If your PAN card is lost, you risk identity theft and potential disruption to financial and tax-related activities. A PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a unique identifier issued by the Income Tax Department and is commonly used as proof of identity. Losing it can prevent access to banking, investments, tax filings and other services that require PAN verification.
This article explains the practical steps to take immediately after a PAN card goes missing, how to apply for a duplicate PAN card both online and offline, how to track your application, and how to download an e-PAN. Follow these steps to protect your identity and restore access to services that require PAN.
What to do when you lose your PAN card?
As soon as you notice your PAN card is missing, file a police complaint at your nearest police station. The FIR or complaint copy helps protect you against misuse of your identity and serves as supporting documentation when you apply for a duplicate PAN card.
After you obtain the complaint copy, you can proceed to apply for a duplicate PAN card either online or offline, depending on your preference and convenience.
How to apply for a duplicate PAN card?
Once you have filed a police complaint, choose between the online or offline application process. Each route has clear steps and requirements; choose the one that suits you best.
Steps to apply online
Step 1: Visit the Protean eGov Technologies Limited PAN application portal.
Step 2: Go to the ‘PAN’ section under the ‘Services’ tab.
Step 3: Find the ‘Reprint of PAN Card’ option.
Step 4: Read the reprint guidelines carefully before starting the application.
Step 5: If your details have not changed, click the hyperlink provided for reprint without changes.
Step 6: Complete and submit the online application form.
Step 7: Save the token or acknowledgement number that appears on your screen.
Step 8: Choose your preferred submission mode for documents and identity proof.
Step 9: Provide the required information and upload or indicate the supporting documents.
Step 10: Make the required payment and finalize the submission.
Reprint fees typically are ₹50 within India and ₹959 for applications from outside India. Use the acknowledgement number you receive after submission to track the progress of your application.
Steps to apply offline
Step 1: Visit the official Income Tax Department website and download the ‘Request for New PAN, Changes or Correction in PAN Data’ form.
Step 2: Read the instructions on the form carefully.
Step 3: Fill in the form using block letters and black ink.
Step 4: Attach two recent passport-sized photographs and all required supporting documents, including the police complaint copy and address proof.
Step 5: Make the required payment as instructed in the form.
Step 6: Send the completed form, photos, documents and payment to the address specified on the form or submit it at the designated help center.
Step 7: Keep the acknowledgement number or receipt issued when the application is accepted.
The application form and its instructions list the acceptable documents. Commonly required items include a copy of the FIR or police complaint for the lost PAN, proof of identity and proof of address.
How to check the status of your duplicate PAN card application
You can track your PAN application status through the TIN/NSDL status tracking page. Select ‘PAN – New/Change Request’ (or the corresponding application type), enter your 15-digit acknowledgement number and the captcha code, then submit to view the current status of your request.
How to download a duplicate PAN card
After your application is processed, you can download an e-PAN (electronic PAN) as proof of your PAN if you need immediate access to the document. To download the e-PAN:
Step 1: Visit the TIN-NSDL e-PAN service portal.
Step 2: Select the option to use your acknowledgement number and enter the required details.
Step 3: Enter the captcha and submit to receive an OTP on your registered mobile number.
Step 4: Enter the OTP and validate to download the e-PAN.
If you do not have your PAN number but have the acknowledgement number generated during your reprint application, you can still use that acknowledgement to download the e-PAN. If you do not have either number, you will need to follow the application process to obtain the duplicate PAN first.
Securing a duplicate PAN card quickly helps you resume normal access to financial services and prevents potential misuse. Keep a digital copy of your PAN once you receive it, and store the physical card in a safe place.
FAQs on a lost PAN card
Can I get my lost PAN card online?
Yes. If your PAN card is lost, you can apply for a duplicate card online through the TIN/NSDL or Protean eGov portals by following the reprint or reissue procedure and providing the necessary documents.
How can I get my lost PAN card in 2 days?
While expedited options may exist, quick issuance within 48 hours is not guaranteed. To increase the chances of faster processing, apply as soon as you have filed the police complaint and submitted a complete application with the correct documents and payment.
How can I get my lost PAN card without the number?
If you do not have your PAN number, you may face limitations in the reprint application, since many forms request the PAN number. If you have the acknowledgement number from a recent application or other identity documents that can help verify your PAN, use those. Otherwise, follow the application process and provide any supporting documents requested to recover your PAN or obtain a duplicate.
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