How to Apply for an ePAN Card Online in India?

Applying for an ePAN card in India has never been easier. The Income Tax Department offers a fast, paperless, and fully online process that lets you get your ePAN instantly using just your Aadhaar number. It’s completely free for first-time applicants and ideal for anyone who needs a PAN quickly, students, freelancers, or new taxpayers. No physical forms, no hassle, just a few clicks from the comfort of your home. In this article, you will get a detailed guide on ePAN online in India.

What is an ePAN?

An ePAN is a digitally issued version of the Permanent Account Number (PAN) card, provided in PDF format by the Income Tax Department of India. It holds the same value as a physical PAN card and contains your PAN number, name, date of birth, gender, and a digitally signed QR code for authentication.

ePAN is especially useful for individuals who need their PAN urgently. It can be generated instantly using a valid Aadhaar number and mobile number linked to Aadhaar, without submitting physical documents. First-time applicants can get it completely free of cost. The ePAN is legally valid for all financial and identification purposes, like tax filing, opening a bank account, or KYC verification.

Who Can Apply for ePAN?

The ePAN facility is designed for individuals who want a quick, paperless, and easy way to get their Permanent Account Number (PAN). It is ideal for first-time applicants who meet certain basic eligibility criteria.

Eligible Applicants are mentioned in the following details:

• Indian citizens (individuals only)
• Must have a valid Aadhaar card
• Aadhaar must be linked with a working mobile number to receive OTP
• Applicant must not already have a PAN
• The Aadhaar details (name, date of birth, gender) must be correct and match official records

This facility is strictly for first-time PAN applicants. If you already have a PAN or need to make corrections, you must apply through the regular PAN application forms via NSDL or UTIITSL.

Who Cannot Apply for ePAN?

• HUFs (Hindu Undivided Families)
• Companies, firms, trusts, or LLPs
• Foreign nationals or NRIs
• Individuals without Aadhaar or whose Aadhaar is not linked to a mobile number

Benefits of Having an ePAN card

Whether you're a student, a salaried individual, a freelancer, or a small business owner, having an ePAN card comes with several practical and time-saving advantages. Here's why more people are choosing the ePAN over the traditional method:

1. Quick and Hassle-Free Application Process

One of the biggest benefits of an ePAN is that it eliminates the need for physical paperwork. You don’t have to fill out long forms or visit any office. The process is:

• 100% paperless
• Done entirely online
• Completed using your Aadhaar number and mobile OTP
• Delivered as a digital PDF—within minutes for eligible users

This makes it ideal for people who need a PAN urgently for bank accounts, mutual funds, or job applications.

2. Completely Free for First-Time Applicants

If you're applying for a PAN for the first time using the Instant ePAN facility on the Income Tax portal, it’s completely free of cost. This saves you from application fees, courier charges, or agent commissions usually involved in physical PAN applications.

3. Legally Valid and Secure

An ePAN is just as legally valid as the physical PAN card. It contains a secure QR code, which holds details such as:

• PAN number
• Name
• Date of birth
• Photograph
• Digital signature

These details can be verified instantly by financial institutions, government agencies, and employers. The ePAN is issued and digitally signed by the Income Tax Department, ensuring complete authenticity.

4. Accepted for All Financial Transactions

ePAN is accepted everywhere a PAN card is required, such as:

• Opening a bank account
• Filing income tax returns (ITR)
• Applying for a credit or debit card
• Buying or selling mutual funds, stocks, or insurance
• KYC verification with banks, NBFCs, or online wallets
• Buying gold above Rs.2 lakh
• Property registration or high-value cash transactions

Key Areas Where e-PAN Is Accepted:

Having your ePAN handy ensures you’re always ready for any financial requirement, especially in digital environments.

5. Environmentally Friendly and Portable

Since it is issued in PDF format, the ePAN can be:

• Stored on your phone or email
• Printed if needed (optional)
• Shared instantly without carrying a physical card

This reduces the risk of losing or damaging your card and supports the government’s Digital India and paperless economy goals.

6. Ideal for Digital-First Citizens

If you're someone who prefers managing everything from your phone or laptop, the ePAN fits perfectly into your lifestyle. It's convenient, efficient, and works well with today’s digital banking and fintech services. There's no waiting for courier delivery or reapplying if the card gets lost.

7. Safe and Easily Retrievable

You can download it anytime from the NSDL ePAN Portal, UTIITSL website, or Income Tax Portal using your Aadhaar or acknowledgement number. This makes retrieval fast, safe, and stress-free, with no need to reapply or pay again.

Step-By-Step Process to Apply for the ePAN Card Online

The following details include a step-by-step process to help you apply for an ePAN online: Visit Here

Step 1: Check If You’re Eligible for Instant ePAN

Before applying, you need to make sure to meet the following conditions:

• You are an Indian citizen (individual only)
• You don’t already have a PAN card
• You have a valid Aadhaar number
• Your mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar for OTP verification
• Your Aadhaar details (name, DOB, gender) are accurate

This service is not available for HUFs, companies, trusts, or foreign citizens.

Step 2: Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal

• Go to the official website of income tax portal.
• On the homepage, scroll down to the “Quick Links” section and click on “Instant ePAN”.
• You will be taken to a new page dedicated to applying for a free ePAN using Aadhaar.

Step 3: Click on "Get New ePAN"

• Click on the “Get New ePAN” option
• Read the instructions carefully and click “Continue”

You’ll be asked to enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and verify it using an OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

Step 4: Validate Aadhaar Details

Once you enter your OTP:

• The system will fetch your name, date of birth, photo, and gender from the UIDAI database
• Confirm that all details are correct
• Tick the consent box to authorise the Income Tax Department to use your Aadhaar details for ePAN issuance
• Click “Submit” to proceed.

Step 5: eSign and Submit the Application

• You will be redirected to an eSign page, where you will give your digital consent using Aadhaar OTP one more time. This step confirms your identity and completes your application.
• Once submitted, you’ll see an Acknowledgement Number on the screen. Save this number to track the status of your application.

Step 6: Check Status and Download Your ePAN

Your ePAN is usually generated within 10 minutes to a few hours, depending on Aadhaar verification and system load.

To download it:

• Go back to the Instant ePAN page
• Click on “Check Status/Download PAN”
• Enter your Aadhaar number and OTP again
• If ready, your ePAN will be available in PDF format—digitally signed and ready for use

It is valid for all legal and financial purposes and can be printed if needed.

ePAN Card Charges & Timelines

Applying for an ePAN card through the Income Tax Department’s Instant ePAN facility is completely free for individuals applying for the first time using their Aadhaar. The entire process is digital, paperless, and does not require any physical documents. In most cases, the ePAN is issued and available for download within 10 minutes to 48 hours, depending on system response and Aadhaar verification.

Applying for an instant ePAN card through the Income Tax e-filing portal is completely free for first-time users.

• However, if you apply via NSDL or UTIITSL, charges may apply: Rs. 72 (physical mode) or Rs. 66 (paperless online mode), including taxes.
• The ePAN is a legally valid digital version of the PAN card, issued quickly and securely.
• It can be downloaded instantly and is accepted for all financial, banking, and identification purposes, just like the physical PAN card.

Common Issues and Solutions

Below is a list of common problems people face when applying for an ePAN and easy solutions to resolve them without stress.

1. Aadhaar Not Linked to Mobile Number

• You need to verify your Aadhaar through OTP to apply for an ePAN. If your mobile number is not linked with Aadhaar, you cannot proceed.
• Visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra to link your mobile number with Aadhaar. You can also book an appointment through the UIDAI portal:

2. Mismatch in Name or Date of Birth

• Your Aadhaar details must exactly match the PAN database. If there’s a spelling error or a wrong birth date, the application will be rejected.
• Update your details on the Aadhaar database via the UIDAI portal or at a local Aadhaar centre. Once updated, wait 48–72 hours and then reapply.

3. PAN Already Allotted

• If a PAN is already issued in your name, you are not allowed to apply for another PAN. Doing so is illegal.
• Use the “Know Your PAN” service on the Income Tax website to check if a PAN is already assigned. If you’ve lost your PAN, request a reprint through NSDL or UTIITSL.

4. ePAN Not Downloading or Server Error

Sometimes, even after a successful submission, users are unable to download their ePAN due to technical glitches.

• Retry after a few hours
• Use a different browser (preferably Chrome or Firefox)
• Clear your cache or try incognito mode

5. No OTP Received During Verification

Some users don’t receive the Aadhaar OTP needed to validate their application.

• Ensure your mobile number is active and has a signal
• Wait for a few minutes or request OTP again
• If still not received, verify that your mobile number is linked to Aadhaar
• If needed, update your number through UIDAI

6. ePAN Status Not Updated or Delayed

After applying, users may find that their ePAN status is stuck on “processing” or shows no update.

• Use the “Check Status/Download PAN” option on the Income Tax e-filing portal
• Wait up to 48 hours
• If the delay exceeds 3–4 days, contact the Income Tax ePAN support team

7. PDF Not Opening After Download

• Some users are unable to open the ePAN PDF because it is password-protected.
• The password to open your ePAN PDF is your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format. For example, if your DOB is 1st January 1990, enter 01011990.

Getting your PAN is now faster, easier, and entirely digital. With just your Aadhaar and mobile number, you can apply for an ePAN from anywhere, no paperwork, no fees, no delays. Whether you're a student, freelancer, or first-time taxpayer, this instant, paperless solution makes managing your financial identity simpler and smarter. This article provided detailed information on the ePAN card online in India. Contact Online Legal India to get assistance and support in filing for an ePAN card online from professional experts.