How to Apply for a Lost PAN Card - Check Steps to Apply Online

A PAN card (Permanent Account Number) is a key identity document in India.
It links your tax filings, bank accounts and high‑value transactions.
Misplacing or damaging this tiny piece of plastic can feel stressful because you cannot easily complete activities like opening a bank account or filing an income‑tax return without it. Thankfully, you can obtain a duplicate (reprint) of your PAN card through a simple online or offline process.

Why You Might Need a Duplicate PAN Card

A duplicate PAN card is issued when your original card is lost, stolen, damaged or contains incorrect details. The card is used for tax compliance and large financial transactions, so losing it can cause delays or raise concerns of misuse.
Several circumstances require a reprint:

• Loss or theft – If your wallet or purse is stolen, your PAN card goes with it.

• Misplacement – You may simply misplace the card and be unable to locate it.

• Damage – Physical wear and tear can ruin the card, leaving it unreadable.

• Changes in information – If your name, address or signature has changed since the original card was issued, you can request a reprint with updated details.

Having more than one PAN is illegal. Instead of applying for a second PAN, you must cancel any duplicate numbers and request a reprint of your existing PAN.

What to Do Immediately After Losing Your PAN Card

1. File an FIR (First Information Report) – For lost or stolen cards, file a complaint at the nearest police station to protect yourself from misuse. An FIR is often required when applying offline.

2. Collect a copy of the FIR – Keep the acknowledgement or copy of the complaint; you may need to submit it with your application.

3. Decide whether to apply online or offline – Online applications are quicker and paperless. Offline applications may be needed if you lack access to online facilities or prefer physical documentation.

Eligibility and Key Points

• Same PAN number – A duplicate PAN card is a reprint of your existing PAN. It does not create a new number.

• Only one PAN – It is illegal to hold more than one PAN. If you have accidentally received multiple PAN numbers, surrender the extras and request a reprint of the valid number.

• Guardians apply for minors – Parents or legal guardians must apply for a duplicate PAN on behalf of minors.

How to Apply for a Duplicate PAN Card Online

The Income Tax Department allows individuals, NRIsand entities to apply for a duplicate PAN card through two authorised portals: Protean (formerly NSDL e‑Gov) and UTIITSL.
Both portals accept online applications and payment and deliver either an e‑PAN or a physical card.
Below is a general process followed by portal‑specific instructions.

General Online Steps

1. Visit the official portal – Go to the online PAN services page of Protean or UTIITSL.

2. Select the correct service – Choose “Reprint of PAN card” or “Changes or correction in existing PAN data / Reprint of PAN card” depending on the portal.

3. Enter PAN and Aadhaar details – Provide your existing PAN number, Aadhaar number and date of birth.

4. Confirm declaration – Tick the declaration confirming the details and authorise the use of Aadhaar data for e‑verification.

5. Choose contact method – Select whether you want to receive the One‑Time Password (OTP) via email, mobile or both.

6. Generate and enter OTP – Click “Generate OTP”, enter the OTP received on your chosen contact and click “Validate”.

7. Choose mode of delivery – Decide between an e‑PAN (downloadable PDF) or a physical PAN card. If you choose a physical card, provide a valid address for dispatch.

8. Pay the fee – Make payment using credit/debit card, net banking or UPI. For a physical card delivered within India the reprint fee is around ₹50, and for an overseas address it is about ₹959. An e‑PAN costs less.

9. Save acknowledgement – After payment you’ll receive an acknowledgement number via email or SMS. Use this number to track your application.

10. Receive your card – The e‑PAN is usually emailed within 1–2 days. A physical card is dispatched in around 15–20 working days.

Applying via the Protean/NSDL portal

Protean (formerly NSDL e‑Gov) handles most PAN applications. When applying through Protean:

1. Go to the Protean PAN services website.

2. Under “Reprint of PAN Card (Changes/Correction in PAN data)” select your application type and category (individual, company, etc.).

3. Enter your PAN, Aadhaar and date of birth. Optionally provide your GSTIN if applicable.

4. Tick the declaration, enter the CAPTCHA and click “Submit”.

5. Choose to receive the OTP on your email, mobile or both and click “Generate OTP”.

6. Enter the OTP, validate it and proceed to the payment.

7. After payment, an acknowledgement number is generated. You can track the status on the same portal.

Applying via the UTIITSL portal

UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Ltd. also processes duplicate PAN requests. The steps are similar:

1. Visit the UTIITSL website.

2. Click on “Reprint of PAN Card”.

3. Enter your PAN card number, Aadhaar number, date of birth and other details and submit.

4. Verify your details and click “Get OTP”. Enter the OTP and complete payment.

5. Download your receipt. You’ll receive the reprinted PAN card in about two weeks.

How to Download an e‑PAN

If you need a soft copy quickly or prefer not to wait for a physical card, you can download an e‑PAN. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) introduced the e‑PAN as an official digital version of the PAN card. Follow these steps:

1. Log in to the Income Tax Department’s online services website.

2. Enter your PAN and Aadhaar when prompted.

3. Select your month and year of birth.

4. Tick the checkbox authorising Aadhaar authentication.

5. Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number and click Confirm.

6. Pay the nominal fee (about ₹8.26 via UPI or card).

7. After payment, download the password‑protected e‑PAN in PDF form.

How to Apply for a Duplicate PAN Card Offline

If you prefer a paper process or lack internet access, you can apply for a duplicate PAN card offline. You’ll need to fill a physical form and submit it with supporting documents at a PAN facilitation centre. Here is the step‑by‑step process:

1. Download or collect Form – Obtain the “Request for New PAN Card or/and changes or correction in PAN data” form (also called CSF form) from the official portal or your nearest PAN/NSDL centre.

2. Fill the form in block letters – Use black ink and capital letters. Provide your 10‑digit PAN number for reference.

3. Attach photographs – For individual applicants, paste two recent passport‑sized photographs and sign across one photo.

4. Provide correct details – Fill in all required fields and sign the form. Ensure there are no overwriting or corrections.

5. Attach documents and fee – Include self‑attested copies of identity proof, address proof, date of birth proof and a copy of your previous PAN card. Attach a demand draft or cheque for the applicable fee.

6. Submit at the facilitation centre – Send the completed application and fee to the nearest NSDL/UTI facilitation centre. They will give you an acknowledgement slip with a 15‑digit number to track your application.

7. Track your application – Use the acknowledgement number to check the status of your reprint on the official portal. The card is dispatched within two weeks.

Special offline process when the card is stolen

If your card was stolen, an FIR is necessary in addition to the regular documents. Navi’s guide recommends the following extra steps:

• Lodge a police complaint as soon as possible and obtain a copy of the FIR.

• Submit a written application to the Income Tax Department requesting a new PAN card. Include the FIR copy, identity proof, address proof and a passport‑sized photo.

• Sign the photograph so that half the signature is on the photo and half on the form.

• Attach a demand draft or cheque for the fee and post the application to the PAN centre.

Documents Required for a Duplicate PAN Card

When applying for a duplicate PAN card you must submit documents proving your identity, address and date of birth, along with a copy of your existing PAN card. Acceptable documents include:

Proof of Identity (any one)

• Aadhaar Card / e‑Aadhaar(self‑attested)

• Voter ID card

• Passport or Driving Licence

• Government photo ID such as Ration Card, Pensioner’s card or Central Government health scheme card

• Certificate signed by a Gazetted Officer or Member of Parliament

Proof of Address (any one)

• Aadhaar card or Passport

• Driving Licence

• Utility bills (electricity, water, landline, broadband or gas) not older than three months

• Bank or credit card statement

• Property tax receipt or property registration document

• Domicile certificate or caste certificate issued by a state authority

Proof of Date of Birth (any one)

• Birth certificate

• Passport

• Aadhaar card

• Mark sheet from a recognised board

• Government‑issued photo ID specifying date of birth

Additional documents

• Copy of previous PAN card or PAN allotment letter (self‑attested).

• FIR copy in case of theft.

Fees and Processing Time

The cost of obtaining a duplicate PAN card depends on the mode of application and delivery. The following table summarises typical fees as per official guidelines:

Mode of submission

Delivery location

Fee (approx.)

Physical form / Online (physical)

India

₹50 for reprint of PAN card

Physical form / Online (physical)

Outside India

₹959

Online paperless (e‑PAN)

Email only

₹66 (e‑PAN)

Online paperless (both e‑PAN + physical)

India

~₹101

Reprint (no changes)

India

₹50

Processing typically takes 15–20 working days for a physical card after the department receives your application and payment.
An e‑PAN is usually available within 1–2 days after verification.

How to Track Your Duplicate PAN Application

After submitting your application, you can monitor its progress using the acknowledgement number:

1. Visit the official portal (Protean or UTIITSL).

2. Go to the “Track PAN status” or “Check application status” section.

3. Enter your acknowledgement number and submit.

4. The status page will show whether the application is under process, dispatched or delivered.

5. For e‑PAN downloads, follow the instructions sent to your email or SMS.

Tips to Avoid Losing Your PAN Card

• Keep the card in a safe place separate from daily use items like wallets or purses.

• Save a scanned copy and the e‑PAN on a secure cloud drive for emergencies.

• When travelling, carry only the e‑PAN on your phone rather than the physical card.

• Notify the Income Tax Department immediately if you suspect misuse.

• Remember that multiple PAN numbers are illegal; surrender any duplicate cards if they exist.