How to Apply for a New PAN Card
Apply for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) online through Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL — step by step, with documents required, address proofs accepted, and what to do if your application gets rejected.
- Last verified
- 21 June 2026
- Official site
- incometax.gov.in ↗
A PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a 10-character alphanumeric identity issued by the Indian Income Tax Department. You'll need it to file taxes, open a bank account, invest, buy property, or carry out almost any high-value financial transaction in India.
You can apply through either Protean (formerly NSDL e-Gov) or UTIITSL — both are authorised by the Income Tax Department, and the process is functionally identical. The fastest path uses Aadhaar e-KYC, which autofills your details and lets you sign electronically.
You will receive an e-PAN by email within a few days — this is the legal copy. The printed plastic card follows by post.
Eligibility
- You are an individual (citizen, foreign national, or NRI), a Hindu Undivided Family, or a registered entity (company, firm, trust, society) needing a tax identity in India.
- You do not already hold a PAN. Holding two PANs is illegal under Section 272B of the Income Tax Act.
- You have valid identity and address proofs in the same name.
Required documents
Identity proof
Aadhaar, voter ID, passport, driving licence, or government-issued photo ID.
Address proof
Aadhaar, voter ID, passport, latest utility bill (within 3 months), bank statement, or rent agreement.
Date-of-birth proof
Aadhaar, passport, matriculation certificate, or birth certificate.
Passport-size photograph
Required for the printed PAN card.
Signature
Black-ink signature within the marked box on the form.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Choose Protean (NSDL e-Gov) or UTIITSL
Both are authorised PAN issuers. Protean is the more commonly used path. Fees and process are identical.
protean-tinpan.com ↗ - 2
Open the online PAN application (Form 49A)
Indian citizens fill Form 49A; foreign citizens use Form 49AA. Choose the right form on the first screen.
- 3
Pick the e-KYC / e-Sign route via Aadhaar
Fastest route — Aadhaar e-KYC autofills your name, DOB, address, and photo. You sign electronically using Aadhaar OTP, so no documents need to be couriered.
- 4
Fill the application
Enter your name exactly as on Aadhaar. Choose AO code (Assessing Officer) based on your jurisdiction — the portal can auto-suggest from your PIN code.
- 5
Pay the application fee
Pay online via net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI.
- 6
Submit and download acknowledgement
Save the 15-digit acknowledgement number. You can use it to track the application status.
- 7
Receive the e-PAN by email
An e-PAN PDF arrives within a few days at your registered email — legally valid. The physical card is dispatched separately by post.
Official website
Always confirm critical details here
incometax.gov.in
Common mistakes
- Name mismatch between Aadhaar, identity proof, and the form — the application will be flagged or rejected.
- Choosing the wrong applicant category — Individual / HUF / Company are not interchangeable.
- Selecting an AO code that doesn't match your residential / business address.
- Applying for a fresh PAN when you already have one. Use the 'Change / Correction' path instead.
Frequently asked questions
How many digits is a PAN?▾
PAN is exactly 10 alphanumeric characters in the format AAAAA9999A. The fourth letter encodes the holder type (P for individual, C for company, H for HUF, etc.).
Can I apply for PAN without Aadhaar?▾
Yes, but the e-KYC route requires Aadhaar. Without it, you'll need to courier physical documents, which slows the process down.
Do I need to pay separately for the physical card?▾
No. The single application fee covers both the e-PAN and the physical card delivered by post.
Can I track my application status?▾
Yes, use the 15-digit acknowledgement number on the Protean or UTIITSL portal to see live status.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Government portals, document requirements, and fees can change without notice. Always verify the latest requirements on the official website before you apply. Last verified on 21 June 2026.