In India, a Permanent Account Number (PAN NSDL) is a highly critical government document. It is not just mandatory for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR), but is also required for opening bank accounts, securing loans, buying property, investing in mutual funds, and conducting major financial transactions.
PAN NSDL Services: Apply Online, Correction, Track Status & Links
All major PAN Card services were previously provided by NSDL e-Governance, which has now been rebranded as Protean eGov Technologies Limited. The Income Tax Department of India has authorized both Protean (NSDL) and UTIITSL to process PAN applications.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with accurate, step-by-step information on how to apply for a New PAN Card, request corrections, reprint a lost card, and track your application status using the Protean (NSDL) portal.
Important Services
| Service | Purpose | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| New PAN Application | Apply for a new PAN using the applicable PAN application form. | Apply for PAN |
| PAN Correction / Update | Correct or update existing PAN details such as name, date of birth or other information. | PAN Correction |
| PAN Card Reprint | Request another physical PAN card without changing existing PAN data. | PAN Reprint |
| PAN Application Status | Check the status using the 15-digit acknowledgement number. | Track PAN Application |
Protean confirms that applications submitted through its PAN system generate a unique acknowledgement number that can be used for status tracking.
Documents Required for a PAN Card
To apply for a new PAN Card or make corrections to an existing one, you generally need three types of documents. Note: If you choose the Aadhaar e-KYC (Paperless) mode, you do not need to upload or send any documents; your Aadhaar card serves as proof for all requirements.
If you choose the Physical Mode or Non-Aadhaar e-Sign process, the following documents are valid:
| Document Type | Acceptable Documents (Submit Any One) |
| Proof of Identity (POI) | Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License, Photo ID (Central/State Govt), Ration Card (with photo) |
| Proof of Address (POA) | Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License, Utility Bill (Electricity/Water/Broadband – not older than 3 months), Bank Passbook, Domicile Certificate |
| Proof of Date of Birth (PODB) | Aadhaar Card, 10th/12th Marksheet, Birth Certificate, Passport, Driving License |
Special Rules for Minor PAN Cards (Under 18 Years): If the applicant is below 18 years of age, the application form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. In this case, the minor’s Birth Certificate or Aadhaar is required, along with the ID and Address proof of the parent/guardian who is signing the form. A minor’s PAN card does not have their photograph printed on it.
PAN Card Application Fee (Updated)
The fee for a PAN Card depends on whether you want a Physical PAN Card delivered to your home or just an e-PAN, and whether your communication address is within India or abroad.
| Application Mode | Physical PAN Card + e-PAN (Including Taxes) | Only e-PAN (No Physical Card dispatched) |
| Indian Address | ₹ 107 (Physical Documents Mode) ₹ 101 (e-KYC / e-Sign Mode) | ₹ 72 (Physical Documents Mode) ₹ 66 (e-KYC / e-Sign Mode) |
| Foreign Address | ₹ 1,017 (Physical Documents Mode) ₹ 1,011 (e-KYC / e-Sign Mode) | ₹ 72 (Physical Documents Mode) ₹ 66 (e-KYC / e-Sign Mode) |
Note: The Income Tax Portal offers an “Instant e-PAN” facility completely Free of Cost based on Aadhaar, but this is processed directly by the IT department, not through Protean/NSDL.
Apply / Access / Track / Download
| User Need | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Apply / Access PAN Services | Protean PAN Services |
| Track Application | PAN Status Track |
| Correction / Update | PAN Change/Correction |
| Reprint PAN Card | PAN Reprint Service |
How to Apply for a New PAN Card Online (Step-by-Step)
If you wish to apply online by yourself, follow these steps on the Protean (NSDL) portal:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the official online PAN application portal of Protean.
- Select Application Type: Choose “New PAN – Indian Citizen (Form 49A)” or Form 49AA for foreign citizens.
- Select Category: Choose “Individual” (or Company, Trust, HUF as applicable).
- Enter Basic Details: Fill in your Title, Name, Date of Birth, Email ID, and Mobile Number. A Token Number will be generated and sent to your email. Save this number to resume your application if you get disconnected.
- Choose Application Mode:
- Submit digitally through e-KYC & e-Sign: Fully paperless using Aadhaar OTP. No scanning or courier required.
- Submit scanned images through e-Sign: You will need to upload a scanned photo, signature, and documents.
- Forward physical documents: You must print the filled form, paste photos, sign it, and send it via speed post to the NSDL office.
- Enter Personal & Contact Details: Fill in your parents’ names, Aadhaar number, physical address, and source of income.
- Select AO Code: Select your state and city. The system will automatically suggest the Assessing Officer (AO) Code. Select the appropriate one.
- Make Payment: Pay the required fee (e.g., ₹101 for e-KYC) using Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI.
- Aadhaar Authentication: If you chose e-KYC/e-Sign, authenticate your identity using an OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- Save Acknowledgement: Once successfully submitted, a 15-digit Acknowledgement Number is generated. Save this PDF receipt; you will need it to track your status.
How to Track PAN Application Status
Once your application is submitted, you can easily track its progress:
- Go to the Protean PAN Status Track webpage.
- Under “Application Type”, select “PAN – New/Change Request”.
- Enter your 15-digit Acknowledgement Number.
- Enter the Captcha Code and click ‘Submit’.
- The screen will display your current status (e.g., Under Processing, Dispatched with tracking ID, or Rejected/On Hold).
PAN Card Correction vs. PAN Card Reprint
1. PAN Card Correction (Changes in Data): If there is a mistake in your existing PAN card (such as name, date of birth, father’s name) or if you need to change your surname after marriage, you must select “Changes or Correction in existing PAN Data”. You will be required to upload valid supporting documents (like Aadhaar, Marriage Certificate, or Gazette Notification) proving the requested change.
2. PAN Card Reprint (No Data Changes): If your PAN card is lost, stolen, or damaged, and you do not need to change any details, use the “Reprint PAN Card” service. The fee is ₹50 for delivery within India and ₹959 for international delivery.
Crucial Warning: Penalty for Multiple PAN Cards (Section 272B)
Under Section 139A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, a person or entity is allowed to hold only ONE Permanent Account Number.
Holding more than one PAN card (whether acquired accidentally or intentionally) is illegal. Under Section 272B, the Income Tax Department can levy a strict Penalty of ₹10,000 on individuals possessing multiple PANs.
- What to do: If you accidentally have two PAN cards, you must immediately surrender the additional one online through the NSDL/UTIITSL portal or by visiting your jurisdictional Income Tax Ward.
- Important Tip: If you lose your PAN card, ALWAYS apply for a “Reprint” or “Correction”. Never apply for a “New PAN” if you have already been allotted one in the past.
Common Problems and Solutions
- OTP Not Received during e-KYC: Ensure your current mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar card. If your Aadhaar is linked to an old, inactive number, you cannot use the e-KYC mode. You must either update your Aadhaar first or use the physical document submission mode.
- Payment Failed but Money Deducted: If the payment is deducted but the Acknowledgement Receipt is not generated, wait for 24-48 hours. If the application failed, the money will be refunded to your account. You can log in again using your Token Number to reattempt the payment.
- Application Rejected due to Name Mismatch: If the name on your application form does not perfectly match the name on your supporting documents (like Aadhaar), your application will be put on hold or rejected. Always enter your name exactly as it appears on your identity proof.
Services for VLEs / CSC Operators
The official sources confirm PAN Centres/TIN Facilitation Centres as service channels, but do not establish that every CSC/VLE can access all Protean PAN services. Therefore, CSC/VLE availability should be confirmed through the applicable authorized channel.
Help & Grievance
For PAN/TAN application or update queries through NSDL/Protean, the Income Tax Department lists 020-27218080 as the PAN-related contact number.
Other Important Links:
- Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana
- Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
- Pan UTIITSL – Download e-Pan, Track, Correction
Important Note
- From 1 April 2026, PAN applications use the new forms prescribed under the Income-tax Rules, 2026.
- Reprint without data changes is available only for eligible PAN records processed through Protean and/or the Income Tax e-Filing portal.
- Do not apply for a new PAN if you already have a PAN; use the correction/update or reprint facility as applicable.