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The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a 10-digit alphanumeric and unique account number allocated by the Indian Income Tax Department. It is required for financial transactions in India, such as operating a bank account, receiving a salary, or buying or selling property. PAN cards can be applied for both online and offline, with the online process being the most hassle-free. The application process involves filling out an application form, submitting the required documents, and paying the processing fee. The application can be made on the Income Tax portal, the NSDL website, or the UTIITSL website.

How to get a PAN card in India

The process of applying for a PAN card in India depends on whether you are applying online or offline, and whether you are an Indian citizen or a foreigner. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to obtain a PAN card in India:

Online Application

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Go to either the NSDL or UTIITSL website and log in to the web portal.

Step 2: Choose Application Type

Select either 'New PAN – Indian Citizen (Form 49A)' or 'New PAN – Foreign Citizen (Form 49AA)' under 'Application Type'. Then, choose 'Individual' for the 'Category'.

Step 3: Fill in Basic Information

Enter your name, date of birth, email address, and mobile number. Agree to the consent terms and submit.

Step 4: Receive Token Number

You will receive a token number on your email or registered mobile number. Click on 'Continue with PAN Application Form' to proceed.

Step 5: Choose Document Submission Method

You have three options: digital submission through e-KYC & e-Sign (paperless), scanned image submission through e-Sign, or physically forwarding documents.

Step 6: Decide on Card Preference

If you want to receive your PAN card physically, select this option. Otherwise, you can choose to receive it digitally via email. The application fee varies depending on your choices.

Step 7: Provide Personal Details

Enter your Aadhaar number, name, gender, date of birth, and parents' names.

Step 8: Fill in Address and Income Details

Provide your income sources, communication address, residential address, and office address (if required). Also, include your phone number and email address.

Step 9: Enter AO Code and Upload Documents

Enter your Assessing Officer (AO) code and upload the necessary documents. Complete the declaration and submit the form.

Step 10: Make Payment

After submitting the application, proceed to the payment page to pay the required fees. An acknowledgment with a 15-digit number will be generated upon successful payment.

Offline Application

Step 1: Download the Appropriate Form

Download 'Form 49A' if you are an Indian citizen or 'Form 49AA' if you are a foreign citizen from the NSDL website.

Step 2: Fill in the AO and Area Code

Complete this section of the form using BLOCK letters and a black ink pen. You can find these codes on the NSDL website.

Step 3: Provide Personal Information

Fill in your personal details, such as your complete name, birth date, address, and contact information.

Step 4: Attach Photographs

Affix two recent color passport-sized photographs with a plain background in the designated boxes at the top of the first page.

Step 5: Sign the Form

Sign the form in the specified places, including across the photograph on the top left side.

Step 6: Attach Supporting Documents

Attach self-attested copies of your proof of identity, address, and date of birth to the form.

Step 7: Submit the Application

Submit the completed form and documents at the nearest PAN center, pay the required fees, and receive an acknowledgment number.

General Requirements

Regardless of the application method, the following requirements apply:

• Proof of Identity: Aadhaar card, passport, driving license, etc.
• Proof of Address: Utility bills, bank account statement, lease agreement, etc.
• Proof of Date of Birth: Birth certificate, matriculation certificate, passport, etc.

Processing Time

The processing time for a PAN card application typically takes 15-20 working days for normal service and can be faster (7-10 working days) for fast-track service.

How to get a PAN card outside India

To get a PAN card while outside of India, you must complete the following steps:

• Identify the type of applicant you are: an individual with an Indian passport, an individual with a foreign passport, or a company registered outside of India.
• Begin your application online.
• Enter the applicant's details, including name, address, and contact details.
• Make an online payment of fees. The price includes shipping the PAN card to the applicant's international address.
• Send proof of name and address via email for review.
• Print, sign, and paste two photos onto the form as per the instructions received by email.
• Send the signed application form and copies of proof documents by post or courier to India or New Jersey, depending on your location. An additional fee is required if sending to New Jersey.
• Await processing of your application and the allotment of a unique PAN number.
• You will first receive a digital PAN card by email, which is accepted for Bank KYC, property registrations, etc.
• Later, a physical PAN card will be delivered to your overseas address via international speed post.

Please note that the process can take around 7 to 10 working days, and foreign applicants may benefit from using an agent to represent them.

Documents required for a PAN card

The documents required for a PAN card depend on the applicant's category and type. For instance, the documents required for a student or minor are different from those for a company. Here is a detailed list of the documents required for each category of applicant:

Documents Required for PAN Card Application by Citizens of India:

Indian citizens need to fill out Form 49A and provide one copy each of their age, ID, and address proof. The following documents are accepted:

• Birth certificate issued by a municipal authority
• Matriculation certificate
• Pension payment order
• Government-issued Domicile Certificate
• Marriage Certificate issued by the Marriage Registrar’s Office
• An affidavit, duly signed, affirming the date of birth before a Magistrate
• Photo ID card issued by the State or Central Government, Central Public Sector Undertaking, or State Public Sector Undertaking
• Ration card with a photograph
• Pensioner Card with a photograph
• Applicant’s Ration Card
• Card issued by the Central Government Health Scheme
• A certificate from the applicant's bank, including their photo and bank account number
• Utility bills (electricity, water, gas)
• Post office passbook with address
• Bank account statement
• Domicile certificate issued by the government
• Property registration paperwork
• Property tax assessment notice
• Broadband service bill
• Credit card statement
• Applicant's postal passbook with an address
• Accommodation allotment letter from central or state government (not exceeding 3 years old)

Documents Required for PAN Card for NRIs and HUFs:

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and members of Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) must fill out Form 49A and provide one copy each of their ID and address proof. The following documents are accepted:

• OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card issued by the Indian Government
• PIO (Person of Indian Origin) card issued by the Indian Government
• Other valid identification documents such as a Taxpayer ID number, National ID number, and Citizenship ID number (authenticated by an 'Apostille' or by an Indian Embassy/Consulate/High Commission in the applicant's home country)
• Foreign bank account statements in the applicant's home country
• NRE (Non-Resident External) bank account statement in India
• Registration Certificate issued by the Office of Foreigner's Registration, indicating the Indian address
• Visa granted by any foreign country
• Copy of appointment letter issued by an Indian company or employer along with an original Certificate of Address in India

Documents Required for PAN Card for Companies:

The documents required for a company PAN card depend on the company type or category. Here are the documents required for different types of companies:

• Indian Registered Company: Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of Companies.
• Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of Limited Liability Partnership/Firms or Partnership deed.
• Association of Persons (Trusts) in India: Trust Deed or Certificate of Registration Number issued by the Charity Commissioner.
• Company registered outside India: Registration Certificate issued by India or approval from Indian Authority to set up an office in India; or Certificate of Registration from the applicant's country (attested by 'Apostille' or Indian Embassy/High Commission/Consulate).
• Firm registered outside India: Similar documents to a company registered outside India.
• Association of Persons (Trusts) formed outside India: Similar documents to a company registered outside India.
• Other entities registered outside India: Similar documents to a company registered outside India.

How to apply for a PAN card online

Applying for a PAN card online involves following the guidelines and instructions provided by official Indian government portals and services. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a PAN card online:

• Choose the Official Portal: The Indian government has authorised only two entities for receiving and processing PAN applications and related services: UTI Infrastructure Technology And Services Limited (UTIITSL) and Protean eGov Technologies Limited (Protean). Visit their official websites or portals to initiate the PAN card application process.
• Select the Appropriate Application Form: The next step is to select the correct application form. For Indian citizens/NRIs, the form can be accessed through the official portals mentioned above. For foreign citizens, the process may vary slightly, and they should refer to the Consulate General of India website for their jurisdiction for specific instructions and forms.
• Fill Out the Application Form: Carefully fill out the online application form, providing accurate and complete information. The form will require personal details, contact information, and other relevant data.
• Submit the Required Documents: Along with the application form, you will need to submit various documents for proof of identity (POI), proof of address (POA), and proof of date of birth (DOB). The specific documents required may vary, but a notarized copy of your passport and address proof are commonly mentioned.
• Make the Necessary Payment: There is a fee associated with applying for a PAN card. The cost varies depending on whether you opt for a physical PAN card, an e-PAN card, or both. The charges are mentioned on the official portals, and you can make the payment online through the provided payment gateways.
• Track Your Application Status: After submitting your application, you can track its status using the acknowledgement number or reference number provided to you. The official portals usually have a "Track Status" feature that allows you to monitor the progress of your PAN card application.
• Receive Your PAN Card: Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive your PAN card. The delivery charges vary depending on whether the dispatch is within India or outside, and the card will be sent to the address registered with the Income Tax Department. Alternatively, you can opt for an e-PAN card, which will be sent to your registered email address.

Remember to carefully review the instructions and guidelines provided by the official portals to ensure that you meet all the requirements and provide the correct documentation. The process may vary slightly depending on your specific circumstances, such as being an Indian citizen, an NRI, or a foreign citizen.

How to apply for a PAN card offline

Applying for a PAN card offline is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Download Form 49A

Visit the NSDL e-Gov website and download Form 49A, which is the application form for a PAN Card. This form is for Indian citizens, NRE/NRI/OCI, etc. If you are a foreign citizen, you will need to fill out Form 49AA.

Step 2: Fill in the application form

Complete the application form by providing all the necessary details. Ensure that the information is accurate and legible. You will need to attach a recent passport-sized photograph and add your signature to the form.

Step 3: Attach supporting documents

Along with the completed application form, you will need to submit supporting documents such as proof of identity and proof of address. For proof of identity, you can submit documents such as your Aadhaar card, voter ID card, passport, driving license, etc. For proof of address, you can submit documents like your Aadhaar card, passport, bank statement, utility bills, etc.

Step 4: Submit the form and documents

Submit the completed application form along with the supporting documents to the nearest PAN centre or a district-level PAN agency. You will be required to pay the application fee and any applicable processing or administrative fees at the time of submission.

Step 5: Receive acknowledgment and track application status

Upon submission of your application, you will receive an acknowledgment slip or number, which can be used to track the status of your PAN card application. The NSDL/UTIITSL department typically issues the PAN card within 15 days of receiving the application.

Frequently asked questions