how to apply for duplicate pan card?

How to Apply for a Duplicate PAN Card?

Learn how to apply for a duplicate PAN card online or offline, documents required, fees, processing time, and e-PAN download steps

Written by : Knowledge Centre Team

2026-02-10

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7 minutes read

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Ever had that mini heart-attack moment when you can’t find your PAN card? 

Whether it’s misplaced during a house move, damaged due to wear and tear, or simply gone missing over time, losing your PAN card can be inconvenient, especially when it’s required for financial transactions, tax filings, or identity verification.

The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a critical document issued by the Income Tax Department of India that serves as a lifelong identifier for all tax-related and many non-tax-related activities. In the absence of a physical PAN card, individuals may face delays or disruptions in essential processes such as opening bank accounts, making high-value transactions, or completing compliance requirements.

To address this, the Income Tax Department allows individuals to apply for a duplicate PAN card or a reprint of the existing PAN with ease. The process is straightforward, can be completed both online and offline, and requires minimal documentation. Let us understand these in detail.

Key Takeaways

 

  • A duplicate PAN card is issued when the original card is lost, stolen, misplaced, or damaged
  • The PAN number remains the same; only the card is reissued
  • You can apply for a duplicate PAN card online or offline through Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL
  • e-PAN is often issued instantly, while physical PAN cards take 15-20 working days
  • Holding more than one PAN is illegal; duplicate PANs must be surrendered
  • e-PAN is legally valid for KYC, banking, and income tax purposes

What is a Duplicate PAN Card?

A duplicate PAN card is a reissued PAN card provided by the Income Tax Department when the original PAN card is lost, stolen, misplaced, or damaged. It carries the same PAN number as your original card. The PAN number never changes; only the physical or digital card is reissued.

You can apply for a duplicate PAN card through:

  • Protean (formerly NSDL)
  • UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited (UTIITSL)

Applicants can choose to receive:

  • A physical PAN card or
  • An e-PAN (PDF format), delivered via email

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How to Apply for a Duplicate PAN Card?

You can apply for a duplicate PAN card through two modes:

  1. Online application (recommended and faster)
  2. Offline application

Let’s understand both in detail.

How to Apply for a Duplicate PAN Card Online?

Applying online is the most convenient method and allows you to receive your e-PAN quickly.

Step-by-Step Online Application Process (via Protean-NSDL):

 

  1. Visit the Protean (NSDL) PAN services website
  2. Under Tax Modernisation, select PAN
  3. Click on Apply Now
  4. Choose “Re-print of PAN Card”
  5. Enter the required details:
    • PAN number
    • Aadhaar number
    • Date of birth/incorporation
    • GSTN (if applicable)
  6. Tick the declaration and enter the captcha code
  7. Submit the form and proceed to the payment page
  8. After successful payment, a 15-digit acknowledgement number is generated
  9. Use this acknowledgement number to track the status of your duplicate PAN card

Processing Time:

  • e-PAN: Often issued instantly after verification
  • Physical PAN card: Delivered within 15-20 working days

How to Apply for a Duplicate PAN Card Offline? 

If you prefer an offline method, you can apply through a physical form.

Step-by-Step Offline Application Process:

  1. Download the form titled “Request for New PAN Card or/and/or Changes or Correction in PAN Data”
  2. Print the form and fill it using BLOCK letters and black ink
  3. Mention your 10-character PAN number clearly
  4. Attach two recent passport-size photographs (for individual applicants)
    • Sign across the photograph without covering your face
  5. Since no changes are required, do not tick the correction boxes on the left margin
  6. Attach self-attested copies of the required documents
  7. Submit the form at the nearest NSDL/UTIITSL facilitation centre or send it by post
  8. Upon payment, you will receive a 15-digit acknowledgement number
  9. Track the application status using this acknowledgement number

Delivery Timeline: 15-20 days after application acceptance

When Do You Need to Apply for a Duplicate PAN Card?

You should apply for a duplicate PAN card when your original PAN card is no longer available or usable, even though your PAN number remains valid. Common situations include the following:

  • Loss or Theft: PAN cards are often carried in wallets or stored with important documents, making them vulnerable to loss or theft. If your PAN card is stolen or lost, especially along with your wallet or personal papers, it is advisable to file an FIR and apply for a duplicate PAN card to prevent misuse.
  • Misplacement: There may be instances where the PAN card is misplaced at home, in the office, or during travel, and cannot be traced despite repeated efforts. In such cases, applying for a duplicate PAN card ensures uninterrupted access to financial and tax-related services.
  • Damage or Wear and Tear: Over time, PAN cards may become torn, faded, scratched, broken, or illegible due to regular use or exposure to water and heat. If the card details or photograph are unclear and the card cannot be used for verification, re-printing the PAN card becomes necessary.
  • Unusable Card Despite Valid PAN Number: Even if you remember your PAN number or have it recorded elsewhere, an unusable physical card can create difficulties during KYC, banking, or official verification. In such cases, applying for a duplicate or reprinted PAN card is the correct and compliant solution.
    Applying for a duplicate PAN card in these situations ensures continued compliance with income tax regulations and avoids delays in financial transactions.

Who Can Apply for a Duplicate PAN Card?

Any entity or individual that has been issued a PAN by the Income Tax Department is eligible to apply for a duplicate PAN card. However, the application must be submitted by the appropriate authorised signatory, depending on the PAN holder's category. This ensures that the request is valid and legally recognised.

  • Individuals: Individual taxpayers can apply for a duplicate PAN card on their own. No additional authorisation is required, and the applicant can complete the process online or offline using self-attested documents.
  • Hindu Undivided Family (HUF): In the case of an HUF, the application must be made by the Karta, who is the head and legal representative of the family. The Karta is authorised to sign and submit PAN-related applications on behalf of the HUF.
  • Companies: For companies, the application for a duplicate PAN card must be filed by any serving director of the company. The director acts as the authorised signatory and is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the information provided.
  • Firms and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs): In the case of partnership firms or LLPs, any partner can apply for a duplicate PAN card. The partner submitting the application must be duly authorised to represent the firm or LLP.
  • Association of Persons (AOP), Body of Individuals (BOI), Local Authorities, and Artificial Juridical Persons: For these entities, the duplicate PAN card application must be submitted by the authorised signatory mentioned in the incorporation or formation documents. This could include a principal officer, trustee, secretary, or any individual legally empowered to act on behalf of the entity.
    Ensuring that the correct authorised signatory applies for the duplicate PAN card helps avoid delays, rejections, or compliance issues during the verification process.

    All PAN holders can apply for a duplicate PAN card. However, authorised signatories differ based on the category of taxpayer.

Documents Required for Duplicate PAN Card

You may be required to submit the following documents when you apply for a duplicate PAN card:

  1. Proof of Identity:
    • Aadhaar card
    • Voter ID
    • Passport
    • Driving licence
    • Ration card
  2. Proof of Address:
    • Aadhaar card
    • Passport
    • Voter ID
    • Driving licence
    • Utility bills (electricity, water, gas)
    • Post office passbook
  3. Proof of Date of Birth:
    • Aadhaar card
    • Passport
    • Birth certificate
    • School/college marksheet
  4. Proof of PAN: Copy of old PAN card (if available)

  5. FIR Copy (if PAN is lost or stolen)
trivia-img

Did You Know?

Applying for a duplicate PAN card without any changes to your existing details costs just ₹50
 

Source: Protean

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How to Download Duplicate PAN Card (e-PAN)?

If you have applied for a duplicate PAN, you can easily download your e-PAN.

Steps to Download e-PAN:

  1. Visit the TIN-NSDL website

  2. Click on Download e-PAN / e-PAN XML

  3. Choose search method:

    • PAN number, or

    • Acknowledgement number

  4. Enter details and captcha

  5. Select OTP delivery mode (email/mobile)

  6. Validate OTP

  7. Click Download PDF

Now that we’ve covered how to download a duplicate PAN card when the original is lost, it’s also important to note that there may be situations where an individual ends up holding more than one PAN, often unintentionally due to multiple applications or errors. In such cases, the extra PAN must be surrendered to stay compliant. Let us understand it in detail.

How to Surrender a Duplicate PAN Card?

Sometimes, due to multiple applications, name variations, or simple mistakes, individuals may unintentionally end up with two PANs. If that happens, the safest and most responsible step is to surrender the extra PAN at the earliest, as holding more than one PAN is illegal as per income tax rules

Steps to Surrender Duplicate PAN

To surrender a duplicate PAN, you need to inform the Income Tax Department through a simple written request. Start by drafting a letter addressed to your Assessing Officer (AO). In the letter, clearly mention your full name and date of birth for identification.

Next, specify which PAN you wish to retain (the correct and active one) and which PAN you want to surrender. This helps the department update its records accurately and avoid future complications.

Once the letter is ready, submit it either in person at the Income Tax Office or send it via speed post to your Assessing Officer. After submission, make sure to collect or retain the acknowledgement receipt, as this serves as official proof that the duplicate PAN has been surrendered and protects you from penalties later on.

Wrapping Up

Applying for a duplicate PAN card is a simple and hassle-free process. With online, paperless options and instant access to an e-PAN, most of the effort is limited to a few clicks, while the physical card typically reaches you within 15-20 days. Taking timely action ensures your financial transactions and tax compliance continue smoothly, without last-minute stress.

In many ways, this is similar to buying a term insurance plan as it requires a small investment of time and attention upfront, but it prevents far bigger complications later. Just as having your PAN in place keeps your finances running seamlessly, securing a term plan ensures your family’s financial protection is sorted when it matters most. Both are simple steps that reward you with long-term peace of mind.

Buy your Term Plan today!

Glossary

  1. e-PAN: A digitally signed electronic PAN card issued in PDF format and delivered to the registered email ID
  2. Protean (NSDL): The authorised government agency that manages PAN-related services, formerly known as NSDL
  3. UTIITSL: UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited, another authorised PAN service provider
  4. Acknowledgement Number: A 15-digit number generated after PAN application submission, used to track application status
  5. Assessing Officer (AO):  An Income Tax Department official responsible for processing tax records and PAN-related matters
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FAQs

Yes, an FIR copy is required if the PAN card is lost or stolen to prevent misuse. It must be submitted during the duplicate PAN application process.

A PAN card reprint refers to issuing a new physical PAN card with the same PAN number. It is done when the card is damaged, lost, or illegible.

Yes, a duplicate PAN card is fully valid and legally recognised. It can be used for all financial, tax, and KYC purposes.

e-PAN is usually issued instantly after successful verification. A physical PAN card is delivered within 15–20 working days.

You can retrieve your PAN number from old income tax returns, bank statements, Form 16, or Aadhaar–PAN linkage records.

Disclaimer - This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited or any affiliated entity. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the blog or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the blog for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. You should consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific circumstances before taking any action based on the content provided herein.

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