📌 This guide covers everything you need to know about applying for a new PAN card, making corrections, and understanding the required documents and photo/signature specifications.
What is a PAN Card?
A 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 a bank account, making financial transactions above ₹50,000, and a host of other financial and government activities.
PAN cards are issued by the Income Tax Department through two authorised agencies: NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) and UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited (UTIITSL).
Who Needs a PAN Card?
- Every Indian citizen with taxable income
- Anyone opening a bank savings or current account
- Anyone making cash transactions above ₹50,000
- Businesses, companies, trusts, and organisations
- Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) with income sources in India
- Foreign nationals with taxable income in India
How to Apply for a New PAN Card
Required Documents
| Document Type | Accepted Documents |
|---|---|
| Identity Proof | Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License, Ration Card with photo, Bank certificate |
| Address Proof | Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License, Utility bills (electricity, water, gas), Bank statement (last 3 months) |
| Date of Birth Proof | Birth certificate, Matriculation certificate, Passport, Aadhaar Card (if DOB mentioned), Affidavit sworn before magistrate |
Photo & Signature Specifications
| Parameter | Photo | Signature |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 2.5 cm × 3.5 cm | 4.5 cm × 2.0 cm |
| Orientation | Portrait | Landscape |
| Resolution | 200 DPI | 200 DPI |
| Pixel Dimensions | ~197 × 276 px | ~354 × 157 px |
| Format | JPEG | JPEG |
| Max File Size | 50 KB | 20 KB |
| Background | White / Off-White | White paper, black ink |
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Correcting PAN Card Details
If your existing PAN card has incorrect information (name spelling, date of birth, father's name), you can request a correction using Form CSF (Correction/Change in PAN Data) on the NSDL or UTIITSL portal. The same photo/signature requirements apply.
If you have received a duplicate PAN or need to surrender a PAN, use Form 49A with the relevant category selected.
Tracking Your Application
Track the status of your PAN application using your 15-digit acknowledgement number at tin.tin.nsdl.com/pantan/StatusTrack.html or the UTIITSL portal. You can also track via SMS by sending your acknowledgement number to 57575.
e-PAN Card
An e-PAN is a digitally signed PDF version of your PAN card, issued free of cost for Aadhaar-linked PAN applications. It is accepted as a valid PAN for all purposes under the Income Tax Act. Download yours at www.incometax.gov.in → e-Filing Portal → Instant e-PAN.