The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is one of the most important financial identity documents for every Indian citizen. Whether you are filing income tax returns, opening a bank account, making high-value transactions, or applying for a loan, your PAN card is mandatory. Issued by the Income Tax Department of India through authorized agencies UTI Infrastructure Technology Services (UTIITSL) and Protean (formerly NSDL), the PAN card is a 10-digit alphanumeric unique identifier assigned to every taxpayer.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about PAN Card services in 2026 — including how to apply for a new PAN card, make corrections, reprint your card, link Aadhaar with PAN, track your application status, and much more. All important links are provided below.
PAN Card Services 2026 – Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Issuing Authority | Income Tax Department of India |
| Authorized Agencies | UTIITSL & Protean (NSDL) |
| Document Name | Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card |
| Application Mode | Online & Offline |
| Application Started | Already Active |
| Last Date | Not Applicable (Always Open) |
| Official Website | incometax.gov.in / onlineservices.nsdl.com |
PAN Card Application Fee 2026
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Indian Citizens (All Categories) | ₹107/- (inclusive of GST) |
| Indian Citizens Residing Abroad (Dispatch Outside India) | ₹989/- (inclusive of dispatch charges) |
Payment Mode: Fee can be paid through:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- Demand Draft (Offline Mode)
Note: This is a one-time fee with no hidden or additional charges.
What is a PAN Card?
The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a 10-character alphanumeric identifier (example: ABCDE1234F) issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It is a crucial document that:
- Serves as a universal identification for all financial transactions in India
- Is mandatory for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR)
- Required for opening bank accounts, fixed deposits, and demat accounts
- Mandatory for property transactions above ₹10 lakh
- Needed for cash deposits or withdrawals above specified limits
- Essential for foreign exchange transactions
- Required for applying for loans and credit cards
Every individual, company, firm, or organization that pays taxes in India is required to have a PAN card.
Documents Required for PAN Card Application
Keep the following documents ready before applying for a new PAN card or making corrections:
Acceptable Identity Proof (Any One)
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter Identity Card (Voter ID)
- Passport
- Driving License (DL)
- Arms License
- Pension Card with Photograph
- Ration Card with Photo
- Photo ID Card issued by any Central / State Government Authority
- Any other government-recognized photo identity document
Acceptable Address Proof (Any One)
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter Identity Card
- Passport
- Driving License
- Bank Account Statement (not older than 3 months)
- Electricity / Telephone / Water Bill (not older than 3 months)
- Post Office Passbook
Date of Birth Proof (Any One)
- Birth Certificate
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport
- Driving License
- Matric / Class 10 Mark Sheet
- Affidavit sworn before a Magistrate
How to Apply for a New PAN Card Online
Follow these steps to apply for a new PAN card online:
- Visit the official PAN portal – Go to the UTIITSL or Protean (NSDL) PAN application portal.
- Click on “New PAN Card Registration” – Select the option for new PAN card application.
- Fill the application form – Complete Form 49A (for Indian citizens) or Form 49AA (for foreign citizens) with all required personal details.
- Select required documents – Choose the documents you will submit as identity, address, and DOB proof.
- Click Submit – Verify all entered details carefully before submitting.
- Proceed to payment – Click on the “Proceed to Payment” button to pay the application fee of ₹107/-.
- Complete payment – Pay online using Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking.
- Download the pre-filled form – After successful payment, download and print the pre-filled application form along with the instruction sheet.
- Prepare your physical documents – Paste a recent passport-size photograph, sign the form, and attach self-attested copies of your supporting documents.
- Post to the designated address – Send the physical application form and documents to the address mentioned in the instruction sheet.
- Receive your PAN card – Your PAN card will be dispatched to your registered address within 30 days of successful processing.
How to Apply for Instant e-PAN Card
If you have an Aadhaar card with a registered mobile number, you can get an instant e-PAN absolutely free of charge:
- Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal at incometax.gov.in.
- Click on “Instant PAN through Aadhaar”.
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
- Enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
- Your e-PAN will be generated instantly in PDF format.
- Download the e-PAN PDF — it is a valid and fully functional digital PAN card.
How to Make Corrections in PAN Card
If your PAN card has errors in name, date of birth, father’s name, signature, or photograph, follow these steps to correct them:
- Visit the official UTIITSL or Protean PAN portal.
- Click on “Correction in PAN Card“.
- Fill in your existing PAN number and the details that need to be corrected.
- Upload supporting documents as proof for the correction requested.
- Pay the correction fee of ₹107/- (for Indian citizens).
- Submit the application and note the acknowledgement number.
- Send physical documents to the processing centre if required.
- Track the status using your acknowledgement number.
How to Track PAN Card Application Status
After applying, you can check your PAN card application status online:
- Visit the official UTIITSL or Protean website.
- Click on “Track Status of PAN Card Application“.
- Enter your Acknowledgement Number (received at the time of application).
- Enter the captcha code and click Submit.
- Your current application status will be displayed on the screen.
How to Link Aadhaar with PAN
Linking your Aadhaar card with PAN is mandatory for all Indian taxpayers as per the Income Tax Department. Here is how to link them:
- Visit incometax.gov.in.
- Go to “Link Aadhaar“ under Quick Links on the homepage.
- Enter your PAN number and Aadhaar number.
- Enter your name as per Aadhaar and mobile number.
- Pay the applicable late fee if the deadline has passed.
- Submit the link request and verify with OTP.
- Check the linking status using the “Link Aadhaar Status” option.
Important: Failure to link Aadhaar with PAN may result in your PAN becoming inoperative, which can affect financial transactions, tax filings, and refunds.
How to Reprint PAN Card
If your PAN card is lost, damaged, or you need a new physical copy, you can order a reprint:
- Visit the official PAN portal.
- Click on “Re-Print PAN Card“.
- Enter your PAN number, Aadhaar number, and date of birth.
- Verify with OTP sent to your registered mobile.
- Pay the reprinting fee of ₹107/-.
- Your new PAN card will be dispatched to your registered address.
All PAN Card Services – Important Links
For Indian Citizens
| Service | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply for Instant PAN Card | Click Here |
| Apply for New PAN Card | Click Here |
| Regenerate Online PAN Application | Click Here |
| Download PAN Card Form 49A (PDF) | Click Here |
| Track PAN Card Application Status | Click Here |
| Check Payment Status | Click Here |
| Re-Print PAN Card | Click Here |
| Correction in PAN Card | Click Here |
| Link Aadhaar with PAN | Click Here |
| PAN & Aadhaar Link Status | Click Here |
For Foreign Citizens
| Service | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply for New PAN Card (Foreign) | Click Here |
| Regenerate Online PAN Application | Click Here |
| Apply Using DSC | Click Here |
| Download PAN Card Form 49AA (PDF) | Click Here |
| Track PAN Card Application Status | Click Here |
| Correction in PAN Card | Click Here |
| Official Website | incometax.gov.in |
Must Read: Aadhaar Card Download & Update 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is a PAN Card and why is it important? A PAN Card is a 10-digit alphanumeric identity document issued by the Income Tax Department. It is mandatory for tax filing, financial transactions, bank account opening, and various other official purposes in India.
Q2. How much does it cost to apply for a new PAN card? Indian citizens must pay ₹107/- (inclusive of GST). For Indian citizens residing abroad, the fee is ₹989/- including dispatch charges.
Q3. How can I get an Instant e-PAN? You can get an Instant e-PAN for free through the Income Tax e-filing portal at incometax.gov.in using your Aadhaar card with a registered mobile number.
Q4. How long does it take to receive a PAN card? After successful application and document submission, your PAN card is typically delivered to your registered address within 30 days.
Q5. Can I make corrections in my PAN card online? Yes. Corrections in PAN card details such as name, date of birth, and address can be done online through the UTIITSL or Protean PAN portal by paying a fee of ₹107/-.
Q6. Is linking Aadhaar with PAN mandatory? Yes. Linking Aadhaar with PAN is mandatory for all Indian taxpayers. Failure to link may result in your PAN becoming inoperative.
Q7. How can I track my PAN card application status? Visit the official PAN portal, click on “Track Status of PAN Card Application“, and enter your acknowledgement number to check the current status.
Q8. What documents are needed to apply for a new PAN card? You need proof of identity, proof of address, and proof of date of birth. Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, and Driving License are commonly accepted documents.
