PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a 10-character alphanumeric identity issued by the Income Tax Department. It is mandatory for tax filing, opening certain bank accounts, investing in mutual funds, buying or selling property, and many other financial transactions. This guide lists all documents you may need when applying for a new PAN, PAN for minors, NRIs, duplicates and corrections. It also explains how to apply online and offline, current fees, common mistakes and clear answers to frequently asked questions.
Quick PAN Card Document checklist before you apply
- Keep clear scanned copies and originals ready for verification
- Use the exact name spelling as in your Aadhaar or passport to avoid mismatches
- If applying online using Aadhaar OTP, ensure your mobile is linked with Aadhaar for OTP
- For physical submissions, paste passport-size photos and sign as required
- Note down the acknowledgement or token number after submission for tracking
Types of PAN applications
- New PAN for Indian citizens (Form 49A)
- New PAN for foreign citizens (Form 49AA)
- PAN for minors (Form 49A filled by parent/guardian)
- Correction / update in PAN data
- Reprint / Duplicate PAN
For an Indian individual applying under Form 49A, you must provide proof of identity, proof of address and proof of date of birth. At least one document from each category is required unless you use Aadhaar for e-KYC (Aadhaar can serve as both ID and address proof when used for authentication).
1 – Proof of Identity (submit any one)
- PAN card (if updating) or Aadhaar (UID)
- Passport
- Voter ID (EPIC)
- Driving licence
- Ration card (with photograph)
- Any other document listed under Rule 114(4) if required
2 – Proof of Address (submit any one)
- Aadhaar card (with current address)
- Passport
- Bank account statement or passbook with current address
- Utility bills (electricity, water) not older than 3 months in many cases
- Voter ID
3 – Proof of Date of Birth (submit any one)
- Birth certificate
- Matriculation or school leaving certificate showing DOB
- Passport showing DOB
- Aadhaar card (if DOB is present)
4 – Passport-size photographs
- Two recent passport-size photographs (for offline applications or when physical PAN card is requested)
Documents for PAN application for Minors
- Form 49A filled by parent/guardian on behalf of the minor
- Minor’s birth certificate (or school record) as proof of date of birth
- Parent’s or guardian’s proof of identity and address (Aadhaar, passport, voter ID)
- Parent/guardian photos and signature as required by the form
- Passport copy (mandatory and primary document)
- Overseas address proof (utility bill, overseas bank statement, or government-issued ID)
- Indian address proof if available (for communication within India)
- OCI/PIO card if applicable
Documents for PAN Correction / Update
If you want to change name, date of birth, address or other details, submit supporting documents that prove the updated information. Cases when correction is requried:
- Name change after marriage: Marriage certificate or gazette notification
- Spelling correction: Aadhaar or passport showing correct spelling
- Date of birth correction: Birth certificate or school certificate
- Address update: Recent utility bill, Aadhaar or bank statement
- Attach old PAN card copy when applying for changes
Documents for Duplicate / Reprint PAN Card
- Apply for reprint if PAN is lost or you need a physical card
- Attach ID proof and address proof
- If PAN is lost or stolen, some service providers suggest an FIR copy though practice varies; check the portal instructions
How to apply for PAN – step by step
- Go to the official portal for PAN application. You can use Protean (formerly NSDL eGov) or UTIITSL online portals to apply.
- Choose the correct form: Form 49A for Indian citizens, Form 49AA for foreign citizens.
- Fill personal details carefully. Save the token number for future access.
- Authenticate via Aadhaar OTP if you want e-KYC and e-sign (optional but faster).
- Upload scanned copies of required documents and pay the fee online.
- If you used Aadhaar OTP e-KYC and e-sign, physical documents may not be required to be sent. Otherwise courier the signed physical copy and supporting documents to the processing centre as instructed.
- Track application using the acknowledgement or token number.
2 – Offline / Physical application
- Download and print Form 49A from the Income Tax website or get a physical form from a PAN facilitation centre.
- Fill the form, paste photos, sign where required and attach photocopies of the specified documents.
- Submit at a Protean/NSDL TIN-FC, UTIITSL centre or authorised centre and pay the fee.
- Get an acknowledgement with a 15-digit number and use it to track status online.
PAN Card application fees (2025)
The standard fee for PAN allotment or reprint when the communication address is in India is Rs. 105 (including taxes). For communication address outside India, the fee is Rs. 971 (including taxes). These are the government-prescribed fee brackets; payment methods include credit/debit card, net banking or demand draft depending on the portal.
| Service |
Fee (Typical) |
Notes |
| New PAN (communication address in India) |
Rs. 105 (inclusive) |
Online payment accepted; e-PAN facility available with Aadhaar |
| New PAN (communication address outside India) |
Rs. 971 (inclusive) |
Higher fee for foreign dispatch; check portal for exact tax-inclusive amount |
| Reprint / Duplicate PAN (no changes) |
Varies; low fee for domestic dispatch, higher for foreign |
Reprint fees are similar to reissue fees; confirm on portal |
PAN card Processing time and e-PAN
- Applications with Aadhaar e-KYC and e-sign are fastest; e-PAN (paperless PDF PAN) may be issued for free in such cases.
- Standard processing after document verification typically takes 15 to 30 days depending on courier and verification timelines.
- Use the acknowledgement number to track status on Protean or UTIITSL portals.
Common mistakes in PAN card documents and how to avoid them
- Mismatched name spellings – Use the same name format as in your Aadhaar or passport to avoid rejection.
- Wrong date format – Follow DD/MM/YYYY where asked and ensure DOB matches supporting doc.
- Poor scan quality – Upload clear, legible scans to speed up verification.
- Not using Aadhaar e-KYC – If eligible, using Aadhaar OTP reduces document courier needs and speeds issuance.
- Delayed courier of physical docs – If not using e-KYC, courier the documents promptly after online submission to avoid delays.
Basic Documents Checklist while applying for a PAN card
Checklist A: New PAN (Indian applicant using Aadhaar OTP)
- Aadhaar number (mobile linked for OTP)
- Scanned passport-size photo (if requested)
- Valid email and mobile number
- Payment method ready
Checklist B: Offline PAN for Indian applicant
- Filled Form 49A (signed)
- One passport-size photo
- Copy of identity proof (passport or Aadhaar)
- Copy of address proof (Aadhaar, passport or utility bill)
- Copy of DOB proof (birth certificate, school certificate or passport)
Useful official Sources
- Income Tax Department – Apply for PAN and e-filing info.
- Form 49A (Application for allotment of PAN) – official PDF and rules.
- Protean / NSDL application portal (accepted processor) – apply and track PAN.
- UTIITSL PAN portal (alternative processing entity)
Reference: Official links
Please go through the official links to cross check for latest updates and information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about PAN card application documents
1. Is Aadhaar mandatory for PAN?
No. Aadhaar is not strictly mandatory to apply for PAN. You can apply using other identity proofs. However, Aadhaar-based e-KYC and OTP makes the process faster and paperless.
2. Can I get PAN instantly?
Instant e-PAN is available for applicants who use the Income Tax e-filing portal and authenticate with Aadhaar. This issues a digitally signed e-PAN PDF free of cost. For physical PAN cards, normal processing times apply. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
3. How long does PAN issuance take?
With Aadhaar e-KYC it can be a few hours to a few days. Without e-KYC, after document verification it typically takes 15 to 30 days to receive a physical PAN card by post.
4. What documents are accepted for DOB proof?
Birth certificate, matriculation certificate, passport or Aadhaar (if DOB included) are commonly accepted. Refer to the Form 49A guidance for the full list. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
5. Do minors need PAN?
Minors can be issued PAN. Parents or guardians apply on behalf of the minor using Form 49A and provide the relevant documents such as birth certificate and parent’s identity proof.
6. What if my PAN card is lost?
Apply for a reprint/duplicate PAN by choosing the reprint option on the portal and follow the process. You may need to pay the applicable fee and provide ID and address proof. Some portals may request an FIR if it was stolen.
7. Can I update my PAN details online?
Yes. Use the PAN update/change request option on Protean or UTIITSL portals and attach supporting documents for the change.
8. How do NRIs apply for PAN?
NRIs use Form 49AA. The passport is the primary document. They should provide overseas address proof and follow instructions on Protean or UTIITSL portals for foreign dispatch. Fees for foreign dispatch are higher. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
9. Will PAN be issued if documents are in local language?
Documents in local languages may be accepted, but authorities may ask for certified translations in English if needed. It is best to provide documents in English or Hindi where possible.
10. Where can I track my PAN status?
Use the acknowledgement or token number on the Protean / NSDL or UTIITSL status check pages to track your application.
