How to Apply for a Duplicate PAN Card - Online & Offline

A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a unique 10‑digit alphanumeric code issued by the Income Tax Department. It acts as a universal tax identity and is often needed to open bank accounts, invest, pay taxes or receive tax refunds. If your PAN card has been lost, stolen or damaged, there is no need to panic. A duplicate PAN card—sometimes called a reprint—can be issued quickly without changing your PAN number. Below is a detailed guide explaining why and when you may need a duplicate card, eligibility rules, documents required, fees, and step‑by‑step instructions for both online and offline applications.

Why you might need a duplicate PAN card

A duplicate card is requested when your physical PAN card is no longer usable or available. Common situations include:

• Loss or theft – PAN cards often travel in wallets or purses and may be lost when these are stolen.

• Misplacement – sometimes the card is simply misplaced and you cannot remember where you kept it.

• Damage – if the plastic card has faded, broken or become illegible, reprinting is the only practical option.

• Change in information – if you need to update a detail such as your signature or photo, the Income Tax Department treats this as a “correction” and you still apply for a duplicate card.

Holding more than one active PAN card is illegal. If you discover you have two cards (perhaps due to an earlier application), you must surrender the duplicate card

Who is eligible to apply?

Any PAN holder whose card has been lost or damaged can apply for a duplicate. However, companies, firms and other non‑individual entities must designate an authorised signatory to submit the application. According to the Income Tax Department, authorised signatories vary by taxpayer category. A table summarising this information appears below.

Taxpayer category

Who signs the application?

Individual

The individual themselves

Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)

Karta (head of the family)

Company

Any director of the company

Firm / Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

Any partner of the firm or LLP

Associations / Local authorities / Artificial Juridical Person

Authorised signatory mentioned in incorporation documents

Persons who have obtained a PAN using the “Instant e‑PAN” facility can also use the reprint service.

Documents required

When applying for a duplicate PAN card you must submit self‑attested photocopies of supporting documents. Required documents include:

• Proof of identity – Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport, driving licence, ration card or a government‑issued photo ID.

• Proof of address – Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, driving licence, post‑office passbook, utility bills, bank account statements or domicile certificate.

• Proof of date of birth – birth certificate, matriculation certificate, passport, voter ID, driving licence, or Aadhaar card.

• Copy of existing PAN card or PAN allotment letter – a photocopy of your damaged/lost card or the allotment letter is required.

• First Information Report (FIR) – strongly recommended if the card is lost due to theft; attach a copy of the FIR with your application.

Additional documents (for foreign address or NRIs)

Some applicants (e.g., NRIsor those with foreign addresses) must submit additional proof such as an overseas address proof and a copy of the visa/passport. The processing fee for dispatch outside India is also higher (see “Fees” section).

Fees for duplicate PAN card (Indian and foreign addresses)

The fee depends on where the physical card is delivered and whether you apply online or offline. According to the Income Tax Department schedule:

Mode of application and dispatch

Physical PAN to an Indian address

Physical PAN to an overseas address

e‑PAN (no physical card)

Physical form submitted online or offline

₹107 (including GST)

₹1,017

₹72 (for e‑PAN emailed)

Paperless (e‑KYC / e‑Sign)

₹101

₹1,011

₹66 (e‑PAN emailed)

Reprint without changes

₹50 within India

₹959 for overseas dispatch

–

Fees may change slightly depending on the service provider (NSDL or UTIITSL). Payments are accepted via demand draft, credit/debit card or net banking.

Step‑by‑step: apply online via NSDL/Protean (changes or correction)

1. Visit the official portal. Go to the online application page of TIN‑NSDL (now Protean e‑Gov) and select ‘Changes or correction in existing PAN data/Reprint of PAN card (No changes)’.

2. Fill in basic details. Enter your PAN number, applicant category (individual, company, etc.), and personal details such as name, date of birth, email and mobile number.

3. Generate token number. Submit the form to generate a token number; this number is emailed to you and allows you to resume the application later.

4. Choose submission mode. You will be asked to select one of three modes:

   • Forward documents physically – print the acknowledgement after payment, affix photos and signatures, attach photocopies of documents and send them by registered post to the PAN Services Unit in Pune.

   • e‑KYC and e‑Sign (paperless) – Aadhaar is mandatory; details are pulled from your Aadhaar record and authenticated via OTP.

   • e‑Sign with scanned images – upload scanned images of your photo, signature and documents; authenticate via Aadhaar OTP.

5. Select e‑PAN or physical card. Indicate whether you want a physical PAN card, an e‑PAN or both. Provide a valid email address for e‑PAN.

6. Complete contact and document details. Enter your communication address and select proof documents; upload scans if using paperless mode.

7. Payment. You will be redirected to the payment gateway. After payment, an acknowledgement form with a 15‑digit number is generated.

8. Send documents (if required). If you selected the physical submission mode, print the acknowledgement, affix photos and signatures, attach proof documents and mail to Income Tax PAN Services Unit, Protean eGov Technologies Limited, 4th Floor, Sapphire Chambers, Baner Road, Baner, Pune – 411045.

9. Track status. Use the acknowledgement number to check application status on the NSDL/Protean website. The physical card is usually dispatched 15–20 days after the department receives your application.

Applying online without changes (quick reprint)

If you have recently applied for PAN through the new Protean website or obtained an instant e‑PAN, you can request a reprint without changes by following these steps:

1. Visit the Protean website and select ‘Reprint of PAN Card’ under ‘PAN – New Facilities’.

2. Enter your PAN, Aadhaar, date of birth and GSTN (if applicable).

3. Agree to the declaration, enter the captcha and submit. Provide OTP, pay the fee and download the acknowledgement.

4. Track the status using the acknowledgement number. Reprint requests are processed quickly; the physical card is delivered within about two weeks.

Step‑by‑step: apply offline (using paper form)

Some applicants prefer the traditional offline route. The process is similar across providers (NSDL and UTIITSL). Here’s how to apply:

1. Download or collect Form CSF – called ‘Request for new PAN card or/and changes or correction in PAN data’ – from the Income Tax Department, NSDL or UTIITSL website.

2. Fill the form in BLOCK letters using black ink. Provide your existing 10‑digit PAN, personal details and address. Do not tick any change boxes if there are no corrections.

3. Affix two passport‑size photographs. Sign across one photograph and sign inside the designated box on the right.

4. Self‑attest the required documents – proof of identity, address, date of birth, a copy of your old PAN card and FIR if applicable.

5. Submit the form. Send or hand‑deliver the completed form along with fee payment and documents to the nearest NSDL/UTIITSL facilitation centre. The facilitation centre will issue an acknowledgement with a 15‑digit number and forward your application for processing.

6. Track status. Use the acknowledgement number to check the progress of your duplicate PAN application. Delivery typically takes 15–20 days.

Offline tips

• If your card was stolen, file an FIR with the nearest police station and send a copy with your form. This protects you against misuse.

• Write “Acknowledgement No. – (xxxxxxxxxxxxx) – Application for Reprint of PAN” on the top of the envelope.

• Send the form to the official address in Pune or visit the local PAN centre.

• Keep photocopies of everything you submit for your records.

How to download or print your duplicate PAN card (e‑PAN)

Once your request is processed, you can download the e‑PAN. This is a digital copy accepted for most financial transactions. To download:

1. Visit the NSDL e‑Gov website and click ‘Download e‑PAN/e‑PAN XML’.

2. Select the Acknowledgement Number or PAN option.

3. Enter the required details and captcha, then select whether to receive the OTP on your email, mobile or both.

4. Enter the OTP and click Validate. Finally click Download PDF to obtain your e‑PAN. The PDF is password‑protected; use your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format to open it.

You can also reprint your card through the Aadhaar‑based reprint facility offered by Protean and UTIITSL.

Tracking the status of your duplicate PAN

To track your duplicate PAN card application:

1. Visit the TIN‑NSDL status page.

2. From the Application Type dropdown, select PAN – New/Change Request.

3. Enter your acknowledgement number and the security code, then click Submit. The current status of your application will be displayed.

How to surrender a duplicate PAN

It is illegal to hold more than one PAN. If you discover that you have multiple cards, you should surrender the duplicate(s). Follow these steps:

1. Write a letter to your Assessing Officer requesting surrender of the unwanted PAN card(s). Include your full name, date of birth, both PAN numbers and clearly specify which card you wish to retain.

2. Submit or speed‑post the letter to the Assessing Officer. You will receive an acknowledgement receipt as proof that the duplicate PAN card has been cancelled

Important tips and reminders

• File an FIR if your card was lost or stolen to prevent misuse.

• Use only one PAN. Holding multiple PAN cards can attract a penalty of ₹10,000 under Section 272B of the Income Tax Act.

• Ensure that your address in Aadhaar is current because the duplicate PAN is typically sent to the address linked with Aadhaar.

• When sending documents via post, write the acknowledgement number and application type on the envelope.

• Keep the acknowledgement number safe until your card arrives; it is needed for status tracking and downloading e‑PAN.

Conclusion

Losing or damaging your PAN card can be inconvenient, but the Income Tax Department has made it simple to obtain a duplicate. Whether you choose an online paperless option, a reprint without changes or a traditional offline application, the steps are straightforward and the fees are reasonable. Ensure you have all required documents ready, pay the appropriate fee, and keep your acknowledgement number safe. Within a couple of weeks you will receive a physical duplicate or digital e‑PAN and can resume your financial transactions without disruption.