How to Apply for PAN Card in 2026
You can get a PAN card in 10 minutes for free using Aadhaar. Or if you need a physical card, apply through NSDL for ₹107. Here's exactly how to do both.
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Instant e-PAN
₹107
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What is PAN and why do you need it?
PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a 10-character ID issued by the Income Tax Department. Think of it as your financial identity in India. You need it to file taxes, open bank accounts, buy property worth more than ₹10 lakh, or invest in mutual funds and stocks.
The good news: getting one is easy. If you have Aadhaar (India's national ID) with a linked mobile number, you can get an e-PAN in about 10 minutes—completely free. No photo upload, no documents, no fee.
If you don't have Aadhaar, or you want a physical card mailed to you, apply through NSDL or UTIITSL. It costs ₹107 and takes 15-20 days. You'll need to upload a photo and signature.
Choose your path
Instant e-PAN (Free)
If you have Aadhaar with a mobile number linked, this is the fastest way. Go to incometax.gov.in, click "Instant e-PAN", enter your Aadhaar, verify via OTP, and download your PAN in 10 minutes.
Your photo is pulled automatically from the Aadhaar database—no upload needed.
Requirements: Aadhaar with linked mobile number. That's it.
NSDL / UTIITSL (₹107)
Don't have Aadhaar? Or want a physical card? Apply through NSDL or UTIITSL. Fill Form 49A, upload your photo and signature, pay ₹107, and get your card in 15-20 days.
You can verify identity via Aadhaar e-KYC (faster) or by uploading documents (ID proof, address proof, DOB proof).
Requirements: Photo, signature, identity documents, ₹107.
The photo requirement that trips people up
If you're applying through NSDL/UTIITSL, here's what catches most people: PAN card photos are landscape (horizontal), not portrait like passport photos.
The size is 35×25mm—wider than it is tall. If you upload a square passport photo or a vertical selfie, your application gets rejected. Studios often get this wrong too because they're used to passport dimensions.
PAN photo specs: 35×25mm landscape, ~140×100 pixels for upload, JPEG format, 2KB-50KB file size, plain white background.
You also need a signature image: sign on white paper with black or blue ink, photograph it, crop to ~140×60 pixels.
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Step-by-step: NSDL application
If you're going the NSDL route (because you need a physical card or don't have Aadhaar), here's the process:
Go to NSDL and select Form 49A
Visit NSDL e-Gov portal. Choose "Apply for New PAN Card (Form 49A)" for Indian citizens, or "Form 49AA" if you're a foreign citizen.
Fill in your details
Enter your name (exactly as on your documents—mismatches cause rejections), father's name, date of birth, contact info, and address. Double-check everything.
Upload photo and signature
Remember: 35×25mm landscape photo (not passport-style), and a signature image on white background. Both JPEG, both under 50KB.
Verify identity
Easiest: use Aadhaar e-KYC (enter Aadhaar number, verify via OTP). Alternative: upload scans of ID proof, address proof, and DOB proof.
Pay ₹107 and submit
Pay via card, net banking, or UPI. Save your 15-digit acknowledgment number—you'll need it to track status and download your e-PAN once approved.
After verification (usually 48 hours), you can download your e-PAN from the NSDL website. The physical card arrives via Speed Post in 15-20 days.
What it costs
| Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Instant e-PAN (via Income Tax portal) | Free |
| New PAN via NSDL/UTIITSL (Indian address) | ₹107 |
| New PAN via NSDL/UTIITSL (foreign address) | ₹1,017 |
| Correction / Update | ₹107 |
| Reprint of lost card | ₹50 |
All NSDL/UTIITSL fees include 18% GST.
Common questions
How long does it take to get a PAN card?
Instant e-PAN via Aadhaar takes 10 minutes. NSDL/UTIITSL applications take 15-20 days for physical card delivery.
What photo size is required for PAN card?
PAN card photos must be 35×25mm in LANDSCAPE orientation (wider than tall). This is different from passport photos which are square or portrait.
Can I use passport photo for PAN card?
No. Passport photos are 51×51mm square. PAN requires 35×25mm landscape. Using the wrong size will get your application rejected.
How can I get PAN card for free?
Use the Income Tax e-Filing portal (incometax.gov.in) with your Aadhaar. It's completely free and takes about 10 minutes.
Can I get PAN card without Aadhaar?
Yes, apply through NSDL or UTIITSL with document upload. It costs ₹107 and takes 15-20 days.
Related guides
Applying through NSDL?
Get your PAN photo for ₹83
Create Photo Now35×25mm landscape format. Print anywhere.
Sources: NSDL e-Gov, Income Tax e-Filing Portal