In today’s digital landscape, managing essential documents electronically has become a necessity. Among these, the e-PAN card—an electronic version of the Permanent Account Number (PAN) card ( 10-character alphanumeric)—stands out as a pivotal tool for simplifying financial and tax-related transactions. Whether it’s applying for loans, filing taxes, or making investments, having a digital version of your PAN card ensures seamless processes.

Understanding PAN and ePAN Cards

Let’s understand PAN Card and e-PAN Card:

What is a PAN Card?

The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a 10-digit alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It is essential for individuals, businesses, and entities engaging in financial transactions. Key attributes of the PAN card include:

  • Identification: Acts as a unique identification proof for tax-related and financial activities.
  • Tax Tracking: Ensures compliance with tax regulations and prevents tax evasion.
  • Financial Necessity: Required for opening bank accounts, filing income tax returns, making high-value transactions, and more.
  • Lifetime Validity: The PAN remains unchanged irrespective of address or personal details.

What is an ePAN Card?

An ePAN card is a digital version of the PAN card, designed to facilitate online access and verification. It contains all details present on the physical PAN card, such as:

  • PAN Number
  • Name of the Cardholder
  • Date of Birth/Incorporation
  • Photograph and Signature
  • Father’s Name (for individuals)
  • QR Code with encoded details

The ePAN card is legally accepted for all purposes requiring a PAN card, making it a highly convenient option in today’s fast-paced digital environment.

Why Download an ePAN Card?

Downloading an ePAN card offers several advantages, such as:

  • Instant Access: Access your PAN card anytime without waiting for postal delivery.
  • Eco-Friendly: Reduces the need for physical materials and transportation.
  • Backup Option: Serves as a backup in case of loss or damage to the physical PAN card.
  • Digital Transactions: Essential for seamless participation in online financial activities.
  • Cost-Effective: Often free or low-cost compared to obtaining a physical PAN card duplicate.

Methods to Download an e-PAN Card

There are three main portals for downloading an ePAN card:

  1. NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) Portal
  2. UTIITSL (UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited) Portal
  3. Income Tax e-Filing Portal
  4. Digilocker

Remember: If a person has applied for a PAN card through NSDL, they can download it only from the official NSDL portal online once their PAN card is processed and issued. Similarly, individuals who applied for their PAN card through UTIITSL can also download it directly from the UTIITSL official portal. 

Below are the step-by-step instructions for each platform.

1. Downloading ePAN Card via NSDL Portal

The NSDL portal offers an ePAN download facility through the Acknowledgment number and PAN number. To download the e-PAN online, follow the steps provided below:

NSDL portal provides e-PAN Card download for two different situations. One is if the PAN card is allotted in Last 30 days and other is if the PAN is allotted prior to 30 days. The prior to 30 days criteria allows to download their PAN Card earlier on urgent requirement.

To select the above-provided option, visit the https://www.protean-tinpan.com/ 

Scroll down on this page, and locate below provided both options and click on any one of them, as per your requirement.

  1. Request for e-PAN/e-PAN XML (PANs allotted in last 30 days) 
  2. Request for e-PAN/e-PAN XML (PANs allotted prior to 30 days) 

Select the appropriate option as per your requirement and then proceed with the process provided below:

  • Here you can download your e-PAN Card in two ways:
  1. Option 1: Through Acknowledgement Number
  2. Option 2: Through PAN Number

Option 1: Download PAN Card Through Acknowledgement Number

  • To download your PAN Card through this method, click on the radio button in front of the Acknowledgement Number.
  • Then, enter your Acknowledgement Number.
  • After that, enter the Month of Birth and Year of Birth.
  • Then select your preferred Language from the drop-down menu.
  • Validate reCAPTCHA.
  • Then click on the “Submit” button.

download PAN Card

  • Choose an OTP delivery method (email, mobile, or both).
  • Enter the OTP received and validate your identity.
  • After successful verification, click “Download PDF” to download your ePAN.

Option 2: Download PAN Card Through PAN Number

  • To download a PAN Card through PAN, click on the radio button in front of PAN.
  • Then, enter your PAN Number.
  • Now, enter your Aadhaar Number (Only for Individuals).
  • Then, enter the Month of Birth and Year of Birth.

download PAN Card

  • Tick the declaration box.
  • Then select your preferred Language from the available options.
  • Validate reCAPTCHA.
  • Finally, click on the “Submit” button.

download PAN Card

  • Now click on Send OTP.
  • Enter the OTP received and validate your identity.
  • After that, click on “Download PDF” to download your ePAN.

Note:

  1. Eligibility
  • This service is only available if your most recent PAN application was processed through Protean.
  1. Free Delivery Option
  • If your PAN was allotted or your PAN details were updated by the Income Tax Department (ITD) in the last 30 days:
    • You can receive your e-PAN card via email at no cost
    • Limited to three free deliveries
    • Must be sent to the email address registered in your PAN application
  1. Paid Delivery Option
  • If your PAN was allotted or updated more than 30 days ago:
    • You can receive your e-PAN card for a fee of ₹8.26 (including taxes)
    • Will be delivered to your registered email address

2. Downloading ePAN Card via UTIITSL Portal

Applicants who have applied through UTIITSL can download their ePAN by following these steps:

  • Visit the UTIITSL ePAN Download Page https://pan.utiitsl.com/.
  • Scroll to the “Download ePAN” section and click on it.

download PAN Card

  • Enter the required details:
    • PAN Number
    • Month of Birth
    • Year of Birth
    • GSTIN (optional)
    • Captcha Code
  • Click “Submit.”

download PAN Card

  • A link to download the ePAN will be sent to your registered email or mobile number.
  • Use the OTP sent to your registered contact to verify your identity.
  • Download your ePAN in PDF format.

Note:

Eligibility

  • This service is available through the UTIITSL website and mobile app
  • Only for applicants who have:
    • Submitted their PAN application through UTIITSL, or
    • Requested changes/corrections through UTIITSL

Cost

  • Free if your e-PAN was issued within the last month
  • ₹8.26 (including taxes) per request if more than one month has passed since issuance

Requirements

  • The e-PAN will only be sent to the email address registered with the Income Tax Department
  • Your request must be verified through email-based OTP authentication

Important Notes

  • If your email is not registered or needs updating in ITD records:
    1. You must first submit a change/correction request to update your email
    2. Once updated, you can then use the e-PAN request facility
  • The e-PAN will be delivered in PDF format

3. Download an Instant e-PAN Card Using Aadhaar Number From Income Tax Portal

The instant e-PAN card is a digital version of the Permanent Account Number (PAN) issued free of cost via the Income Tax Department’s e-Filing portal. This service is available to individuals who do not already have a PAN card and have a valid Aadhaar number linked to their mobile number.

If you have applied for an instant e-PAN using your Aadhaar Card number through the income tax portal, you can download it by following these steps:

Check Instant e-PAN Card Status Using Aadhaar Card on Income Tax Portal

  • Enter Aadhaar: Now enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
  •  Then click on “Continue.”

Check Instant e-PAN Card Status Using Aadhaar Card on Income Tax Portal

  • Get OTP: An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. 
  • Enter the OTP in the designated area, and click on the “Continue” button.
  • Download PAN: The status of your PAN Card will then display on your screen with a Download PAN option. Click on the Download PAN option and save the file on your device.

4. Download PAN Card from Digilocker

Follow these steps to download or add your PAN card to Digilocker:

  • Log in to your Digilocker account.
  • Under the ‘Issued Documents’ section, search for ‘Income Tax Department’ and select the ‘PAN Verification Record’ tab.
  • Provide your PAN details, including the PAN number and your name as it appears on the PAN card.
  • Agree to the consent terms and click on ‘Get Document’.
  • Your PAN card will be downloaded to your Digilocker account.
  • The downloaded PAN card can be shared with others as needed.

PAN Card Customer Care Numbers

If you’re facing issues with downloading or accessing your e-PAN card, you can contact customer care for assistance. Here are the important contact numbers:

ParticularsPhone Number
Income Tax Department – NSDL+91-20-27218080
UTIITSL+91-33-40802999, 033-40802999
NSDL020-27218080, 08069708080

How to Open a Downloaded PAN Card PDF?

When you download your e-PAN card, the file is password-protected to ensure its security. To access the e-PAN PDF, follow these steps:

  • Locate the Downloaded File: Navigate to the folder where the e-PAN PDF has been saved on your device.

  • Open the File: Double-click the file to open it. A dialog box will prompt you to enter a password.

  • Enter the Password:

    • The password is your date of birth (for individuals) or date of incorporation (for entities), as mentioned in the PAN application.
    • Use the format DDMMYYYY (e.g., if your birth date is 15th August 1990, the password will be 15081990).
  • Access the Document: Once you enter the correct password, the e-PAN PDF will open, allowing you to view or print your PAN card.

Type of ApplicantDate of Birth/Date of IncorporationPassword (DDMMYYYY)
Individual15th August 199015081990
Individual1st January 198501011985
Company25th March 201025032010
Partnership Firm7th July 200507072005
HUF (Hindu Undivided Family)20th November 198820111988
Trust5th May 200005052000

How to Retrieve a Lost ePAN Card?

Losing an ePAN card is not a concern, as you can easily retrieve it online. Follow these steps based on the portal used:

Through NSDL:

  1. Visit the NSDL e-Gov portal.
  2. Select the appropriate option for ePAN download.
  3. Enter your PAN or Acknowledgment Number, date of birth, and captcha.
  4. Validate with OTP and download the ePAN.

Through UTIITSL:

  1. Access the UTIITSL portal and click “Download ePAN.”
  2. Provide your PAN, date of birth, and captcha.
  3. Verify via OTP and download the ePAN.

Through Income Tax e-Filing:

  1. Go to the e-Filing portal and click “Check Status/Download PAN.”
  2. Enter your Aadhaar Number and authenticate via OTP.
  3. Download the ePAN card in PDF format.

Key Features of PAN 2.0

The PAN 2.0 initiative is a digital transformation by the Income Tax Department, emphasizing eco-friendly, efficient, and secure PAN card issuance. Key highlights include:

  • Secure QR code for verification.
  • Instant digital issuance.
  • Enhanced cybersecurity features.
  • Reduced environmental impact.

Importance of the PAN Card

The PAN card serves as a universal identification for all tax-related activities in India. It is mandatory for various financial undertakings, including but not limited to:

  • Filing Income Tax Returns: A prerequisite for individuals and businesses.
  • Opening Bank Accounts: Required for both savings and current accounts.
  • Applying for Loans and Credit Cards: Used as proof of identity and financial credibility.
  • High-Value Transactions: Mandatory for property purchases, investments, and deposits exceeding specified thresholds.
  • Receiving Professional Payments: Essential for freelancers and professionals subject to Tax Deducted at Source (TDS).

Eligibility for PAN Card Application

The PAN card is available to both Indian citizens and foreign nationals. The process differs based on residency and citizenship. Below is a detailed breakdown:

CategoryEligibilityRequired Form
Indian CitizensIndian residents, including those living abroad, can apply using Form 49A.Form 49A
Foreign CitizensNon-residents and foreign nationals, except Qualified Foreign Investors (QFIs), must use Form 49AA.Form 49AA
EntitiesBusinesses, companies, trusts, and other organizations can also apply for a PAN card.As per entity type

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a PAN Card Online

The online application process is designed for ease and convenience. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Online Registration

  1. Visit the official Income Tax Department (ITD) or authorized service provider website.
  2. Choose the correct form:
    • Form 49A for Indian citizens.
    • Form 49AA for foreign citizens.
  3. Select the category (e.g., Individual, HUF, Company) and title.
  4. Fill in the required details and submit the registration form.
  5. Note the Token Number displayed on the screen and sent via email. This number allows you to resume an incomplete application.

Step 2: Completing the Application Form

  • Fill in all mandatory fields with accurate information.
  • The system highlights format errors for correction before submission.
  • Review the confirmation screen for accuracy and make edits if necessary.

Step 3: Payment Process

The fees for PAN card applications depend on the delivery method and communication address. Below is the fee structure:

A) For Physical PAN Card
Applications with physical documents:

Dispatch LocationFees (₹) Excl. TaxesFees (₹) Incl. Taxes
Within India91107
Outside India8621,017

Applications through paperless modes:

Dispatch LocationFees (₹) Excl. TaxesFees (₹) Incl. Taxes
Within India86101
Outside India8571,011

B) For e-PAN Card

Physical card not required:

ModeFees (₹) Excl. TaxesFees (₹) Incl. Taxes
Applications with documents6172
Paperless applications5666

Step 4: Acknowledgment and Documentation

  1. Post-payment, an acknowledgment receipt will be displayed.
  2. Download, print, and affix:
    • Two passport-sized photographs (3.5 cm x 2.5 cm) on the acknowledgment.
    • Ensure one photograph is signed across, leaving the other untouched.

Step 5: Submission of Documents

A) Physical Applications

Send the following to the PAN Service Unit:

  • Signed acknowledgment receipt with photographs.
  • Proof of identity, address, and date of birth (for individuals).
  • Demand Draft (if applicable).

B) Paperless Applications

  • No physical submission required for e-KYC, e-Sign, or DSC methods.

Postal Address:

INCOME TAX PAN SERVICES UNIT

(Managed by Protean eGov Technologies Limited)

4th Floor, Sapphire Chambers, Baner Road, Baner, Pune – 411045.


Contact Information for PAN-Related Queries

ModeDetails
Call Centre020 – 27218080
Fax020 – 27218081
Emailtininfo@proteantech.in
SMSSend NSDLPAN <space> 15-digit Acknowledgment No. to 57575
Postal AddressINCOME TAX PAN SERVICES UNIT, Pune – 411045