Pan Card

How to Download e-PAN Card Online - NSDL and UTIITSL

In today's digital age, having immediate access to important documents is crucial. The e-PAN card is a digitally signed, secure electronic version of your physical Permanent Account Number (PAN) card, issued by the Income Tax Department. It holds the same legal validity as its physical counterpart and can be used for all financial transactions, KYC verification, and as proof of identity.

Whether you have just applied for a new PAN or need a digital copy of your existing one, the process is quick and convenient. You can download it for free within 30 days of issuance or for a nominal fee thereafter. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the three official methods to download your e-PAN card online, ensuring you have this vital document readily available on your device whenever you need it.

A Comprehensive Guide to Downloading Your e-PAN Card Online

For individuals who have applied for a new Permanent Account Number (PAN) or need a digital copy of their existing one, the Government of India provides a straightforward online process to download the e-PAN card. The e-PAN is a digitally signed and password-protected electronic version of your physical PAN card, holding the same legal validity. It can be downloaded from the official portals of the Income Tax Department, UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited (UTIITSL), and Protean eGov Technologies Limited (formerly NSDL).

Here is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to download your e-PAN card through these different platforms:

Method 1: Downloading e-PAN from the Income Tax e-Filing Portal

This service is particularly useful for individuals who have recently been allotted a PAN or have an active Aadhaar number linked to their PAN.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Visit the Official Portal: Navigate to the Income Tax Department's e-filing website.

  2. Locate 'Instant e-PAN': On the homepage, under the 'Quick Links' section, find and click on the 'Instant e-PAN' option.

  3. Check Status/Download PAN: You will be redirected to a new page. Click on the 'Check Status/ Download PAN' button.

  4. Enter Aadhaar Number: Input your 12-digit Aadhaar number and click on 'Continue'.

  5. OTP Verification: An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar. Enter this OTP to proceed.

  6. Download e-PAN: Once the OTP is verified, you will see the status of your e-PAN. If it has been generated, a link to 'Download e-PAN' will be available. Click on it to save the PDF file to your device.

Key Points:

  • This service is free of cost.

  • Your Aadhaar must be linked with your mobile number to receive the OTP.

  • The downloaded e-PAN PDF will be password-protected. The password is your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format.

Method 2: Downloading e-PAN from the Protean (formerly NSDL) Portal

This method is suitable for those who have applied for their PAN through the Protean portal or wish to download a copy of their existing PAN.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Access the Protean Portal: Go to the official Protean eGov Technologies Limited website for PAN services.

  2. Select 'Download e-PAN Card': Look for the option to 'Download e-PAN Card' and click on it.

  3. Choose an Option: You can download your e-PAN using either your 'Acknowledgement Number' (if you have recently applied) or your 'PAN'.

    • Using PAN: Enter your PAN number, Aadhaar number (optional), date of birth, and the captcha code.

    • Using Acknowledgement Number: Provide your acknowledgment number, date of birth, and the captcha code.

  4. Submit and Verify: After submitting the details, you will be required to verify your identity through an OTP sent to your registered mobile number and/or email address.

  5. Make Payment (if applicable): For PAN cards allotted more than 30 days ago, a nominal fee may be charged for downloading the e-PAN.

  6. Download the e-PAN: Upon successful verification and payment (if any), you can download the e-PAN PDF.

Key Points:

  • The e-PAN is free to download if the application was made within the last 30 days.

  • A fee of ₹8.26 (inclusive of taxes) is applicable for downloads after 30 days.

  • The password to open the PDF is your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format.

Method 3: Downloading e-PAN from the UTIITSL Portal

If you applied for your PAN card through the UTIITSL portal, you can download your e-PAN from their website.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Go to the UTIITSL Website: Visit the official UTIITSL portal for PAN card services.

  2. Navigate to 'Download e-PAN': Find the 'Download e-PAN' section on the homepage and click on it.

  3. Enter Your Details: You will need to provide your PAN number, date of birth, GSTIN (if applicable), and the captcha code.

  4. Submit and Verify: After submitting the information, you will receive a link on your registered mobile number and email ID.

  5. OTP Verification: Click on the link and enter the OTP received.

  6. Payment and Download: Similar to the Protean portal, a fee may be applicable if you are downloading the e-PAN after a specified period from the date of issuance. Once the payment is processed, you can download the e-PAN.

Key Points:

  • This service is available for users who have applied for a new PAN or have requested corrections through UTIITSL.

  • The password to access the downloaded e-PAN PDF is your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format.

By following these simple steps, you can easily and securely obtain a digital copy of your PAN card for various financial and identification purposes. Always ensure you are using the official and secure websites of the respective authorities to protect your personal information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an e-PAN card?

An e-PAN is a digitally signed, password-protected electronic copy of your PAN card issued in a PDF format. It is a valid proof of PAN, just like the physical card.

Is the e-PAN card valid for all official purposes?

Yes, as per a circular from the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the e-PAN is a legally valid proof of PAN for all purposes where a PAN card is required.

What is the password to open the downloaded e-PAN PDF file?

The password to open your e-PAN PDF is your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format (e.g., if your birth date is 24th September 1995, the password will be 24091995).

Is it free to download an e-PAN card?

Downloading an e-PAN is free if you do it within 30 days of its issuance. After 30 days, a nominal fee (around ₹8.26) is charged by portals like Protean (NSDL) and UTIITSL. The download from the Income Tax e-filing portal is free.

How many times can I download the e-PAN card after paying the fee?

Generally, after paying the fee on the NSDL or UTIITSL portal, you are allowed to download the e-PAN a limited number of times (usually 3 times) within a specific period.

What should I do if my mobile number is not linked to my Aadhaar?

To download your e-PAN from the Income Tax portal, a mobile number linked to Aadhaar is mandatory for OTP verification. You must first visit an Aadhaar enrolment centre to update your mobile number.

I applied for my PAN through a private agent. From which website should I download my e-PAN?

Check your PAN application receipt. It will mention whether your application was processed through NSDL (now Protean) or UTIITSL. You should visit the respective portal to download your e-PAN.

 I have lost my acknowledgment number for a new PAN application. How can I download the e-PAN?

If you have lost the acknowledgment number but have been allotted the PAN, you can use the 'Download e-PAN' option using your PAN number, Aadhaar, and date of birth on the Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL portal.

The details on my e-PAN card are incorrect. What should I do?

If you find any discrepancies, you must apply for a "Correction/Change in PAN Data" through the NSDL or UTIITSL portal to get the details rectified. You cannot edit the downloaded PDF.

Can I get a physical copy of my PAN card from the e-PAN PDF?

You can print the e-PAN PDF on a regular or PVC card for convenience, but it will not be the same as the officially issued laminated card. To get an official physical card, you must apply for a "Reprint of PAN Card" on the NSDL or UTIITSL website.