The Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is an essential document that serves as valid identity proof in India. This document by the Indian Income Tax Department helps you open a bank account, file income tax returns, and make transactions above a certain limit.
Previously, applying for a PAN card was hard as you needed to line up in a common service center with multiple documents. But, now, you can apply for your PAN card online at home without any paperwork.
In this article, we’ll guide you on how to apply for a PAN card online using the NSDL portal without any paperwork. Furthermore, we’ll also look at how you can track and download your PAN card status after applying
Requirements for online PAN card application
Before you apply for your new PAN card online, you’ll require a couple of necessary documents as follows:
- Your Aadhaar card address, UID number, and date of birth.
- A valid email ID for receiving your PAN card as a PDF file.
- An active mobile number to receive OTP for account verification.
How to apply for PAN card online via NSDL
Step 1: Open Chrome or any other web browser and go to the NSDL PAN application website.
Step 2: Under the Apply Online section, select “New PAN – Indian Citizen (Form 49A)” or “New PAN – Foreign Citizen (Form 49AA)” as your appropriate Application Type.
Step 3: Select the Category (e.g., Individual, Association of Person, Trust, Firm, Government, and so on).
Step 4: Fill in the required personal details on Applicant information, including your title, name, date of birth, Email ID, and mobile number.
Step 5: Agree the terms and conditions by checking the box. Next, validate the captcha code and click “Submit.”
Step 6: A token number will be generated. You have to note down the generated token number. Once noted, click on the “Continue with PAN Application Form” button.
Step 7: Now, you’ll need to choose how you want to submit your PAN application document. Select “Submit digitally through e-KYC & e-Sign (Paperless)” to proceed without any paperwork. Or, to upload your scanned e-Sign image manually, select the “Submit scanned images through e-Sign” radio option.
Step 8: Next, if you want a physical PAN card delivered at home, select “Yes” or select “No” to receive only a digitally signed e-PAN card at your email ID.
Step 9: Now, enter your details like Aadhar card number, gender, parents’ name, etc., and click “Next.”
Step 10: Now, under the Contact & other details tab, select your source of income (eg. Salary, Income from Business, Income from House property, or No income).
Step 11: Next, in the Address for communication section, choose the “Residence” or “Office” radio option and enter your full address accordingly. Once entered, click “Next.”
Step 12: Now, enter the Area Code (AO), Area type, Range code, and AO No according to your residence. If you don’t know your Area Code details, you can find them in the search table. Once done, click “Next.”
Step 13: It will now take you to the Document details tab. Select ‘Proof of identity’, ‘Proof of address’, and ‘Proof of date of birth’.
Step 14: Next, in the Declaration section, enter your full name, place, and current date. Once entered, click “Next.”
Step 15: Now, in the Upload Photo/Signature section, click on “Upload” to select your passport-sized photo and signature. After that, upload your supporting PDF document by clicking on “Add document.” Once you’ve uploaded, click “Submit.”
Step 16: It will now show you the preview of your application. Check the form thoroughly and if there’s a mistake, click “Edit” and correct it. If you do not want to make any changes, click on the “Proceed” button.
Step 14: Now, you will be redirected to the Payment section. Here, you’ll have to make a payment of Rs. 115 to complete the PAN application request. Simply select “Online payment through PAYTM” to pay using net banking/debit/credit card or select the “Online payment through Bill Desk” option to pay using Google Pay, PhonePe, or any other UPI.
Step 15: Once your payment is successful, click on “Continue.”
Step 16: After that, you’ll now be redirected to the Aadhaar Authentication page. Next, click on the check box to agree with the terms and conditions and click “Authenticate.”
Step 17: Next, click on “OTP Authentication” and enter the received OTP in the box. Once entered, click “Submit” and then click on “Continue with e-Sign.”
Step 18: You will now have to authenticate your Aadhaar (VID). Simply enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and click “SEND OTP“.
Step 19: An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Enter the OTP and click the “Verify OTP” button.
Step 20: Once your Aadhaar is authenticated, your online PAN application form will now be submitted. You will now get an acknowledgment number PDF slip for the same. To download your PAN acknowledgment slip, click the “Download PDF” button.
Once your online PAN application form is submitted, it will take 3 to 4 hours to process for your digital ePAN card. Once processed, the PAN card will be dispatched to your address. It usually takes around 15 days. The physical card will arrive via post.
How to download your e-PAN card?
Once you apply for your PAN card online, you will get your e-PAN card as a PDF file in your email ID inbox. Somehow, if you’re unable to see it, you can download your e-PAN card online from the NSDL portal. Here is how to do it:
Step 1: Go to the official NSDL e-PAN card download website.
Step 2: Choose the Acknowledgment Number or PAN option and enter the number accordingly.
Step 3: Enter your date of birth.
Step 4: Enter the captcha code.
Step 5: Click on “Submit” and enter the OTP which is sent to the registered email address or mobile number.
Step 6: Now, click “Download” to get your e-PAN Card.
How to track your PAN card status?
If you don’t get your e-PAN card or physical PAN card delivered to your email or home address within a few days, you can track its status to check where it’s reached.
To track the status of your PAN card online using the NSDL portal, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Visit the NDLS Pan Tracking Portal.
Step 2: Select “PAN-New/Change Request” in the Application type.
Step 3: Enter your 15-digit numeric Acknowledgment number.
Step 4: Enter the Captcha code and click on “SUBMIT“.
It will now show you the status of your PAN Card application.
Chandan Kushwaha is chief editor at Digital Bachat. He has a mastery in computer applications and hardwares, which is why he has been covering computer and laptop topics for three years.
