How to Apply for PAN Card: A Comprehensive Guide
A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a 10-digit alphanumeric number issued by the Income Tax Department of India to any taxpayer in the country. It is a unique identifier that is used for tracking all financial transactions of an individual or entity.
PAN card is a mandatory document for various financial activities such as opening a bank account, filing income tax returns, investing in mutual funds, etc. It is also required for carrying out certain high-value transactions such as buying or selling property, purchasing a vehicle, etc.
Eligibility Criteria for PAN Card
Any individual or entity who is a resident of India is eligible to apply for a PAN card. This includes:
- Indian citizens
- Foreign citizens living and working in India
- Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs)
- Companies
- Partnerships
- Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
- Societies
- Trusts
- Associations
How to Apply for PAN Card
You can apply for a PAN card online or offline.
To apply online:
- Visit the website of either the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) or the UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited (UTITSL).
- Click on the “Apply for PAN” link.
- Select the appropriate form (Form 49A for Indian citizens and Form 49AA for foreign citizens).
- Fill out the form carefully and accurately.
- Upload the required supporting documents.
- Pay the PAN card fee.
- Submit the application.
To apply offline:
- Download the PAN application form (Form 49A or Form 49AA) from the NSDL or UTIITSL website.
- Fill out the form carefully and accurately.
- Attach the required supporting documents.
- Submit the application to the nearest NSDL or UTIITSL PAN collection center.
Required Supporting Documents
The following supporting documents are required to apply for a PAN card:
- Proof of identity: Passport, Aadhaar card, Voter ID card, Driving license, etc.
- Proof of address: Passport, Aadhaar card, Voter ID card, Driving license, Bank statement, etc.
- Date of birth proof: Birth certificate, Passport, Aadhaar card, etc.
PAN Card Fee
The PAN card fee is Rs. 350 for Indian citizens and Rs.2360 for foreign citizens.
Processing Time
The processing time for PAN card applications is usually 15-20 days. However, it may take longer in some cases.
Once your PAN card is processed, you will receive it by mail at the address mentioned in your application.




