Whether you have a taxable income or not, you need a Permanent Account Number, commonly known as a PAN Card, to conduct various financial transactions in India. Serving as a widely accepted ID and address proof document, PAN comprises a unique code of 10 letters and numerals that helps identify you as an individual drawing income or a tax-paying citizen.

To learn more about how to apply for a PAN Card, you need to send an application offline or online. While you can apply offline by visiting your local PAN centre or through agents, you may need to pay an administrative/service fee. Alternatively, you can apply for your PAN card online through the NDSL/UTIITSL website. Based on your citizenship status, you must fill out Form 49A or Form 49AA to get the card.

Offline application

Visit the NSDL e-government and download Form 49A. Fill out all the details, attach a passport-sized photograph, and sign the form. Submit the completed form and the necessary documentation at the local PAN centre or to your agent. Pay the applicable charges, including the PAN issuing and administrative fees. You will get an acknowledgement number that you may use to track the status of your PAN Card application.

Upon receiving your application, the NSDL/UTIITSL department issues your PAN Card within 15 days.

Online application

If you want to know how to apply for a PAN Card online, visit the official NSDL/UTIITSL website to begin the online application process and click on the ‘New PAN’ tab on the website’s home page. Select Form 49A if you are a resident Indian, a non-resident Indian living overseas but holding Indian citizenship, or an OCI cardholder. Foreign citizenship holders currently residing in India must choose Form 49AA.

Fill out the form, provide all details accurately, and pay the applicable fees. After submitting your application, you may choose any of the available online payment options or make a Demand Draft (DD) of the amount to be enclosed with the form. Wait for the system to generate a slip comprising the application acknowledgement number while understanding how to get a PAN Card online.

Lastly, you need to e-sign your application via Aadhaar-OTP authentication. If you choose DD as your preferred payment method, you must download the duly filled form and the applicable documents and courier them to the NSDL/UTIITSL office within 15 days.

Conclusion

Having a PAN Card is essential for conducting financial transactions in India. Whether you apply for it online or offline, ensure you provide all details honestly. You can use it as a valid ID proof document to obtain various financial facilities, such as easy online transactions, Bank Account opening, etc.