Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about PAN Card

A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric code assigned to all taxpayers in India by the Income Tax Department. It is essential for tracking financial transactions and preventing tax evasion.

A PAN card is mandatory for:

• Filing Income Tax Returns.
• Opening a bank account.
• Buying or selling property valued over a certain limit.
• Making high-value financial transactions.
• Applying for a credit or debit card.

Typically, it takes about 15-20 working days to receive a physical PAN card after submitting the application and all required documents. The e-PAN is usually generated and sent to your email within a few hours to a couple of days.

An e-PAN is a digitally signed, electronic version of your PAN card delivered as a PDF. A physical PAN card is a laminated plastic card. Both are equally valid as proof of PAN.

For individual Indian citizens, you generally need three types of documents:

• Proof of Identity: Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Driving License, Passport.
• Proof of Address: Aadhaar Card, Passport, recent utility bills (electricity, water), bank statement.
• Proof of Date of Birth: Birth Certificate, Matriculation Certificate, Aadhaar Card, Passport.

To change your name on the PAN card after marriage, you need to apply for a 'Change or Correction in PAN Data'. You must submit the application along with a supporting document like a Marriage Certificate, a publication of name change in an official gazette, or an affidavit. Your husband's name does not replace your father's name on the card.

If your application is rejected, you will receive a notification with the reason for rejection. You need to rectify the error (e.g., incorrect details, unclear documents) and re-submit the application. There is often no need to pay the fee again if you re-submit within the specified time.

If you lose your PAN card, you should apply for a "Reprint" of the PAN card. You can do this online through the NSDL or UTIITSL portals. You will receive a new card with the same PAN number.

Yes, if there is a change in your name, date of birth, address, or other details, you must apply for a "Change or Correction in PAN Data". This requires submitting a specific form along with proof of the updated information.

Yes, a minor (a person below 18 years of age) can apply for a PAN card. The application must be signed by the minor's parent or guardian on their behalf. The parent's/guardian's documents will be required as proof of identity and address.

An AO Code (Assessing Officer Code) signifies the Income Tax jurisdiction that you belong to. While filling the PAN application online, the portals (NSDL or UTIITSL) provide a tool to find your AO code by selecting your state and city.

Yes, it is illegal for an individual to hold more than one PAN. If you have been allotted multiple PANs, you must surrender the duplicate(s) immediately. A penalty of ₹10,000 can be levied for holding more than one PAN.

The password for your e-PAN PDF file is your date of birth in the DDMMYYYY format. For example, if your date of birth is 05th April 1990, the password will be `05041990`.

You can track your PAN card application status through:

• NSDL Portal: Visit the NSDL-TIN website and use your 15-digit acknowledgment number.
• UTIITSL Portal: Visit the UTIITSL PAN portal with your application coupon number.
• SMS: Send SMS to NSDL: 'NSDLPAN' followed by 15-digit acknowledgment number to 57575.

You can download a copy of your PAN card (e-PAN) through:

• e-PAN Download: Visit the e-PAN download portal on the NSDL website using your Aadhaar number and OTP verification.
• Instant e-PAN: If you have a valid Aadhaar number, you can get an instant e-PAN through the NSDL portal.
• Reprint: If you've lost your PAN card, you can apply for a reprint through NSDL or UTIITSL portals.

Yes, you can check your CIBIL score using your PAN card. PAN is the primary identifier used by credit bureaus in India to track your credit history. You can check your score through:

• CIBIL official website
• Various financial apps and websites that offer free credit score checks
• Your bank's net banking portal (many banks now provide free credit score access)

Yes, a CIBIL score of 700 is considered good. CIBIL scores range from 300 to 900, and:

• 750+: Excellent - likely to get best interest rates
• 700-749: Good - likely to get approved for loans
• 650-699: Fair - may get approved but with higher interest
• Below 650: Poor - may face difficulty getting loans

Your PAN card doesn't directly show how many loans you have. However, all loans taken in your name are linked to your PAN. To check your active loans:

• Check your credit report from CIBIL or other credit bureaus
• Review your bank statements and loan documents
• Check with individual lenders where you've taken loans

A low credit score in India is typically considered to be below 650. Scores below this threshold may:

• Make it difficult to get approved for loans and credit cards
• Result in higher interest rates if approved
• Require additional security or collateral
• Limit your credit options

You can order a PAN card through:

• Online: Through NSDL or UTIITSL websites
• Offline: Through PAN service centers or TIN facilitation centers
• Instant e-PAN: If you have Aadhaar, you can get instant e-PAN online

The process involves filling the application form, submitting documents, and paying the applicable fee.

If you lose your Aadhaar card:

• You can download an e-Aadhaar from the UIDAI website
• You can order a reprint of your Aadhaar card online
• Visit an Aadhaar enrollment center for assistance
• Your Aadhaar number remains the same even if you get a new card

You can check your Aadhaar card status through:

• UIDAI Website: Use your enrollment ID
• SMS: Send SMS to 51969 with "UID STATUS" followed by 14-digit enrollment number
• mAadhaar App: Check status through the official mobile app
• Helpline: Call 1947 for assistance

To download Aadhaar card using enrollment number:

1. Visit the UIDAI official website
2. Go to 'Download Aadhaar' section
3. Select 'Download using Enrollment ID (EID)'
4. Enter your 14-digit enrollment number, date and time of enrollment
5. Enter security code and request OTP
6. Enter OTP and download your e-Aadhaar

You cannot directly check Aadhaar card details by name alone due to privacy concerns. However, you can:

• Use the 'Retrieve Lost UID/EID' service on UIDAI website with your registered mobile number
• Visit an Aadhaar enrollment center with identity proof
• Use mAadhaar app if you have it installed on your registered mobile

To check your Aadhaar card download history:

1. Log in to the UIDAI website with your Aadhaar number
2. Go to 'Aadhaar Services' section
3. Select 'Aadhaar Authentication History'
4. View your download and authentication history

Note: You need your registered mobile number to receive OTP for login.

You can update your Aadhaar card details through:

• Online: For certain details like address on UIDAI website
• Offline: Visit any Aadhaar enrollment center for all types of updates
• Carry supporting documents for the changes you want to make
• Pay the applicable fee for certain updates

To check if your Aadhaar is linked to your bank account:

• Check your bank's net banking portal or mobile app
• Visit your bank branch and inquire
• Check your bank account statement - it may show Aadhaar linkage status
• Use the NPCI mapper service (if available through your bank)

To verify the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar:

1. Visit the UIDAI website
2. Use the 'Verify Email/Mobile Number' service
3. Enter your Aadhaar number and the mobile number you want to verify
4. Enter the security code and submit
5. The system will confirm if the mobile number is registered with your Aadhaar

Virtual ID (VID) is a temporary 16-digit number that can be used instead of your Aadhaar number for authentication. To use VID:

1. Generate VID through UIDAI website or mAadhaar app
2. Use this VID for Aadhaar authentication services
3. The VID is valid for a limited time period
4. You can generate new VID anytime the old one expires

To check your Aadhaar update status:

1. Visit the UIDAI website
2. Go to 'Check Aadhaar Update Status' section
3. Enter your 14-digit Update Request Number (URN)
4. Enter security code and check status
5. You can also check through mAadhaar app or by calling 1947

You can get an 'Instant e-PAN' in about 10 minutes using your Aadhaar card. This facility is available on the Income Tax Department's e-filing website. It's a paperless process, and you get a digitally signed e-PAN. This is only for individuals who have not been allotted a PAN before and have a valid Aadhaar linked to their mobile number.

You cannot directly "see" your PAN card just by entering your Aadhaar number. However, you can:

• Check Link Status: Use the 'Link Aadhaar Status' tool on the Income Tax portal to see if a PAN is linked to your Aadhaar.
• Find PAN Number: If you forgot your PAN but know it's linked to your Aadhaar, you can use the 'Know Your PAN' service on the Income Tax website, which may use your Aadhaar details for verification.
• Download e-PAN: If you used Aadhaar to get an Instant e-PAN, you can download it again from the ITD portal.

A digital PAN card, commonly known as an e-PAN, is a digitally signed, electronic version of your physical PAN card. It is delivered in a PDF format and is just as valid as the physical laminated card for all official purposes across India.

Yes, it's possible. While the physical card takes 15-20 days, the e-PAN is often generated much faster.

• Instant e-PAN: Can be generated in as little as 10 minutes if applied via Aadhaar e-KYC.
• Regular Application: Even with a regular application, the e-PAN (digital copy) is often emailed to you within 1-2 days after successful processing.

As per government regulations, it is mandatory to link your PAN with your Aadhaar card. Failure to do so can result in your PAN becoming inoperative, which will stop you from conducting many financial transactions like filing ITR, opening bank accounts, or investing.

The full form of PAN is Permanent Account Number. The term 'PAN card' is technically redundant (like 'PIN number'), but it is the commonly used name for the card.

"PAN Card 2.0" is not an official term. It usually refers to the new design of the PAN card (the QR-code-enabled card) or the e-PAN facility. It is not a separate mandatory upgrade. If you have an old PAN card, it is still valid. However, if you apply for a reprint or a new card, you will receive the new QR-code-enabled design.

Yes, you can. To update your photograph (or signature), you need to apply for a 'Change or Correction in PAN Data'. You will have to fill the form and submit a new, clear photograph. This process is similar to applying for a new card and will result in a new PAN card being issued to you with the updated photo.

No, as of the current rules, once your PAN is linked with your Aadhaar, there is no online or offline process to delink them. This linking is considered permanent and is mandatory by law.

Yes. For applying for a new PAN card, Aadhaar is mandatory for most individual applicants. Furthermore, for all existing PAN cardholders, it is mandatory to link their PAN with their Aadhaar.

There isn't a direct "block" feature for a PAN card like a credit card. If your PAN card is stolen or lost, you should:

1. File an FIR (First Information Report) with the local police. This serves as proof that the card was lost.
2. Apply for a "Reprint" of your PAN card immediately. This ensures you have a valid card, and the old card is essentially replaced.

Keep the FIR copy safe in case of any misuse of your lost card.

Misusing your Aadhaar number alone for financial transactions is difficult, as it usually requires biometric or OTP verification. However, you should still be cautious. To protect yourself:

• Do not share your Aadhaar number publicly.
• Use the 'Masked Aadhaar' feature, which hides the first 8 digits.
• Use the 'Aadhaar Lock/Unlock' facility on the UIDAI website to lock your biometrics when not in use.
• Never share your Aadhaar OTP with anyone.

Some of the key rules include:

• PAN-Aadhaar Linking: It is mandatory to link your PAN with Aadhaar.
• Inoperative PAN: If not linked, the PAN becomes inoperative.
• Interchangeability: You can often use your Aadhaar number in place of your PAN for certain transactions (like filing ITR).
• QR Code: New PAN cards come with a dynamic QR code containing details to prevent fraud.

Yes, absolutely. There is no requirement to be an earning individual to get a PAN card. Students, non-working spouses, and unemployed individuals can and often must apply for a PAN card for various purposes, such as opening a bank account, making investments, or as proof of identity.

No, it's the other way around. Your PAN card is not considered a primary document for updating Aadhaar details. To update your Aadhaar (e.g., name, date of birth), you typically need to provide documents like a Passport, Voter ID, or Birth Certificate. Your Aadhaar, however, is used as a primary document for getting or updating your PAN.

Almost any 'person' (as defined by the Income Tax Act) can apply for a PAN card, including:

• Individuals: Including minors and non-resident Indians (NRIs).
• Hindu Undivided Family (HUF): A family-based entity.
• Companies: Both private and public limited.
• Firms: Partnership firms, LLPs, etc.
• Trusts & Associations: NGOs, societies, etc.

There isn't a specific category of "ineligible" persons. Anyone who falls into a legal entity (like an individual, company, or trust) can apply. The only "ineligible" case would be someone trying to apply for a second PAN card, as holding more than one PAN is illegal.

The 4th letter of a PAN card indicates the status of the PAN holder. Common letters include:

• P: Individual
• C: Company
• H: Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)
• F: Firm / Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
• T: Trust
• A: Association of Persons (AOP)
• B: Body of Individuals (BOI)
• G: Government Agency

While the card itself looks the same, the application forms are different based on the applicant type. The two main types of PAN applications are:

• Form 49A: For Indian citizens, companies, and entities.
• Form 49AA: For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and foreign entities.

In terms of format, there are two types: the physical PAN card (laminated card) and the e-PAN (digital PDF version).

The fee for reprinting a PAN card (if no changes are needed) is nominal. As of late 2025, the charges are typically:

• ₹50 (inclusive of taxes) if the delivery address is within India.
• ₹959 (inclusive of taxes) if the delivery address is outside India.

This fee includes the cost of the physical card and dispatch.

If you have lost your PAN card and don't remember the number, you can:

• Check Old Documents: Look at your old tax returns, bank statements, or Form 26AS.
• Use Income Tax Portal: Log in to your Income Tax portal account. Your PAN is your username.
• 'Know Your PAN' Service: Use the "Know Your PAN" or "Verify Your PAN" service on the Income Tax e-filing website, which allows you to find your PAN by entering details like your name and date of birth or Aadhaar number.

It is very difficult. PAN is a mandatory KYC document for opening a bank account in India. While some basic savings accounts (like 'Jan Dhan' accounts) might have different initial requirements, a PAN card is almost always required for full-service bank accounts and for any financial transactions above ₹50,000.

Yes. When applying for a new PAN card, you are given an option to receive only an e-PAN and not a physical card. Opting for the e-PAN only is cheaper (sometimes free, as in the case of Instant e-PAN) and faster. The e-PAN is a valid proof of PAN for all purposes.

While it's not illegal for a person (like a student or non-earning individual) to simply *not have* a PAN card, it is mandatory to obtain one if you:

• Earn taxable income in India.
• Need to file an Income Tax Return.
• Want to enter into specific financial transactions (like buying property, investing in mutual funds, or making high-value cash deposits).

Given its requirement for basic financial tasks like opening a bank account, it is highly recommended for every adult citizen to have one.