In India, having a Permanent Account Number (PAN) is essential for tax payments. This unique identifier serves as proof of identity and is widely used for various financial transactions in both business and personal contexts.
Once assigned, a PAN and its corresponding PAN card remain valid for a lifetime. If a PAN card is lost, individuals do not need to obtain a new PAN. Instead, they can apply for a duplicate PAN card through the income tax department.
What is a duplicate PAN card
A duplicate PAN card is a document issued by the income tax department to a PAN holder in cases where the original card is lost, misplaced, or damaged. Many individuals inadvertently expose important documents to various risks in their daily lives, leading to such situations. Fortunately, obtaining a duplicate PAN card has been made straightforward by the income tax department. Let's explore the process involved.
How to apply for duplicate PAN card online
Begin by visiting the TIN-NSDL website and select the application type titled “Changes or correction in existing PAN data/ Reprint of PAN card (No changes in existing PAN data)” if you need a reprint due to loss, misplacement, or theft without any alterations to the existing PAN details.
Complete all mandatory fields in the application form and proceed to submit it.
Upon submission, a token number will be generated and sent to your registered email address. Keep this token number for future reference as you continue with the application process.
Proceed to fill in the required details under the “Personal Details” section, and choose the mode of submission for your PAN application form. There are three available modes:
Physical submission of application documents: Print the acknowledgement form after payment, attach necessary documents, and send it via registered post to the PAN services unit of NSDL.
Paperless submission through e-KYC & e-sign: Aadhaar authentication is mandatory for this method. Use only the details from your Aadhaar card for the duplicate PAN application. An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar registered number for authentication. No need to upload photographs, signatures, or other documents. Digital signature (DSC) will be required for final submission.
Scanned image submission through e-sign: Aadhaar authentication is also required here. Upload scanned image of photograph, signature, and other documents. Only an OTP will authenticate the application form.
Choose between a physical PAN card or an e-PAN card. If opting for an e-PAN card, provide a valid email address to receive the digitally signed e-PAN card.
Fill in the “Contact & other details” and “Document details” sections, then submit the application.
Proceed to the payment page and complete the payment. An acknowledgement will be generated upon successful payment.
Use the 15-digit acknowledgement number to check the status of your duplicate PAN card.
The duplicate PAN card will be dispatched within 2 weeks of the department receiving your application.
How to apply for duplicate PAN card offline
Download and print the "Request for new PAN card or/and changes or Correction in PAN Data" form from the designated source.
Use capital BLOCK letters and a blank ink pen to complete the application form.
Clearly mention your 10-digit PAN number for reference purposes.
If you are an individual applicant, affix two passport-sized photographs and carefully cross-sign them. Ensure that your face is clearly visible and not covered while signing.
Proceed to fill out all the required details in the form and sign the relevant sections.
Submit the application along with the prescribed payment, proof of identity, proof of address, and proof of PAN to the NSDL facilitation centre. Upon receipt of payment, a printed acknowledgement form containing a 15-digit number will be generated.
The facilitation centre will forward your application to the Income-tax PAN services unit for further processing.
You can track the status of your duplicate PAN card using the 15-digit acknowledgement number provided.
The duplicate PAN card will be sent within two weeks of the department receiving your application.
Duplicate PAN card application: Why do you need it
A duplicate PAN card application is necessary under the following circumstances:
Loss or theft: Many individuals carry their PAN cards in their wallets or pockets, making them susceptible to loss or theft during incidents like wallet or purse theft. This scenario often leads to multiple applications to the department in India.
Misplacement: PAN cards are sometimes misplaced when individuals leave them in various locations and later struggle to recall their whereabouts.
Damage: When an existing PAN card is damaged, reprinting the card is the only solution to address the issue.
Change in information: Over time, personal information and signatures associated with a PAN card may need updating. In such cases, the only solution is to apply for a card reprint with the updated information.
Duplicate PAN card application eligibility
In India, taxpayers are categorised into various types such as Individuals, HUFs (Hindu Undivided Families), and Companies. However, taxpayers other than individuals are unable to file their own PAN card applications. They must appoint an authorised signatory to submit the application on their behalf.
Surrender duplicate PAN card: Know the steps
According to income tax laws, having more than one Permanent Account Number (PAN) is not permitted. However, there are instances where individuals may inadvertently possess multiple PAN cards with the same or different numbers. Taxpayers should not be concerned about this issue. They can follow these steps to rectify the situation by surrendering the duplicate or incorrect PAN card to the income tax department:
Draft a letter addressed to your assessing officer, providing your full name, date of birth, details of the PAN card you wish to retain, and details of the PAN card you intend to surrender.
Send the letter via speed post or hand-deliver it to the assessing officer, ensuring to obtain an acknowledgement receipt.
The acknowledgement receipt serves as proof that the duplicate PAN card has been cancelled.
Key considerations regarding duplicate PAN card
If your PAN card is lost due to theft, you must file a First Information Report (FIR) at the nearest police station. Include a copy of the FIR along with your duplicate PAN card application documents.
When sending the PAN application acknowledgement via registered post, ensure to write "Acknowledgement No. – (*************) – Application for Reprint of PAN or Application for changes or correction in PAN data” on the top of the envelope.
The application fee is Rs 110 for resident individuals and Rs 1,020 for non-resident individuals.
The PAN card will be sent to the address provided in your Aadhaar.
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