how-to-apply:pan-card
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How to apply for PAN card online — Form 49A guide (2026)

Quick answer: You can get a PAN card three ways: (1) Instant e-PAN via Aadhaar OTP (free, 10 minutes, fully online — fastest); (2) NSDL e-Gov portal (Rs 107 incl. courier, 7–10 days); (3) UTIITSL (Rs 107, 7–10 days). For first-time PAN, route 1 is recommended — no documents needed if Aadhaar is linked to mobile.

Who can apply (eligibility)

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

Step-by-step process

  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.

Where to apply, fee, and timeline

  • 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.

What documents to keep ready

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

Common issues + how to handle

  • 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.

If your application is delayed or rejected — file an RTI

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

Frequently asked questions

Is e-PAN valid as physical PAN?

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

How fast is instant e-PAN?

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

Can a minor get PAN?

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

My PAN is showing delayed/stuck. What can I do?

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

Lost my PAN card. How to reprint?

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

Summary + what to do next

Bottom line: Apply at NSDL PAN portal (https://www.onlineservices.nsdl.com/paam/endUserRegisterContact.html). 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.. If delayed beyond timeline, file an RTI — most cases clear within 15 days.

Sources

Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.

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