How to Download PAN Card Online: A Complete Guide
You often need your PAN card for important financial tasks such as KYC, tax-related processes and Home Loan applications. If you do not have the physical card with you, you can download an e-PAN online instead. It is a digitally signed electronic copy you can access through authorised platforms.
The right download method depends on how your PAN was issued or which agency handled your latest application. Choosing the right portal from the start can help you avoid failed attempts, OTP issues and unnecessary delays. Knowing which service holds your e-PAN record can save time and help you avoid unnecessary download attempts.
Key Takeaways
- An e-PAN is a digitally signed PDF version of your PAN card.
- Download your e-PAN through the Income Tax portal, Protean or UTIITSL, depending on how it was issued.
- PAN card download by Aadhaar number is available for eligible Instant e-PAN records.
- Your registered mobile number may be required for OTP verification.
- Instant e-PAN downloads are free. Protean may charge a fee after the free download period.
- Protean e-PAN PDFs use your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format as the password.
What Is a PAN Card and an e-PAN?
A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a ten-character alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department of India. You need it to file income tax returns, open a bank account and complete many other financial transactions.
An e-PAN is the electronic version of your PAN card. It is a digitally signed PDF that you can download online, keep on your phone and share for online checks such as e-KYC. UTIITSL describes it as a valid electronic document bearing your PAN and it also works as a backup if you lose your physical card.
To download your e-PAN, first identify whether the Income Tax e-Filing portal, Protean, UTIITSL or DigiLocker applies to your record.
What Do You Need to Download Your PAN Card?
The details you need depend on the method you use. Check the requirements below before starting so that you have the necessary information ready.
| Method | Who Can Use It | What You Need | Cost |
| Income Tax e-Filing portal | An individual whose e-PAN was allotted through Instant e-PAN, or an adult with no PAN who wants a new e-PAN | Aadhaar number and Aadhaar-linked mobile for Instant e-PAN retrieval; DigiLocker access also required for eligible new applicants. | Free |
| DigiLocker | DigiLocker users whose PAN document is available to retrieve. | Mobile number or Aadhaar to sign in and your PAN | Free |
| Protean (formerly NSDL) | A PAN holder whose latest application Protean processed | PAN or acknowledgement number, date of birth, Aadhaar number for individuals and the mobile number or email ID registered with your PAN | Up to three free e-PAN deliveries within 30 days of allotment or confirmed changes; fee thereafter. |
| UTIITSL | A PAN holder whose PAN card UTIITSL dispatched or whose e-PAN it issued | PAN, date of birth and your registered mobile number or email ID | Any fee is shown on the portal before payment |
Choose the portal that issued your e-PAN or processed your latest PAN application. DigiLocker is another option if your PAN record is available there.
Download Using Aadhaar on the Income Tax Portal
Use this method if your e-PAN was issued through the Instant e-PAN service.
- Open the Income Tax e-Filing portal at www.incometax.gov.in.
- Under "Quick Links", click "Instant e-PAN".
- On the e-PAN page, click "Continue" under "Check Status / Download e-PAN".
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and click "Continue".
- Enter the 6-digit OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and validate it.
- Click "Download e-PAN" to save the PDF, or "View e-PAN" to see it on screen.
Choose "Get New e-PAN" only if you have never been allotted a PAN. For a new e-PAN, you also need DigiLocker access and must consent to the use of your DigiLocker data and Aadhaar e-KYC details.
If you already have a PAN, do not apply again, as a person can have only one PAN. The Income Tax Department also provides e-PAN status and download options for eligible users after signing in.
Download Using a Mobile Number and DigiLocker
You cannot retrieve your PAN card using only your mobile number.
Your mobile number helps you sign in or receive an OTP. For Instant e-PAN, verification uses the mobile number linked to Aadhaar.
Through DigiLocker:
- Open theDigiLocker app or website and sign in with your mobile number or Aadhaar.
- Link your Aadhaar if the app asks you to.
- Go to "Issued Documents" and choose the Income Tax Department as the issuer.
- Select the PAN document, enter your PAN and fetch it.
- Open the document in your DigiLocker and download the PDF.
If the OTP does not arrive, check whether you are using the mobile number registered with the relevant service. Protean and UTIITSL may send the OTP to the mobile number or email ID registered with your PAN.
Download Through Protean
Use this route if Protean processed your latest PAN application. You need the required PAN or acknowledgement details because the portal does not support downloading an e-PAN using only your name and date of birth.
- Visit the official Protean e-PAN download page.
- Enter your PAN, your Aadhaar number if you are an individual and your date of birth. GSTN is optional. If you have only the acknowledgement number, choose that option instead.
- Tick the acknowledgement box, complete the captcha and click "Submit".
- Check the PAN, mobile number and email ID shown on screen. Choose where to receive the OTP, such as the registered mobile number, registered email ID or both, and click "Generate OTP".
- Enter the OTP and click "Validate".
- Pay the nominal fee if the portal asks for one, then click "Download e-PAN".
- Open the PDF with your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format as the password.
Download Through UTIITSL
Use this route if UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited (UTIITSL) dispatched your PAN card or issued your e-PAN.
- Open the UTIITSL PAN website at www.pan.utiitsl.com.
- Select "Download e-PAN".
- Enter your PAN and date of birth details, then complete the captcha and submit.
- Verify your request using the link or OTP sent to your registered mobile number or email ID.
- Pay the fee if the portal asks for one, then download your e-PAN.
Is It Free to Download a PAN Card?
The Instant e-PAN service on the Income Tax e-Filing portal is free. Protean allows free downloads for a limited period after your PAN is issued or updated and a nominal fee applies after that. You can pay online by UPI, card or net banking.
UTIITSL states that e-PAN downloads are free within one month of issuance. After that, it charges ₹8.26 per request, including taxes. Check the current amount on the official portal before paying.
How to Download PAN Card Without PAN Number
You may still be able to download your e-PAN without knowing your PAN number if you still have an acknowledgement number or an Instant e-PAN record linked with Aadhaar. A name and date of birth alone are not sufficient.
If you are asking, "How can I download my PAN card when I do not remember the number?", choose the situation below that matches your records.
You Applied Recently and Have an Acknowledgement Number
- Open the portal of the agency that processed your application, Protean or UTIITSL.
- If the issuing agency offers acknowledgement-based retrieval, enter your acknowledgement number and complete its verification steps.
- Enter the other details the portal asks for and verify with the OTP.
- Download your e-PAN.
Your e-PAN Came Through Instant e-PAN
Use the Aadhaar-based method explained above. Since you verify your identity using your Aadhaar number and OTP, you do not need to remember your PAN number to access the e-PAN.
You Have Forgotten or Lost Your PAN
If the Instant e-PAN method does not apply to you, locate your PAN number before starting the download process.
Your PAN is printed on your income tax return acknowledgement, Form 16, TDS certificates and many bank or loan records. If you still cannot find it, contact the helpdesk through the official contact page on incometax.gov.in.
Common Problems While Downloading a PAN Card and How to Fix Them
Even when you use the correct portal, OTP verification, mismatched details or payment problems can interrupt the process. The table below explains common issues and the steps you can take to resolve them.
| Problem | Likely Cause | What to Do |
| OTP does not arrive | The number or email ID is not the one registered. The Income Tax route uses your Aadhaar-linked mobile number, while Protean and UTIITSL use the details in your PAN record | Check the number or email ID, wait a few minutes and use Resend OTP. To update the mobile number on your Aadhaar, visit an Aadhaar enrolment or update centre |
| Portal says no record or not eligible | You are on the wrong portal for the agency that processed your latest application, or your e-PAN was not allotted through Instant e-PAN | Confirm which agency processed your PAN application and use its official retrieval service. |
| Details do not match | Your PAN, date of birth or Aadhaar details differ from your PAN record | Re-enter the details exactly as in your records. If they still fail, apply for a correction through Protean or UTIITSL |
| PDF does not open | The PDF is password-protected | On the Protean route, enter your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format with no separators. Use an up-to-date PDF reader |
| Payment fails or money is deducted | A bank or payment gateway issue | Check the transaction status before attempting another payment. Note the transaction ID, check your email for the e-PAN and contact the helpdesk of the portal through its official page |
| Page does not load or the captcha fails | A temporary technical issue or a browser cache problem | Clear your browser cache, try another browser or device and retry later |
How PAN Supports Important Applications
PAN is commonly used for identity and tax-related verification across several financial applications. Keeping your PAN details accurate and your e-PAN accessible can help you complete KYC and document checks more smoothly. It can also reduce avoidable delays when an institution needs to verify your identity or match your financial records.
For example, if you plan to apply for a Home Loan, PAN may form part of the documents reviewed during the application process. Godrej Housing Finance offers Home Loan options with features such as Design Your EMI. This allows eligible borrowers to structure repayments in line with their financial needs and expected cash-flow patterns. You can also use the Home Loan EMI Calculator to estimate the repayment based on the loan amount, interest rate and tenure before applying.
Keeping the required documents ready and estimating the expected repayment in advance can help you approach the application with a clearer understanding of both the verification requirements and the repayment commitment.
Also Read: Home Loan: All You Need to Know
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to download PAN card online helps you access your PAN details whenever you need them. Choose the official portal that processed your application and keep the required information ready for verification. If you cannot retrieve your e-PAN, check your registered details or contact the relevant service provider for assistance.
Apply Now for a Home Loan
FAQs
Q.1. Can I download my PAN card online if my mobile number is not linked to Aadhaar?
A. It depends on the method. For an income tax PAN card download through Instant e-PAN, the OTP goes to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number, so you need access to that number. Protean and UTIITSL may send the OTP to the mobile number or email ID registered with your PAN.
Q.2. Is an e-PAN valid for loan applications and other financial transactions?
A. An e-PAN is a valid electronic PAN document that can be used for KYC and financial transactions. Institutions may request additional documents depending on their verification requirements.
Q.3. How do I download my PAN card if I do not remember my PAN number?
A. If your PAN was issued through Instant e-PAN, use your Aadhaar number on the Income Tax portal. Otherwise, check whether your issuing agency accepts an application acknowledgement number.
Q.4. How can I download my PAN card using my mobile number?
A. A mobile number alone cannot retrieve your PAN card. It is generally used for signing in or receiving an OTP during identity verification.
Q.5. How can I download my PAN card safely?
A. To download your e-PAN safely, use only the official portals of the Income Tax Department, Protean, UTIITSL and DigiLocker. Check the web address before entering personal information and never share your OTP, Aadhaar number or date of birth with anyone offering to download the card for you.
Disclaimer:
The content presented on this page, including images and factual information, is intended solely as a summary derived from publicly available sources. GHFL/GFL (“Company”) does not claim ownership of such information, nor does it represent that the Companies have exclusive knowledge of the same. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, there may be inadvertent errors, omissions, or delays in updating the content. Users are strongly encouraged to independently verify all information and seek expert advice where necessary. Any decisions made based on this content are solely at the discretion and responsibility of the user. Godrej Capital and its affiliates assume no responsibility for any loss or damage that may result from the use of or reliance on the information provided herein.
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