Are you applying for your first PAN card? Whether you’re opening a bank account, starting your first job or planning to invest, having a Permanent Account Number (PAN) is useful for many financial activities.
The good news is that you can apply for a PAN card online without visiting an Income Tax office. You can also get a free digital PAN if you meet certain eligibility requirements.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to apply for a PAN card online, the documents required, application fees and how to download your e-PAN.
What Is a PAN Card?
A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a unique 10-character alphanumeric identification number issued by the Income Tax Department of India.
It is commonly required for filing income tax returns, opening certain financial accounts, investing and completing transactions where PAN is mandatory.
A PAN is issued only once to an individual. If you already have one, you should not apply for another PAN number.
How to Apply for PAN Card Online?
You can apply through authorised PAN service providers such as Protean eGov (formerly NSDL) and UTIITSL.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Open either of these government-authorised portals:
Choose the option for applying for a new PAN. For Indian individual applicants, select Form 93.
Under the Income Tax Rules, 2026, new PAN application forms took effect on April 1, 2026.
Step 3: Enter Your Personal Details
Fill in your full name, date of birth, Aadhaar details, mobile number, email address and communication address.
Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents
Provide the required identity, address and date-of-birth documents. Depending on the application method, Aadhaar-based verification or physical document submission may be available.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
Choose your preferred payment option and pay the amount displayed by the authorised portal.
Step 6: Complete Verification
Finish the applicable e-KYC, e-Sign or physical document submission process.
Step 7: Save Your Acknowledgement Number
After successful submission, save the acknowledgement or reference number. You will need it to track your application.
Useful tip: Check your name and date of birth carefully before submitting. Incorrect information can delay processing, and correcting an issued PAN requires a separate request.
How to Apply for a Free PAN Card Using Aadhaar
If you need a PAN quickly and don’t require a physical card, the Income Tax Department provides a free Instant e-PAN service.
You must be an adult, have no existing PAN, possess a valid Aadhaar linked to an active mobile number and have access to DigiLocker with an accepted date-of-birth document.
Click Get New e-PAN and confirm the eligibility declarations.
Continue to DigiLocker and authorise access to an accepted date-of-birth document.
Complete Aadhaar OTP verification.
Review the requested details, enter your father’s name and submit.
Save the acknowledgement number.
Once approved, you can download your digitally signed e-PAN free of charge.
Remember: An Instant e-PAN is a valid PAN, but this free service does not automatically provide a physical laminated card.
Documents Required for PAN Card Application
The required documents depend on your applicant category.
Document
Purpose
Aadhaar card
Identity and address verification
Passport or driving licence
Accepted identity, address and birth-date proof
Birth certificate or Class 10 marksheet
Date-of-birth verification
Recent utility bill
Address proof, where accepted
Aadhaar is generally mandatory for Indian individual applicants unless they fall under a recognised exemption.
One important detail: Aadhaar alone is not listed as proof of date of birth under the 2026 PAN application rules.
PAN Card Application Fees in 2026
The Income Tax Department lists the following fees for applications with an Indian communication address.
Application Type
Fee
Instant e-PAN
Free
Paperless application with physical PAN
₹101
Paperless application without physical PAN
₹66
Physical-document application with PAN card
₹107
An additional ₹5.90 e-Sign charge may apply to paperless applications. Charges for foreign addresses differ.
How to Check PAN Card Application Status
After submitting your application, you can track its progress online.
Visit the Protean or UTIITSL website where you applied.
Open the PAN application tracking service.
Enter your acknowledgement or reference number.
Complete the required verification.
View your application status.
Processing times may vary depending on document verification and application method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for PAN without Aadhaar?
Aadhaar is generally required for Indian individual applicants, subject to specified exemptions. Check the official instructions for your eligibility category.
Can a student apply for a PAN card?
Yes. Students can apply for PAN. Applications for minors must be completed through the appropriate representative procedure.
Is an e-PAN legally valid?
Yes. A digitally issued e-PAN is a valid form of PAN and can be used for applicable financial and tax-related purposes.
Do existing PAN holders need a new PAN 2.0 card?
No. Existing PAN numbers remain valid. You do not need to apply for another PAN simply because of PAN 2.0.
Final Words
Applying for a PAN card online is straightforward when your documents and personal details are correct.
If you’re eligible and only need a digital PAN, the free Instant e-PAN service is a convenient choice. For a regular application with a physical card, use Protean or UTIITSL.
Always apply through authorised websites and never share your Aadhaar OTP or personal information with unknown agents.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes and is not affiliated with the Income Tax Department. Application fees, eligibility conditions and procedures may change. Verify the latest instructions on official government websites before applying.
