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How to Apply for a PAN Card: Individuals and Businesses

Getting a Permanent Account Number quickly.
23 September 2026 by
How to Apply for a PAN Card: Individuals and Businesses
Gaurav Kumar
Other Licenses & RegistrationsComplete Guide3 min read
The short answer

Indian residents can get an instant e-PAN free of cost using Aadhaar-based OTP on the income tax portal, or apply through Form 49A via Protean or UTIITSL for a physical card. Foreign nationals and foreign entities use Form 49AA. Businesses such as firms and LLPs apply with their registration documents, while companies receive PAN at incorporation. The PAN 2.0 project is upgrading PAN services with QR-enabled cards.

Instant e-PANFree with Aadhaar
Indian applicantsForm 49A
Foreign applicantsForm 49AA
CompaniesPAN at incorporation

Instant e-PAN

  1. Visit income tax e-filing portal.
  2. Choose Instant e-PAN.
  3. Verify Aadhaar with OTP.
  4. Download e-PAN.

Form 49A route

Apply online with ID, address and date of birth proof, and pay fee for physical card delivery.

Businesses

  • Firms and LLPs: registration certificate
  • Trusts: trust deed
  • Companies: allotted via SPICe+

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Corrections and linking

Use the correction form to update details, and ensure PAN-Aadhaar linking where required to avoid inoperative PAN.

Frequently asked questions

Is e-PAN valid as a PAN card?

Yes, e-PAN is a valid form of PAN.

Can I have two PANs?

No. Holding more than one PAN attracts penalty.

Do NRIs need PAN?

For investments, property and taxable income in India, yes.

What is PAN 2.0?

A government initiative to upgrade PAN services, including QR-enabled cards and unified platforms.

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