How to Apply for PAN Card Online: Step-by-Step Guide
A complete, step-by-step walkthrough to apply for a new Permanent Account Number (PAN) online via NSDL (Protean) and UTIITSL portals, including digital e-KYC methods.
✓ NSDL & UTIITSL Portals
Aadhaar Paperless e-KYC
Why is a PAN Card Essential?
A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a unique 10-character alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It is mandatory for filing income tax returns, opening bank accounts, investing in mutual funds or shares, and conducting cash transactions above specified limits. Applying for it online has become quick, secure, and completely paperless.
✓ Paperless Option Available
Using Aadhaar-based e-KYC, you can complete the entire application online without mailing any physical documents. An e-PAN card will be generated and emailed to you in less than 48 hours.
Official Portals for PAN Application
The Income Tax Department has authorized two entities to manage PAN applications. Both portals charge identical government fees and follow similar verification processes:
Protean (formerly NSDL e-Gov): The most widely used portal.
UTIITSL: UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited portal.
Step-by-Step Guide: Applying via NSDL (Protean)
Follow these steps to file a new PAN application (Form 49A for Indian citizens):
Go to the Protean PAN Application portal (https://www.tin-nsdl.com).
Select Application Type as "New PAN - Indian Citizen (Form 49A)" and Category as "Individual".
Fill in your title, last name, first name, date of birth, email address, and mobile number. Agree to the terms and click Submit.
The portal generates a temporary Token Number. Save this number. It allows you to resume your application if you get disconnected.
Choose your document submission mode:
Submit digitally through e-KYC & e-Sign (Paperless): Recommended. Aadhaar details are matched, and your Aadhaar photo is used. No document upload is needed.
Submit scanned images through e-Sign: Upload scanned photo, signature, and documents.
Forward application documents physically: Mail physical printouts and documents to the NSDL office.
Enter your Aadhaar details, parent names, source of income (salary, business, or other), and contact details.
Fill in the Assessing Officer (AO) Code. You can find this by selecting your State and City; the portal will display the list of applicable AO codes.
Upload your Proof of Identity, Address, and Date of Birth (Aadhaar qualifies for all three).
Make the payment online (Net Banking, UPI, Credit/Debit card). The standard fee for a physical card is ₹107 for domestic addresses.
Complete Aadhaar authentication via OTP sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number. Save the generated acknowledgment slip.
Step-by-Step Guide: Applying via UTIITSL
If you choose to use the UTIITSL portal, the workflow is highly similar:
Visit the UTIITSL PAN Service portal (https://www.pan.utiitsl.com) and click on Apply for New PAN Card (Form 49A).
Select between Physical Mode (mailing documents) or Digital Mode (Aadhaar based e-KYC/e-Sign).
Complete the personal details, income details, and AO Code search.
Pay the application fee and complete the Aadhaar OTP e-signature.
Download the receipt containing your application number.
⚠ Signature Mismatch Warning
If you choose the 100% paperless e-KYC mode, your PAN card will not have a physical signature on it. Instead, a white strip will be printed on the card where you must manually sign with a black marker once the card is delivered. If you need a printed signature on the card, choose the "Submit scanned images through e-Sign" option.
Comparison of Application Modes
Feature
e-KYC (Paperless)
e-Sign (Scanned Images)
Physical Dispatch
Photo Source
Aadhaar database
Uploaded image
Physical photograph
Signature
Manual sign after delivery
Uploaded signature
Manual sign on form
Documents needed
None (Aadhaar only)
Upload scans
Mail physical copies
Processing Time
2-3 days
5-7 days
15-20 days
Once You Have Your PAN, Track Your TDS & Taxes Easily
Use your new PAN to download Form 168 (Form 26AS) and verify your TDS records. Check your tax liability using our free online calculators.
For an Indian communication address, the fee is ₹93 (excluding GST, making it around ₹107). For foreign addresses, it is ₹864 (around ₹1,017 including taxes and dispatch charges).
If using Aadhaar-based e-KYC, no physical documents are required. For physical submissions, you need Proof of Identity (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID), Proof of Address (Utility bill, bank statement), and Proof of Date of Birth (Birth certificate, Matriculation certificate).
Yes, you can apply for an instant e-PAN on the Income Tax e-filing portal using Aadhaar e-KYC. It is free and generated within minutes, though it is only in digital format.
An e-PAN is usually emailed within 24 to 48 hours. The physical PAN card is dispatched and delivered to your address within 10 to 15 working days.