Online PAN verification is a crucial process that allows individuals and organizations to check the authenticity and status of a Permanent Account Number (PAN). This is essential for Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, financial transactions, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The primary purpose is to confirm whether a PAN is active and to validate that the name associated with it matches the official records.

It's important to clarify a common misconception: for security and privacy reasons, there is no public facility to find a person's PAN number using only their name or Aadhaar number. Instead, the verification process requires you to have the PAN number beforehand to validate its details. This guide will walk you through the official and legitimate methods for online PAN verification in detail.

Method 1: Quick PAN Verification via the Income Tax Portal (For Anyone)

This is the most common and accessible method for verifying a single PAN. The Income Tax Department's e-Filing portal provides a free service called "Verify Your PAN".

Step-by-Step Guide:

Visit the Official Portal: Navigate to the Income Tax Department's e-Filing website.
Locate 'Verify Your PAN': On the homepage, scroll down to the 'Quick Links' section. Find and click on the 'Verify Your PAN' option.
Enter Required Details: You will be redirected to the verification page. You must enter the following three mandatory details of the PAN holder:
- PAN: The 10-digit PAN number you wish to verify.
- Full Name: The complete name of the PAN holder as you know it (or as printed on the card).
- Date of Birth: The date of birth of the individual in DD/MM/YYYY format.
Enter Mobile Number: You will need to enter any active mobile number to receive a One-Time Password (OTP). This is a mandatory security step.
OTP Verification: After clicking 'Continue', an OTP will be sent to the mobile number you entered. Input this OTP on the next screen and click 'Validate'.
View the Result: The portal will display the status of the PAN card. You will see one of the following messages:
- "PAN is Active and details are as per PAN": This confirms the PAN is valid and the details you entered (Name, DOB) match the database.
- "PAN is Active but details are not as per PAN": This means the PAN is valid, but the name or date of birth you entered does not match the official records.
- "PAN is not Active" / "Deleted" / "Fake": This indicates the PAN is not valid or has been deactivated.

Method 2: Self-Verification via Aadhaar (For Registered Users)

If you are a registered user on the Income Tax portal and your Aadhaar is linked to your PAN, you can easily verify your own PAN details.

Log in to the e-Filing Portal: Use your User ID (which is your PAN), password, and security code to log in.
Navigate to Your Profile: Once logged in, click on your name at the top-right corner and select 'My Profile'.
Check Your Details: Your profile section will display all your personal details, including your PAN, full name, address, date of birth, and contact information as per the Income Tax Department's records.
Verify Aadhaar Linking: In the same profile section, you can also see the status of your PAN-Aadhaar link, which serves as an indirect verification through Aadhaar.

Method 3: Bulk PAN Verification (For Agencies and Businesses)

The Income Tax Department provides a dedicated facility for banks, government agencies, and other eligible entities that need to verify multiple PANs for KYC purposes.

Registration: The entity must first register as a Bulk Verification Agency on the e-Filing portal.
Verification Methods: Once approved, they can use two methods:
- File-Based Verification: The agency can upload a file containing up to 1,000 PANs in a specified format and will receive a file with the verification results.
- API-Based (Real-time) Verification: This allows for seamless, real-time PAN verification by integrating the agency's software with the Income Tax Department's API.

The Role of UTIITSL and NSDL (Protean)

UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited (UTIITSL) and Protean eGov Technologies Ltd. (formerly NSDL) are the two government-authorized agencies responsible for issuing and managing PAN cards. While you use their portals to apply for a PAN, request a reprint, or track your application status, the central database for verifying a PAN's validity is maintained by the Income Tax Department. Therefore, the official e-Filing portal is the primary platform for PAN verification, not the UTIITSL or NSDL websites.

Conclusion

Online PAN verification is a vital tool for maintaining financial security and authenticity. The "Verify Your PAN" service on the official e-Filing portal is the most reliable and direct method for anyone to validate a PAN number. While you cannot search for a PAN using personal details like a name or Aadhaar, you can effectively confirm the legitimacy of a given PAN. For businesses, the bulk verification facility offers an efficient solution for large-scale KYC needs. Always use these official channels to ensure the information you receive is accurate and secure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I find someone's PAN number if I only have their name and date of birth?

No. For privacy reasons, the Income Tax Department does not allow you to search for a PAN number using personal details. You must already have the PAN to verify it.

What does the status "PAN is Active but details are not as per PAN" mean?

This means the PAN itself is valid and exists in the database, but the name or date of birth you entered during verification does not match the data associated with that PAN. You should check for spelling errors or use the name exactly as per the official records.

Is there a fee for using the online PAN verification service?

No, the "Verify Your PAN" service on the Income Tax portal is completely free of charge for all users.

How is PAN verification different from checking PAN application status?

PAN application status tracking (done on NSDL/UTIITSL sites) tells you the stage your new PAN application is in. PAN verification (done on the IT portal) checks if an already existing PAN number is active and valid.

Why do I need to enter my mobile number for OTP to verify someone else's PAN?

This is a security measure to prevent automated bots from misusing the service. The OTP can be sent to any valid mobile number; it does not need to be the PAN holder's registered number.

Can I directly verify my PAN using my Aadhaar number?

There is no direct public service to enter your Aadhaar and get PAN details. However, if your PAN and Aadhaar are linked, logging into your Income Tax e-Filing account allows you to see both your PAN and linked Aadhaar details, which serves as a form of self-verification.

Who is eligible to use the bulk PAN verification facility?

Only authorized entities like banks, financial institutions, government agencies, and other organizations that require PAN verification for regulatory purposes can register for and use the bulk facility.

The name on my PAN is slightly different from my other IDs. What should I do?

If your name is incorrect in the PAN database, you should apply for a "Change/Correction in PAN Data" through the NSDL (Protean) or UTIITSL portal to get it rectified.

How long does it take for a newly allotted PAN to become active for verification?

Once a new PAN is allotted, it typically takes a few days (around 3-5 business days) for the details to be updated in the central database and become verifiable on the portal.

Can I verify a PAN on the NSDL or UTIITSL website?

No. NSDL (Protean) and UTIITSL are portals for PAN application, correction, and status tracking. The official verification of a PAN's validity is done exclusively through the Income Tax Department's e-Filing portal.

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