How to Apply for PAN Card Online (First Time, 2025)
Apply for PAN online at NSDL (tin-nsdl.com) or UTIITSL (utiitsl.com). Fill Form 49A, upload photo, signature, and identity/address proof. Pay ₹107 (+ ₹910 for international delivery). Physical card arrives in 15-20 working days.
Why do you need a PAN card?
A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a unique 10-character alphanumeric identifier. You practically need it for any major financial transaction in India, such as:
- Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR)
- Opening a bank account or Demat account
- Buying or selling property or vehicles
- Depositing over ₹50,000 in a bank
- Applying for a credit card or loan
Two ways to apply online
The Income Tax Department has authorized two entities to issue PAN cards. You can use either one; the process, cost, and final PAN card are identical.
- NSDL (Protean): tin-nsdl.com
- UTIITSL: pan.utiitsl.com
For this guide, we recommend using NSDL as it offers a quick, paperless e-KYC option using your Aadhaar card.
Documents required
To apply, you need proof of identity (POI), proof of address (POA), and proof of date of birth (PODB).
| Applicant Type | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Indian Citizens (Paperless e-KYC) | Only Aadhaar Card (mobile number must be linked for OTP). Aadhaar acts as POI, POA, and PODB. |
| Indian Citizens (Manual Upload) | Voter ID, Passport, Driving License, or Aadhaar for POI/POA/PODB. Plus a scanned photo and signature. |
| NRIs / Foreign Nationals | Passport copy, PIO/OCI card, or bank statement from country of residence. Must use Form 49AA. |
Step-by-step application process (via NSDL)
Visit the NSDL Portal
Go to www.onlineservices.nsdl.com/paam/endUserRegisterContact.html.
Fill Initial Details
Select "New PAN - Indian Citizen (Form 49A)". Enter your name, DOB, email, and mobile number. Click Submit to generate a Token Number.
Select Application Mode
Choose "Submit digitally through e-KYC & e-Sign (Paperless)". This is the fastest method, as it fetches details from your Aadhaar.
Enter Aadhaar Details
Enter the last 4 digits of your Aadhaar. Agree to use your Aadhaar photo on the PAN card. Fill out your parents' names.
Contact & Other Details
Select your source of income. Your address will be automatically pulled from Aadhaar.
Make Payment
Pay the application fee online using UPI, Debit/Credit Card, or Net Banking.
Aadhaar Authentication
Authenticate using an OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. This acts as your digital signature.
How much does it cost?
- Physical PAN Card (Delivery in India): ₹107
- Physical PAN Card (Delivery outside India): ₹1,017
- e-PAN only (No physical card): ₹72
How long until I get my PAN?
If you use the Aadhaar e-KYC paperless method:
- e-PAN (PDF): Sent to your email within 3 to 5 working days. You can use this immediately for all digital verification.
- Physical Card: Delivered via Speed Post to your Aadhaar address within 15 to 20 working days.
How to link PAN with Aadhaar
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