How to Apply for a PAN Card Online in India: Process, Documents, Fees and Corrections

The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a ten-character alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It is mandatory for filing income tax returns, opening bank accounts, making high-value transactions, and numerous other financial activities. This guide covers the process of applying for a new PAN card and making corrections to an existing PAN through the online portals. For a complete understanding of the income tax filing process that requires PAN, see our guide on how to file your income tax return online.

Who Needs a PAN Card?

A PAN card is required for any individual, Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), company, firm, association of persons, or trust that earns taxable income, enters into financial transactions above specified thresholds, or is required to file income tax returns. Specific transactions that mandate PAN include: opening a bank account, buying or selling immovable property valued above Rs 20 lakh, purchasing motor vehicles, investing in securities, and making aggregate cash deposits or withdrawals exceeding Rs 10 lakh in a financial year.

Online Application Platforms

PAN applications can be submitted online through two authorised platforms: Protean (formerly NSDL eGov) at onlineservices.nsdl.com/paam/endUserRegisterContact.html, and UTIITSL at pan.utiitsl.com. Both platforms are authorised by the Income Tax Department and the process is similar on both. Additionally, instant e-PAN can be obtained through the Income Tax e-Filing portal if you have a valid Aadhaar number.

Documents Required

For individual applicants, you need proof of identity (Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport, or driving licence), proof of address (Aadhaar card, utility bill, bank statement, or property tax receipt), and proof of date of birth (birth certificate, Aadhaar card, passport, matriculation certificate, or driving licence). From April 1, 2026, Aadhaar alone is no longer accepted as the sole document; at least one additional document is required.

For companies and firms, the requirements include the Certificate of Incorporation or Registration, the PAN of directors or partners, and registered office address proof. Those planning to incorporate a company should also familiarise themselves with the process of registering a private limited company through SPICe+, as PAN is automatically allotted during incorporation.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Visit the chosen portal (Protean or UTIITSL) and select 'Apply for New PAN Card' (Form 93 for Indian citizens and Forms 94 to 96 for other applicant categories; these replaced Forms 49A and 49AA from April 1, 2026, under the Income-tax Rules, 2026).

Step 2: Fill in the application form with personal details including name, date of birth, gender, contact information, and source of income. Select the appropriate category (individual, HUF, company, firm, trust, or AOP/BOI).

Step 3: Upload scanned copies of identity proof, address proof, and date of birth proof in the specified format and size. A recent passport-size photograph and signature scan are also required.

Step 4: Pay the application fee. For applicants with an Indian communication address, the fee is Rs 91 (excluding GST). For applicants with a foreign communication address, the fee is Rs 862 (excluding GST). Payment can be made through credit/debit card, net banking, or demand draft.

Step 5: Submit the application. If you opt for Aadhaar-based e-KYC verification, no physical documents need to be sent. Otherwise, you must send the signed acknowledgement along with supporting documents to the processing centre by post within 15 days of submitting the online application.

Instant e-PAN Through Income Tax Portal

If you have a valid Aadhaar number linked to your mobile number, you can get an instant e-PAN through the Income Tax e-Filing portal at incometax.gov.in. This service is free of charge and the e-PAN is issued within minutes after Aadhaar-based OTP verification. The e-PAN is a digitally signed PDF that is legally equivalent to a physical PAN card. If you receive any income tax notices related to PAN-Aadhaar linking, respond promptly through the e-Filing portal.

PAN Card Corrections and Reprints

If your PAN card has incorrect details or you need to update information (such as a name change after marriage), you can apply for corrections online through the same portals. Select 'Changes or Corrections in PAN Data' and fill in the updated details. The fee and document requirements are similar to a new application. For name changes specifically, you will need the gazette notification of name change and the corresponding affidavit.

Key Takeaways

PAN is mandatory for income tax filing and most financial transactions in India. The application process is fully online through Protean or UTIITSL, with fees starting at Rs 91 for Indian addresses. Instant e-PAN is available free through the Income Tax portal for Aadhaar holders. From April 2026, Aadhaar alone is insufficient as documentary proof; carry additional documents. Regular PAN applications take 7 to 15 working days. Ensure your PAN is linked with Aadhaar to avoid it becoming inoperative, which would block income tax refunds and other financial transactions.