What is a PAN Card Acknowledgment Number?

It is a unique 15-digit number generated upon the successful submission of a PAN card application. It is printed on the acknowledgment receipt and is used to track the application's status.

Where can I find my Acknowledgment Number?

You can find the acknowledgment number on the receipt issued to you after you submitted your PAN application form, both online and offline. If you applied online, it would also have been sent to your registered email address.

I have lost my acknowledgment receipt. How can I track my PAN status?

Some portals may allow tracking using your name and date of birth, but this is less common. The best course of action is to contact the customer care of NSDL/Protean or UTIITSL with your application details to retrieve your status.

How long does it usually take to get a PAN card after applying?

Typically, it takes about 15-20 working days for the entire process, from application submission to the delivery of the physical PAN card to your address.

What does the status "Your application is under process" mean?

This status indicates that your application has been received and is currently being verified by the Income Tax Department. You should check back after a few days for an update.

My PAN status shows "dispatched." How can I track the physical card?

When the status shows "dispatched," it often includes the name of the courier and an Airway Bill/consignment number. You can use this number on the courier company’s website to track the delivery of your card.

Can I track my PAN status via SMS?

Yes, both NSDL and UTIITSL offer an SMS facility. You can send an SMS with 'NSDLPAN' followed by your 15-digit acknowledgment number to 57575 to get your status from NSDL. Check the UTIITSL website for their specific SMS format.

How do I know if I applied through NSDL or UTIITSL?

The name and logo of the processing authority (Protean/NSDL or UTIITSL) will be clearly printed at the top of your acknowledgment receipt.

What should I do if my application status shows an "objection"?

An "objection" means there is a discrepancy in your application (e.g., mismatched name, incorrect documents). You should check your email for a detailed notification from the authority and follow the instructions provided to rectify the error.

Is there any difference between a Coupon Number and an Acknowledgment Number?

Functionally, they are the same and serve the same purpose of tracking your application. UTIITSL refers to it as the "Coupon Number," while NSDL/Protean calls it the "Acknowledgment Number.