How to apply for PAN card online — Form 49A guide (2026)

• Indian citizen, resident, or NRI (Form 49A)
• Foreign citizen / entity (Form 49AA)
• No age limit — minors get PAN with parent as representative

1. Choose your route — Instant e-PAN (Aadhaar OTP) at incometax.gov.in → fastest, free. NSDL/UTIITSL for full physical card with photo.
2. For instant e-PAN — Go to incometax.gov.in → Quick Links → Instant e-PAN → Get New e-PAN. Enter Aadhaar + verify OTP. PAN issued in 10 minutes as PDF.
3. For NSDL Form 49A — Go to onlineservices.nsdl.com/paam/endUserRegisterContact.html → fill Form 49A → upload PoI + PoA + PoDOB + photo + signature.
4. Pay fee online — ₹107 (within India) or ₹1,017 (outside India) via card/UPI/netbanking.
5. Send physical docs (NSDL only) — If you used Aadhaar e-KYC + e-sign, no physical docs needed. Else courier the acknowledgement to NSDL Pune address printed on portal.
6. Track via 15-digit acknowledgement — NSDL: tin.tin.nsdl.com/pantan/StatusTrack.html. UTIITSL: utiitsl.com → PAN status.
7. Receive PAN — e-PAN PDF emailed in 7 days. Physical card by India Post in 10–15 days.

• Online portal: NSDL PAN portal
• Offline: TIN-Facilitation Centres (NSDL), UTIITSL service centres, and authorised banks.
• Fee: ₹107 within India · ₹1,017 outside India · Free for instant e-PAN via Aadhaar OTP
• Timeline: Instant e-PAN: 10 minutes · NSDL/UTIITSL: 7–15 days for physical card.

See our complete checklist: Documents required for pan card — covers mandatory + optional + size/format specs.

• Aadhaar not linked to mobile — instant e-PAN fails. Either link via UIDAI first, or use NSDL physical route.
• Photo/signature rejected — must be clear, white background, JPG ≤200KB, signature in black ink only.
• Name mismatch with Aadhaar — PAN issued in Aadhaar name. To use a different name (post-marriage etc.), file separate Form 49A correction.
• Duplicate PAN — penalty Rs 10,000 under §272B. Surrender extras at NSDL/UTIITSL using Form for Cancellation.

Most “delays” or “rejections” clear within 7-15 days of an RTI being filed. Use this 5-question template:

1. Status of my application no. _____ dated _____ as on date.
2. The name + designation of the dealing officer assigned to my file.
3. The reasons for delay beyond the statutory timeline.
4. Copy of any noting / movement of my file in the past 30 days.
5. The likely date of issuance of my certificate / approval.

Auto-fill the PIO details + your case: Open the RTI Drafter →

Or browse state-wise scheme procedures: All state portals + RTI templates

Track your application status: How to check status guide

Yes — Income Tax Dept gazette 2020. Banks, employers, govt offices must accept it.

Typically 10 minutes if Aadhaar is OTP-verified. Maximum 24 hours.

Yes — parent applies as Representative Assessee. Minor PAN auto-renames at age 18 with re-submission.

For NSDL — call 020-27218080. For Income Tax e-filing portal — file RTI to CBDT for status. Our RTI Playbook has the format.

Apply for “Reprint of PAN” at NSDL or UTIITSL — Rs 50. Same PAN number, fresh card.

• How to check status — 25 high-traffic services
• Documents required — 30 checklists
• All state RTI portals
• Full RTI Playbook — 100+ scenarios

• Official portal: https://www.onlineservices.nsdl.com/paam/endUserRegisterContact.html
• Citizen feedback collected via AwaazRTI (composite, identifying details removed).
• Statutory references: see relevant Act sections.

Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.