Lost your PAN card, or need a soft copy urgently for a bank account, job joining or loan? This guide shows how to download PAN card online as an e-PAN PDF from the official portals in a few minutes. It is meant for students, salaried employees and anyone who needs a valid digital PAN today.
Quick answer: If your PAN was issued through Protean (NSDL), use the Protean “Download e-PAN” page; if it was issued through UTIITSL, use the UTIITSL portal; if you got an Instant e-PAN with Aadhaar, use incometax.gov.in. Enter PAN, date of birth and OTP. It is free within 30 days of allotment or update, and about ₹8.26 after that.
What Is an e-PAN Card?
An e-PAN is a digitally signed PDF version of your PAN card issued by the Income Tax Department. It carries your name, father’s name (where applicable), date of birth, photo, signature and a QR code. It is accepted as a valid proof of PAN, just like the plastic card.
You do not need to apply for a new PAN to get an e-PAN. Your PAN number stays the same for life – you are only downloading an official copy of it. Having more than one PAN is not allowed, so never apply for a fresh PAN just because the card is lost.
Which Portal Should You Use? (Quick Comparison)
Three official portals let you download PAN card online. The right one depends on which agency processed your PAN application or the last correction. Look at the back of your old card or the acknowledgement slip – it usually mentions NSDL/Protean or UTIITSL.
| Portal | Best for | Details needed | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax e-Filing (incometax.gov.in) | Instant e-PAN allotted using Aadhaar | Aadhaar number + OTP | Free |
| Protean (formerly NSDL e-Gov) | PAN issued or updated through Protean/NSDL | PAN or acknowledgement no., DOB, OTP | Free within 30 days; approx. ₹8.26 after |
| UTIITSL | PAN issued or updated through UTIITSL | PAN, DOB, OTP | Free within 30 days; approx. ₹8.26 after |
Fees and portal layouts can change, so always confirm on the official website before paying.
Documents and Details You Need
- PAN number (or the 15-digit acknowledgement number for a recent application).
- Aadhaar number – needed for individuals on Protean and for Instant e-PAN.
- Date of birth exactly as in PAN records.
- Access to the mobile number or email registered with PAN (or with Aadhaar for Instant e-PAN) to receive the OTP.
- Net banking, UPI or a debit/credit card, only if the free period is over.
If your mobile number is not updated in Aadhaar, the OTP will not reach you. Our guide on how to download Aadhaar card using mobile number also explains how mobile-linked services work.
Method 1: Download e-PAN from Protean (NSDL)
Most PAN cards issued in India over the years were processed by NSDL e-Gov, which is now called Protean eGov Technologies. If yours is one of them, follow these steps.
- Open the official Protean PAN services site onlineservices.proteantech.in and go to the Download e-PAN / e-PAN XML option.
- Choose whether you want to search by Acknowledgement Number or by PAN.
- Enter your PAN, Aadhaar number (for individuals), and date of birth. GSTIN is optional.
- Tick the declaration, fill in the captcha and click Submit.
- Select where you want the OTP – registered mobile, email or both – and click Generate OTP.
- Enter the OTP and validate it.
- If your PAN was allotted or updated in the last 30 days, click Download PDF. Otherwise, pay the small fee online, and the download option appears after payment.
Protean says the e-PAN can be received free up to three times within 30 days of allotment or update. After that, the fee is around ₹8.26 including GST.
Method 2: Download e-PAN from UTIITSL
If your PAN application or correction was processed by UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Ltd (UTIITSL), use its portal instead. The Protean portal will usually not find PANs handled by UTIITSL, and the other way round.
- Visit the official UTIITSL PAN portal pan.utiitsl.com.
- Find the Download e-PAN option and click it.
- Enter your PAN number, date of birth (and GSTIN if applicable), then the captcha.
- Submit and enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile or email.
- Pay the fee if the free period is over.
- Download the PDF, or use the download link sent to your registered mobile/email.
Method 3: Download Instant e-PAN from incometax.gov.in
The Income Tax Department offers Instant e-PAN – a free PAN allotted on the basis of Aadhaar e-KYC. If you got your PAN this way, or want to check its status, use the e-Filing portal. This method is free.
- Go to incometax.gov.in and click Instant e-PAN under Quick Links.
- Click Continue under Check Status / Download PAN.
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and click Continue.
- Enter the 6-digit OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- The status page opens. Click Download e-PAN to save the PDF.
Do not have a PAN at all? On the same page, choose Get New e-PAN. If you are eligible (you have a valid Aadhaar with a linked mobile number and no existing PAN), you can get a PAN allotted online free of cost.
Steps to get a new Instant e-PAN
- On the Instant e-PAN page, click Get New e-PAN.
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number, tick the confirmation box and click Continue.
- Read the consent terms, accept them and enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile.
- Check the details pulled from Aadhaar (name, date of birth, photo, address) and optionally validate your email ID.
- Submit the request. You get an acknowledgement number on screen and on your mobile.
- Once allotted, return to Check Status / Download PAN and download your e-PAN PDF.
The PAN details are taken directly from Aadhaar, so make sure your Aadhaar name and date of birth are correct before you apply. Correcting them later means updating both records.
How to Open the e-PAN PDF (Password)
The downloaded e-PAN file is usually password-protected. For individuals, the password is generally your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format without slashes. For example, if your date of birth is 5 August 1999, type 05081999.
For companies, firms and trusts, the date of incorporation or formation is used in the same format. Open the file in any PDF reader on your phone or computer.
e-PAN vs Physical PAN Card
| Point | e-PAN (PDF) | Physical PAN card |
|---|---|---|
| Validity as PAN proof | Yes, digitally signed | Yes |
| Time to get | Minutes (if details are ready) | Days to weeks by post |
| Cost for reissue | Free in first 30 days, then approx. ₹8.26 | Separate reprint fee applies |
| Risk of loss | Low – keep backup in email/cloud | Can be lost or damaged |
| Offline use | Print on plain paper if needed | Carry in wallet |
If you still want a plastic card, you can request a reprint of PAN card on the Protean or UTIITSL portal for a small fee, and it will be sent to your address on record.
Where You Can Use Your e-PAN
- Opening a bank account or a demat/trading account.
- Filing income tax returns and Form 16 at your workplace.
- Applying for a personal loan or credit card – see our list of best credit cards in India and the guide on how to take a personal loan from SBI.
- Large cash deposits, property purchases and high-value transactions that require PAN.
- KYC for mutual funds, insurance and digital wallets.
Remember that your PAN also needs to be linked with Aadhaar to stay operative. An e-PAN of an inoperative PAN will not help you get refunds or normal TDS rates. Check your link status on the e-Filing portal if you are not sure.
Common Problems and Fixes
“Record not found” or details not matching
You are probably on the wrong portal. If Protean cannot find your PAN, try UTIITSL, and vice versa. Also check that the date of birth matches PAN records exactly.
OTP not received
The OTP goes to the mobile or email registered with your PAN, which may be an old number. Try the email option, or update your contact details through a “Change/Correction in PAN” request. For Instant e-PAN, the mobile must be linked with Aadhaar.
Payment done but PDF not downloaded
Wait a little and retry the download from the same page using your details. If it still fails, contact the agency’s helpdesk with your transaction reference. Protean lists its support contacts on its website.
Fake “download e-PAN” emails
Fraudsters send emails and SMS with links that look like PAN download pages. Type the official address yourself instead of clicking links, and never share bank details or card PINs on such pages.
Tips to Keep Your e-PAN Safe
- Save a backup in your email and a secure cloud folder so you can find it quickly when needed.
- Do not post it on social media or share it in open WhatsApp groups. PAN details can be misused for fake loans in your name.
- Write the purpose on photocopies – for example “For bank KYC only” with the date – when you submit a printout.
- Check your credit report once in a while for loans or cards you never applied for. This is the easiest way to catch PAN misuse early.
- Keep your mobile and email updated in PAN records so OTPs and tax alerts reach you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download my PAN card online for free?
Yes, in two cases. Instant e-PAN downloads from incometax.gov.in are free, and Protean and UTIITSL allow free downloads within 30 days of PAN allotment or update. After that, a fee of around ₹8.26 including GST applies.
Is an e-PAN valid as an original PAN card?
Yes. The e-PAN is digitally signed and issued by the Income Tax Department, so it is a valid proof of PAN. You can share the PDF or a printout where PAN proof is asked.
What is the password to open the e-PAN PDF?
For individuals, the password is usually your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format, such as 05081999. For companies and firms, it is the date of incorporation or formation in the same format.
How do I know whether my PAN is from NSDL or UTIITSL?
Check the back of your physical PAN card or the acknowledgement slip, which normally mentions the issuing agency. If you are unsure, try the Protean portal first and then UTIITSL – only the right one will find your record.
Can I download PAN card with only my Aadhaar number?
Only if your PAN was allotted through the Instant e-PAN service on incometax.gov.in. For PANs issued through Protean or UTIITSL, you need your PAN or acknowledgement number and date of birth.
Should I apply for a new PAN if I lost my card?
No. A person can hold only one PAN, and having two can attract a penalty under the Income-tax Act. Simply download the e-PAN or request a reprint of the same PAN.
Final Thoughts
Downloading your e-PAN is quick once you know which portal holds your record: Protean for NSDL-issued PANs, UTIITSL for UTI-issued ones, and incometax.gov.in for Instant e-PAN. Keep your date of birth and registered mobile ready, save the PDF in your email or cloud storage, and make sure your PAN is linked with Aadhaar so it stays fully usable for tax, banking and loans.
