How to Apply for a New PAN Card Online & Download Your e-PAN (QR Code Version): Rules, Process, Fees (2025 Guide)

(Reported by Buzz24 Times)— The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a crucial identification document issued by the Indian Income Tax Department. In recent years, the system has been updated with enhanced security features like QR codes on physical cards and the convenient option of an electronic PAN (e-PAN) Apply New PAN Card Online. 

While older PAN cards remain valid, the newer QR-coded versions offer faster verification and reduced fraud risk. This guide explains everything you need to know, whether you’re applying for a brand new PAN card for the first time or an existing PAN holder looking to download your e-PAN or get a physical reprint with the latest features. 

1. Who Needs to Apply for a PAN Card?

A PAN card is mandatory for:

• Individuals, companies, and entities earning taxable income in India.
• Anyone entering specific financial transactions (like high-value cash deposits, property sales/purchases, vehicle purchases, etc.). 
• Individuals applying for bank accounts, loans, or credit cards often require it. 
• Foreign nationals conducting financial transactions in India may also need one.

2. How to Apply for a New PAN Card Online (First-Time Applicants)

If you do not have a PAN card, follow these steps:

• Visit the portal: Go to the official portal of either NSDL (now Protean eGov Technologies Ltd) or UTIITSL (UTI Infrastructure Technology And Services Limited). These are the authorized service providers. 
• Select Application Type: Choose the option for a new PAN application—typically Form 49A for Indian citizens/entities or Form 49AA for foreign citizens/entities. 
• Fill out the form: Complete the online application form accurately with your personal details (name, date of birth, address, contact info), sources of income, etc. Aadhaar-based e-KYC can often simplify this process. 
• Upload Documents: You’ll need to upload scanned copies of:
  • Proof of Identity (e.g., Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License)  
  • Proof of Address (e.g., Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Utility Bills, Bank Statement)
  • Proof of Date of Birth (e.g., Birth Certificate, Aadhaar Card, Matriculation Certificate)
• Make Payment: Pay the applicable processing fee online. As of early 2025, this is typically around ₹107 – ₹110 for applications within India where a physical card is dispatched. Fees differ for e-PAN only or foreign addresses. 
• Submit & Acknowledge: Submit the application and save the 15-digit acknowledgment number provided.
• Track Status: You can use the acknowledgment number to track the status of your PAN application on the respective portal (NSDL/Protean or UTIITSL). 

3. How Existing PAN Holders Can Download e-PAN (Digital QR-Coded Version)

If you already have a PAN and want the digital e-PAN PDF (which includes the QR code):

• Identify Issuer: Check the back of your physical PAN card to see if it was issued by NSDL or UTIITSL.
• Visit the correct portal:
  • For NSDL/Protean-issued PAN: Go to the NSDL/Protean portal for e-PAN download.
  • For UTIITSL-issued PAN: Go to the UTIITSL portal for e-PAN download.
• Enter Details: Provide your PAN number, Aadhaar number (if linked), and date of birth.
• Verify via OTP: Complete the OTP verification sent to your registered mobile number or email ID.
• Download e-PAN:
  • If your PAN was allotted/updated within the last 30 days, downloading the e-PAN is often free for a limited number of attempts (usually 3).
  • Beyond this period or number of attempts, a nominal fee (around ₹8.26 including GST) applies. Pay online if required. 
  • The password-protected e-PAN PDF will be available for download or sent to your registered email address.

4. How Existing PAN Holders Can Request a Physical PAN Card Reprint (with QR Code)

If your PAN card is lost, damaged, or you simply want the latest physical version with the QR code:

• Visit Portal: Go to the NSDL/Protean or UTIITSL portal.
• Select Option: Look for options like “Reprint PAN Card” or requests under “Changes or Correction in PAN Data” (even if no data change is needed, this path often leads to reprint options). 
• Enter Details: Provide your PAN, Aadhaar (if linked), Date of Birth, etc.
• Verify & Pay: Complete OTP verification and pay the required fee for reprinting and dispatch. As of early 2025:
  • Dispatch within India: Approx. ₹50.
  • Dispatch outside India: Approx. ₹1013 (fees vary).
• Receive Card: The reprinted physical PAN card (with QR code) will be sent to the address registered with the Income Tax Department. 

5. Key Features of the Current PAN System

• Existing PANs Remain Valid: Older PAN cards without QR codes are still perfectly legal and usable. 
• Enhanced Security: The QR code on newer cards contains encrypted demographic details, allowing for faster offline verification and reducing forgery risk. 
• e-PAN Convenience: The digital e-PAN is a valid proof of PAN, easily accessible via email/download. 
• Multiple Options: You can have both a physical card and an e-PAN.

6. Do You Need to Upgrade to a QR-Coded PAN?

While not mandatory if your old card is functional, getting a reprint (which will have the QR code) is advisable if:

• Your current card is old, faded, or damaged.
• You frequently need to provide PAN details where quick verification is beneficial.
• You prefer having the latest security features.