Full guide
Apply for New PAN Card Online: Instant e-PAN and NSDL Application Guide
A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is the ten-character ID the Income Tax Department uses to track your tax and high-value financial transactions. This guide is for anyone applying for their first PAN, whether you live in India or abroad, and explains the two main routes: the free instant e-PAN and the paid online form through Protean or UTIITSL.
Who needs a new PAN card
You need a PAN to file an income tax return, open most bank and demat accounts, buy or sell property above certain values, invest in mutual funds, and receive salary without extra tax being deducted. Students taking their first job, freelancers, NRIs with income or investments in India, and anyone opening a business account are the most common first-time applicants.
A person may hold only one PAN. If you were issued one years ago and have lost the card, do not apply again; ask for a reprint or reissue instead. Having two PANs can attract a penalty.
Documents required for new PAN card
Instant e-PAN route. You only need your Aadhaar number and access to the mobile number linked to it. Your name, date of birth, photo and address are copied from Aadhaar, so make sure those details are correct before you start. If your Aadhaar address is old, update it first so your PAN record matches.
Protean or UTIITSL route. From April 2026 the old Form 49A was replaced by Form 93 for Indian citizens under the new income tax rules. Older PANs issued on Form 49A remain valid. You will need:
- Proof of identity, such as Aadhaar, voter ID, passport or driving licence.
- Proof of address, such as Aadhaar, passport, or a recent utility bill or bank statement.
- Proof of date of birth, such as a birth certificate, Class 10 marksheet or passport.
- Photos and signature, only if you choose to post physical documents.
If you pick the paperless option (Aadhaar e-KYC plus e-Sign), Aadhaar does the work of all three proofs and nothing is posted.
Living abroad. Indian citizens with an overseas address can still use Form 93, but should be ready with proof of the foreign address, such as a passport copy or an overseas bank statement. Check the current list on the Protean site before you apply.
Step-by-step PAN card online application process
Instant e-PAN (free):
- Go to the Income Tax e-filing portal and choose Instant e-PAN from Quick Links.
- Select Get New e-PAN, enter your Aadhaar number and accept the terms.
- Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile and confirm the details shown.
- Note the acknowledgement number. Come back to the same page to check status and download the PDF once it is allotted, often within minutes.
Protean or UTIITSL (paid):
- Open the new PAN application on the Protean or UTIITSL website and choose the form for Indian citizens.
- Decide whether you want a printed card or e-PAN only, and whether to submit documents digitally or by post.
- Fill in your details carefully. Your name must match your supporting documents exactly.
- Pay online. If you chose physical mode, print the acknowledgement, sign it, paste photos and post it with copies of your documents to the address shown, within 15 days.
- Track progress with the 15-digit acknowledgement number.
Fees and timelines
| Option | Fee |
|---|---|
| Instant e-PAN on the e-filing portal | Free |
| e-PAN only via Protean/UTIITSL | ₹72 (₹66 paperless) |
| Printed card to an Indian address | ₹107 (₹101 paperless) |
| Printed card to an address abroad | ₹1,017 (₹1,011 paperless) |
The instant e-PAN usually arrives within minutes. Through Protean or UTIITSL, the e-PAN is normally emailed within a few days of your documents being accepted, and the printed card reaches Indian addresses in roughly two to three weeks. Overseas delivery takes longer.
An e-PAN is legally as valid as a printed card. Banks and employers accept the PDF.
Common problems and fixes
Aadhaar OTP never arrives. Your Aadhaar may not have a working mobile number linked. Visit an Aadhaar centre to update it, or use the Protean/UTIITSL form with physical documents instead.
Name mismatch between documents. If your Aadhaar and school certificate spell your name differently, correct one of them before applying. Mismatches are the most common reason for rejection.
Application rejected for unclear documents. Scan copies in good light, make sure the photo is recent, and sign inside the box only.
Already have a PAN from long ago. Do not apply again. Use Know Your PAN on the e-filing portal, then request a reprint.
Frequently asked questions
Is an e-PAN enough or do I need the plastic card?
The e-PAN is a valid proof of PAN for all purposes. Order a printed card only if you prefer carrying one; you can request a reprint later.
Can a minor get an instant e-PAN?
No. Instant e-PAN is meant for adult individuals. A parent or guardian can apply for a minor through Protean or UTIITSL instead.
What happens to my PAN if I do not link Aadhaar?
PANs issued through instant e-PAN are already linked. For other PANs, linking is required for most residents, or the PAN can become inoperative. See our guide on linking PAN with Aadhaar.
Can an NRI apply online?
Yes. An Indian citizen living abroad uses the same form for citizens, gives the foreign address, and pays the higher dispatch fee for an overseas card.