How to Apply for PAN Card Online: Free e-PAN or NSDL/UTI
You can apply for a new PAN (Permanent Account Number) card completely online. There are two routes: a free instant e-PAN on the Income Tax e-filing portal (if you have Aadhaar), or a full application with a physical card through Protean (formerly NSDL) or UTIITSL. Here’s how both work, the fees, and which one to choose.
Which option should you use?
| Instant e-PAN | Protean (NSDL) / UTIITSL | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can use it | Individuals with Aadhaar and a mobile number linked to it | Everyone (individuals, companies, firms, NRIs) |
| Fee | Free | About ₹107 for an Indian address (₹91 + GST); higher for foreign addresses |
| What you get | e-PAN PDF, usually within minutes | e-PAN plus a physical card by post |
| Documents | Only Aadhaar (e-KYC) | Aadhaar e-KYC, or scanned identity, address and date-of-birth proofs |
Option 1: Free instant e-PAN (with Aadhaar)
- Go to the Income Tax e-filing portal and click Instant e-PAN under Quick Links.
- Choose Get New e-PAN and enter your Aadhaar number.
- Verify with the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile.
- Confirm your Aadhaar details and submit. You’ll get an acknowledgement number.
- Once allotted, download your e-PAN from the same page (“Check Status / Download PAN”).
Option 2: Apply on Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL
- Open the Protean PAN application or the UTIITSL PAN portal.
- Choose New PAN – Indian Citizen (Form 49A) and your category (individual, etc.).
- Fill in your details and choose how to submit: Aadhaar e-KYC and e-Sign is fully paperless.
- Pay the fee online.
- Save the acknowledgement number to track your PAN status.
A physical PAN card usually arrives within about 2–3 weeks.
After you get your PAN
- Your PAN must be linked with Aadhaar, or it can become inoperative. PANs allotted through Aadhaar e-KYC are usually linked automatically. Check your link status.
- Lost the card? Download e-PAN or order a reprint.
Frequently asked questions
Is e-PAN valid like a physical PAN card?
Yes. The e-PAN is a valid proof of PAN for all purposes.
Can I have two PAN cards?
No. Holding more than one PAN is not allowed and can attract a penalty. If you have two, surrender one.
What about PAN 2.0?
PAN 2.0 is the government’s project to move all PAN services onto a single Income Tax portal with QR-coded cards. Until it’s fully live, the Income Tax portal, Protean and UTIITSL continue to handle applications.
Related guides
Official links: Income Tax e-filing portal · Protean PAN · Income Tax Department – Apply for PAN. Easy Guide India is not affiliated with the Income Tax Department.