivered/issued as a physical card after request |
| Instant e-PAN can be free for eligible applicants | Applicable processing/delivery charges may apply |
| Valid form of PAN | Valid physical PAN card |
Frequently Asked Questions – PAN Card
1. Can I apply for a new PAN online?
Yes. Eligible individuals can use the Income Tax Department’s Instant e-PAN service online. Regular PAN applications are also available through authorized PAN service providers.
2. Is Instant e-PAN free?
Yes. The Income Tax Department states that the Instant e-PAN service is free of cost for eligible applicants.
3. What is required for Instant e-PAN?
A valid Aadhaar and a mobile number linked with Aadhaar are required.
4. Can I apply for Instant e-PAN if I already have PAN?
No. The Instant e-PAN facility is for individuals who have not already been allotted a PAN.
5. Can I download my e-PAN online?
Yes. After the e-PAN is generated, you can use the Check Status / Download PAN facility to view and download it.
6. Will I receive a physical PAN card automatically?
No. Instant e-PAN provides an electronic PAN. If you want a printed physical PAN card, you can request it through the designated PAN service providers.
7. What should I do if my Instant e-PAN request fails?
You can apply through the regular PAN application facility of Protean or UTIITSL, as advised by the Income Tax Department.
8. Can I apply for Instant e-PAN if my Aadhaar mobile number is not active?
The Instant e-PAN process requires a mobile number linked with Aadhaar for OTP-based authentication. If your Aadhaar does not have an active linked mobile number, you should update the Aadhaar details before using the facility.
9. Do I need to upload a photograph and signature for Instant e-PAN?
No. The Income Tax Department states that scanned photographs and signatures are not required for the Aadhaar-based e-KYC process.
10. Do I need to visit a PAN centre for Instant e-PAN?
No. The Instant e-PAN process is completely online and does not require in-person verification.
11. Can foreign citizens use Instant e-PAN?
No. The Income Tax Department’s FAQ states that foreign citizens cannot apply through the Instant e-PAN e-KYC mode.
12. What should I do if my name or date of birth is incorrect in Aadhaar?
You should first correct the relevant Aadhaar information through the authorized Aadhaar update process and then try the PAN service again.
Conclusion
Making a PAN card online can be straightforward when you use the correct official service. Eligible individuals who have never been allotted a PAN can use the Income Tax Department’s Instant e-PAN facility with a valid Aadhaar and Aadhaar-linked mobile number. The generated e-PAN can then be viewed and downloaded online.
If you need a physical PAN card, you can request a printed card through the authorized PAN service providers after PAN has been allotted. Always use official government or authorized service-provider websites and verify the information before submitting your application.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. PAN application rules, fees, eligibility requirements, procedures and online services may be changed or updated by the Income Tax Department or authorized PAN service providers. Applicants should verify the latest information on the official Income Tax Department, Protean or UTIITSL websites before submitting an application or making any payment.
This website is not the Income Tax Department, Protean or UTIITSL and does not issue PAN cards. No guarantee is made regarding application approval, processing time or delivery. Users should not share Aadhaar OTPs, passwords, banking information or other confidential details with unauthorized persons.
