Table of Contents
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
- Choose your route — Instant e-PAN (Aadhaar OTP) at incometax.gov.in → fastest, free. NSDL/UTIITSL for full physical card with photo.
- 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.
- For NSDL Form 49A — Go to onlineservices.nsdl.com/paam/endUserRegisterContact.html → fill Form 49A → upload PoI + PoA + PoDOB + photo + signature.
- Pay fee online — ₹107 (within India) or ₹1,017 (outside India) via card/UPI/netbanking.
- 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.
- Track via 15-digit acknowledgement — NSDL: tin.tin.nsdl.com/pantan/StatusTrack.html. UTIITSL: utiitsl.com → PAN status.
- 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.
- Start your application: NSDL PAN portal
- Document checklist first: Required documents
- Track existing application: Status check guide
- If stuck — RTI Drafter: File an RTI in 5 minutes
- Talk to other citizens: AwaazRTI community
- Browse all how-to-apply guides: All 25 application guides
Related reading
Sources
- 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.

