How to Apply for a New PAN Card Online in India

Applying for a new PAN Card online in India is now a straightforward process, whether you need it for filing income tax returns, opening a bank account, or completing other financial KYC requirements. With the right documents and a bit of preparation, you can submit your application from home and track its status online. The following sections explain who can apply, what you need, and how to complete the form step by step.

Eligibility and Documents Needed for PAN Card

To apply for a new PAN (Permanent Account Number), you must be an eligible applicant under Indian tax rules. Individuals (Indian citizens), Hindu Undivided Families (HUF), companies, firms, LLPs, trusts, and other entities can apply for PAN. For most people reading this, the “new PAN” application is typically for first-time applicants who have never been allotted a PAN before.

A key point to remember is that holding more than one PAN is not allowed. If you already have a PAN and need corrections (name, date of birth, photo, address) or a replacement due to loss, you should apply for “Changes or Correction in PAN” or for a reprint, not a new PAN. If you are unsure whether you already have a PAN, it’s worth checking old tax documents, bank KYC records, or previous filings before starting.

You’ll also need to keep your documents ready, because the online form requires you to upload or provide details for identity, address, and date of birth proof. Commonly accepted documents include Aadhaar (often the easiest option), passport, voter ID, driving licence, or ration card (depending on what’s accepted for your category). For address proof, Aadhaar, passport, recent bank statement, or utility bills may be used as per the portal’s rules and recent validity requirements.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for PAN Card Online

The online application is generally done through the official service portals authorized for PAN, where you choose the form based on your citizenship and applicant type. Indian citizens typically use Form 49A, while foreign citizens/entities use Form 49AA. Start by selecting “New PAN” and entering basic details like your full name, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID—make sure these match your documents to avoid delays.

Next, fill out the main application details carefully: parent’s name (for individuals), communication address, Aadhaar number (if using Aadhaar-based eKYC), and other mandatory fields. You’ll be asked how you want to submit documents—many applicants can complete eKYC and eSign using Aadhaar OTP, which reduces paperwork and speeds up processing. If you choose physical submission, you may need to send printed acknowledgment and supporting documents to the processing center, so consider the eKYC/eSign route if available to you.

After completing the form, you’ll proceed to payment of the applicable fee and then submit the application. Once submitted, you’ll receive an acknowledgment number that you can use to track your PAN status online. If the application is approved, you’ll typically receive an e-PAN (digitally delivered) on your email, and in many cases you can also opt for a physical PAN card to be delivered to your address—delivery timelines vary based on verification and location.

Applying for a new PAN Card online in India mainly comes down to two things: confirming you truly need a new PAN (not a correction) and keeping your documents consistent across the form and proofs. If you follow the steps carefully—choose the correct form, use Aadhaar-based eKYC/eSign where possible, and track using the acknowledgment number—you can usually complete the process smoothly and receive your PAN without repeated visits or paperwork.