How to Apply for a New PAN Card Online: Instant e-PAN, Protean and UTIITSL
A PAN card is needed for bank accounts, tax filing and many financial services. You can get a new PAN online in three ways: a free Instant e-PAN with Aadhaar, or a full application through Protean (formerly NSDL) or UTIITSL.
Which Route Should You Choose?
If you are an adult with Aadhaar linked to your mobile number, the Instant e-PAN on the Income Tax portal is free and takes only minutes. If you want a physical card, or you are applying for a minor, HUF, firm or company, use Protean or UTIITSL. From 1 April 2026 the old Form 49A / 49AA were replaced by new application forms, which the portals now show automatically.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar with an active linked mobile number (for e-KYC and Instant e-PAN).
- Proof of identity, address and date of birth if you apply without e-KYC (for example voter ID, passport, driving licence, birth certificate).
- Passport size photo and signature if applying on paper.
- Active mobile number and email ID.
- A person who already has a PAN should not apply again.
Step-by-Step Process
- Instant e-PAN: open the Income Tax e-Filing portal and choose Instant e-PAN → Get New e-PAN.
- Enter your Aadhaar number, verify with OTP on the linked mobile, confirm your details and submit. The e-PAN is issued free.
- Protean / UTIITSL: open the portal and choose Apply for New PAN Card (Indian citizen).
- Select e-KYC and e-Sign (paperless) or the document route, and choose e-PAN only or physical card too.
- Fill your personal details carefully and pay the fee online.
- Verify with Aadhaar OTP, submit, and save the acknowledgement number.
- Track the status and download the e-PAN. The physical card, if chosen, comes by post.
Fees, Time & Options
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Instant e-PAN | Free. Usually within minutes. Adults with Aadhaar and linked mobile |
| Protean / UTIITSL fee | About ₹72 for e-PAN only and about ₹107 (incl. GST) with a physical card for an Indian address, as per public sources. Foreign address costs more. Confirm on the portal |
| Time | e-PAN in about 48 hours and physical card in about 2 weeks, as per public sources |
| Name and DOB | Should match Aadhaar and your documents exactly |
Important Tips
- Check name, DOB and gender before final submit. Errors need a paid correction later.
- Use your own Aadhaar-linked mobile for OTP.
- Do not apply twice. A person can hold only one PAN.
- Beware of fake sites that charge extra. Use only official portals.
- Save the acknowledgement number to track your PAN.
Need help with new PAN card application?
Contact the Emitrawala team on WhatsApp. We will guide you step by step.
Chat on WhatsApp Call: +91 94606 26065Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I get a PAN card online for free?
Yes, the Instant e-PAN on the Income Tax portal is free for eligible adults using Aadhaar OTP.
How much does a physical PAN card cost?
About ₹107 including GST for an Indian address, as per public sources. Check the portal for the current fee.
Do I need Aadhaar?
Aadhaar is needed for Instant e-PAN and the paperless e-KYC route. Other routes need identity, address and DOB documents.
How long does it take?
Instant e-PAN takes minutes. Protean/UTIITSL e-PAN usually takes around two days and the card about two weeks.
Note: This information is based on public sources and the Income Tax / Protean / UTIITSL pages. PAN forms, fees and rules changed from 1 April 2026 and may change again, so please confirm the current form and fee on the official portal before you apply. Never pay anyone extra for a "faster" PAN.
