Retrieving Your Lost Pan Card Number

If you've lost your PAN card, don't panic. You can apply for a duplicate PAN card, which will have the same PAN number as your original. This can be done online or offline, and you'll need to provide various documents and details such as proof of identity and address. The process is simple and quick, and you should receive your duplicate PAN card within 2 weeks.

Report the loss to the police and get a copy of the FIR

If you've lost your PAN card, it's important to act quickly to minimise the risk of fraud and identity theft. A Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is a vital document in India, required for monetary transactions, sales and purchases, visa applications, and filing income tax returns (ITRs). Here are the steps you need to take to report the loss and obtain a copy of the First Information Report (FIR):

Report the Loss to the Police:

• Go to your nearest police station and lodge a complaint about the loss or theft of your PAN card.
• Provide all the necessary information, including your personal details and contact information.
• Explain the circumstances of the loss or theft, and request to file an FIR.

Obtain a Copy of the FIR:

• Once you have filed the FIR, make sure to obtain a copy of the report. This document is crucial for your records and for the next steps in the process of obtaining a duplicate PAN card.
• Keep the FIR copy safe, as you will need to submit it when applying for a duplicate PAN card.

It is essential to take this step seriously, as a PAN card is a crucial document in India. By reporting the loss or theft to the police and obtaining an FIR, you can help protect yourself from potential fraud and identity theft. This process also ensures that your lost or stolen PAN card cannot be misused by anyone else. Once you have the FIR, you can proceed with the application for a duplicate PAN card, which can be done either online or offline.

Use alternative ID documents

If you've lost your PAN card, there's no need to panic. You can use alternative ID documents to obtain a duplicate PAN card or retrieve your PAN number. Here's what you need to know:

Alternative ID Documents

When applying for a duplicate PAN card or retrieving your PAN number, you will need to submit valid photo identification proof. Here are some alternative ID documents that you can use:

• Aadhaar Card
• Voter ID Card
• Driving License
• Passport
• Ration Card with photograph
• Arms License
• Pensioner Card with photograph
• Health Service Scheme Card
• Any other valid identity card issued by the Central or State Government, or a Public Sector enterprise

It's important to note that the ID proof should contain your name, photograph, date of birth, signature, and your father's name.

Online Application for Lost PAN Card

The Government of India has made it convenient to apply for a duplicate PAN card online. Here are the steps you can follow:

• Visit the TIN-NSDL online portal.
• Select 'PAN' from the 'Services' menu bar.
• Under 'Reprint of PAN Card,' click 'Apply.'
• Fill in the required details and submit the form.
• An acknowledgement number will be provided, which can be used to track your application.

Offline Application for Lost PAN Card

If you prefer, you can also apply for a lost PAN card through an offline process:

• Obtain the "Request for New PAN Changes or Correction in PAN Data" form from a TIN-Facilitation Centre, IT PAN Service Centre, PAN Centre, or stationery vendor.
• Fill out the form using CAPITAL LETTERS and BLACK INK.
• Attach two recent coloured photographs.
• Sign across the left-hand side photograph.
• If desired, you can update your address by ticking the checkbox on the left-hand margin and providing the details on an additional page.
• Submit the form along with the required documents and fees to the NSDL facilitation centre.

Fees for Lost PAN Card

There are fees associated with obtaining a duplicate PAN card, and they vary depending on your location:

• Dispatch of a physical PAN Card within India: INR 52
• Dispatch of a physical PAN Card outside India: INR 959

Processing Time

Once your application is processed and the fees are paid, you can expect to receive your duplicate PAN card within 2 weeks.

Report the loss online

If you've lost your PAN card, don't panic. You can apply for a duplicate PAN card online through the TIN-NSDL or Protean website. Here's a step-by-step guide to reporting the loss of your PAN card and obtaining a duplicate online:

Step 1: Visit the TIN-NSDL or Protean Website

Go to the official website of TIN-NSDL (now Protean): www.tin-nsdl.com. On the website, look for the "Online Application for PAN" tab or the "Apply Online" section.

Step 2: Select "Reprint of PAN Card"

Once you've located the relevant tab or section, choose the "Reprint of PAN Card" option. This selection is specifically for cases of a lost, stolen, or misplaced PAN card.

Step 3: Choose "Online Application for Changes/Correction in PAN Data"

After selecting the "Reprint of PAN Card" option, you will be redirected to a new page. On this page, look for and click on the "Online Application for changes/correction in PAN data" link.

Step 4: Select the Type of PAN Card

After clicking the aforementioned link, you will be presented with instructions and guidelines. Read these carefully. Then, select the type of PAN card you need to apply for, such as individual, company, HUF, or firm.

Step 5: Fill Out the Online Application Form

In the online application form, provide the required details, including your existing Permanent Account Number, name, communication address, contact number, and email address. Ensure that all the information you enter is accurate and error-free.

Step 6: Attach Necessary Documents

Along with the application form, you will need to attach self-attested copies of relevant documents, such as ID proof and photographs. Refer to the official website for a detailed list of required documents for different categories of applicants.

Step 7: Submit the Application Form

You can choose to submit the application form online or send it by post to NSDL, along with the necessary documents.

Step 8: Pay the Application Fee

The application fee varies depending on your residency status. For resident individuals, the fee is Rs. 50, while for non-resident individuals (with a communication address outside India), the fee is Rs. 959. You can pay the fee using a debit card, credit card, net banking, or demand draft.

Step 9: Receive the Acknowledgment Number

Once you have successfully paid the application fee, an acknowledgment number will be generated. Keep this acknowledgment number safe, as you will need it for future correspondence and to track the status of your duplicate PAN card application.

Step 10: Wait for the Dispatch of Your Duplicate PAN Card

After submitting your application and documents, the processing of your duplicate PAN card will take place. Typically, it takes about two weeks for the duplicate PAN card to be dispatched to the correspondence address mentioned in your application form.

Remember, while waiting for your duplicate PAN card, you can use alternative ID proofs, such as your Aadhaar card, voter ID, or driving license, for essential purposes like booking travel tickets. Additionally, ensure that you promptly report the loss of your PAN card to the Income Tax Department to avoid any potential misuse of your lost card.

Apply for a duplicate PAN card online

If you've lost your PAN card, you don't need to apply for a new PAN. You can, however, apply for a duplicate PAN card to the income tax department. This can be done online, saving time and cost. Here's a step-by-step guide to applying for a duplicate PAN card online:

Step 1: Visit the TIN-NSDL website

Go to the official website, TIN-NSDL, and select the application type as "Changes or correction in existing PAN data/Reprint of PAN card (No changes in existing PAN data)".

Step 2: Fill in the mandatory information

Complete the mandatory fields on the form and submit it. This will include personal details and your PAN card information.

Step 3: Note the token number

After submitting the form, a token number will be generated and sent to your email ID. Keep this token number for future reference and continue with the application process.

Step 4: Choose the mode of submission

On the "Personal Details" page, select the mode of submission for your PAN application form. There are three options available: forward application documents physically, submit digitally through e-KYC and e-sign, or submit scanned images through e-sign.

Step 5: Provide the required documents

Depending on the mode of submission chosen, you may need to provide scanned or physical copies of required documents, such as proof of identity, proof of address, and proof of PAN card.

Step 6: Choose the type of PAN card

Decide whether you need a physical PAN card or an e-PAN card. If you select an e-PAN card, provide a valid email ID to receive the digitally signed card.

Step 7: Complete the application

Fill in the necessary details in the "Contact & other details" and "Document details" sections, and submit the application.

Step 8: Make the payment

You will be directed to the payment page. Once the payment is made, an acknowledgement will be generated. If you have chosen to submit documents physically, print out the acknowledgement, affix your signature and photo, and send it along with the required documents to the PAN services unit.

Step 9: Check the status of your application

You can track the status of your duplicate PAN card application using the 15-digit acknowledgement number provided. The card will typically be dispatched within 15-20 days of the department receiving your application.

Remember, if you lost your PAN card due to theft, it is recommended to file an FIR at the nearest police station and submit a copy with your duplicate PAN card application. Additionally, if there are no changes to your PAN details, you can opt for a reprint of your PAN card through the Protean website or the Instant e-PAN facility on the Income Tax e-filling portal.

Apply for a duplicate PAN card offline

If you've lost your PAN card, you can apply for a duplicate PAN card offline. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Download and Print the Application Form

Start by downloading the "Request for a new PAN card or/and changes or correction in PAN data" form. You can find this form on the official website of the Income Tax Department or TIN-NSDL. Once you have the form, print it out so you can fill it in.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form

Use BLOCK letters and black ink to fill out the application form. Make sure to mention your 10-digit PAN number for reference. If you are an individual applicant, you will need to attach two passport-size photographs that are cross-signed, ensuring your face is not covered while signing.

Carefully fill in all the necessary details in the form. Since you are applying for a duplicate PAN card without any changes to your PAN details, do not tick any boxes or sections on the left margin of the form.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Along with the completed application form, you will need to provide proof of identity, proof of address, and proof of date of birth. Here are some acceptable documents for each category:

Proof of Identity:

• Aadhaar card
• Voter ID
• Driving License
• Passport
• Ration card

Proof of Address:

• Aadhaar card
• Voter ID
• Driving License
• Passport
• Bank account statements
• Utility bills
• Post office passbook

Proof of Date of Birth:

• Aadhaar card
• Voter ID
• Driving License
• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Marksheet

Additionally, you will need to provide proof of your PAN card, such as a PAN card copy or allotment letter.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Submit the completed application form along with the required documents to the NSDL facilitation centre. You can locate the nearest NSDL facilitation centre by searching on the official website. After submitting the application, you will receive a printed acknowledgement form with a 15-digit acknowledgement number.

Step 5: Track Your Application Status

Using the 15-digit acknowledgement number, you can track the status of your duplicate PAN card application. The PAN facilitation centre will forward your application to the Income-tax PAN services unit for further processing.

Step 6: Receive Your Duplicate PAN Card

After the department receives your application form, the duplicate PAN card will be dispatched within 2 weeks following processing. It will be sent to the address mentioned in your Aadhaar card.

Please note that it is essential to surrender any duplicate or incorrect PAN cards you may receive to the income tax department to avoid legal consequences.

Frequently asked questions