A PAN Card is an important document used for financial and tax-related transactions in India. It is required to open a bank account, start a business, apply for a GST number, and complete many other financial transactions. It is also mandatory to link your PAN with your bank account for various banking services, including UPI.
If you don’t know what a PAN Card is, how to apply for it, or which documents are required, this blog covers everything you need to know. From eligibility and the online application process to fees, processing time, tracking, you’ll find all the information to complete your application easily.
Key Takeaways
- PAN Card stands for Permanent Account Number.
- It is a 10-digit identification number issued by the Income Tax Department of India.
- The PAN number is unique to every citizen and valid for a lifetime.
- Indian citizens, NRIs, minors, companies, and foreign entities can all apply for a PAN Card.
- There are two ways to apply for a PAN Card: online or offline with the required documents.
- A minor can also apply for pan card.
- Example- ABCDE1234F
What Is a PAN Card?
A PAN Card (Permanent Account Number) is a unique identification number issued by the Income Tax Department of India. Every individual who applies for a PAN Card receives a unique card with a printed 10-character alphanumeric number.
A PAN Card is required to open a bank account, apply for a GST registration, file income tax returns, and carry out various financial transactions. Your PAN number is printed on the card and looks like this: ABCDE1234F.
The first five characters are letters, the next four characters are numbers, and the last character is a letter. This unique PAN number helps the Income Tax Department track your financial and tax-related transactions.
When to apply for a PAN card in India?
A person can apply for a PAN if they need it for financial or tax-related purposes. Here are some of the Reasons to apply for PAN:
- A person who is at least 18 years old (minors can also apply through a parent or legal guardian).
- Want to open a bank account.
- Need to file an Income Tax Return (ITR).
- Plan to start a business or apply for GST registration.
- To invest in mutual funds, shares, or other financial products, you need a PAN card.
- Intend to buy or sell property or carry out high-value financial transactions.
Types of PAN Card
A PAN card number is unique for every individual but differs depending on the entity it is issued to.
The 4th character of the PAN string indicates the legal status of the cardholder-
Decoding of the 4th character
| PAN Number | 4th Character | PAN Holder Type |
| ABCDE1234F | D | Individual |
| ABCHH1234K | H | Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) |
| ABCPP1234L | P | Partnership Firm |
| ABCTT1234M | T | Trust |
| ABCCC1234N | C | Company |
| ABCALA2345Z | A | Association of Persons (AOP) |
| ABCBL1234Q | B | Body of Individuals (BOI) |
| ABCGG1234R | G | Government Agency |
| ABCJJ1234S | J | Artificial Juridical Person |
| ABCFF1234T | F | Firm (some legacy classifications) |
 Now comes to the Types of PAN card-
- Â Â Â Individual PAN Card
- Â Â Â Business & Non-Individual PAN Cards
- Â Â Â Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) PAN Card
- Â Â Â Foreign National & NRI PAN Cards
Now we will explain one by one.
Individual PAN Card
Person who belongs to Resident Indian citizens, salaried employees, Self-employed professionals, Minors, and Students hold an Individual PAN Card.
4th Character Code: P (stands for Person).
Example: AAAAP1234A
Business & Non-Individual PAN Cards
These cards are issued to Companies, Partnership firms, LLPs, Trusts, Societies, Associations of Persons (AOP), or Bodies of Individuals (BOI).
Example- ABCDC1234E
Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) PAN Card
These cards are issued to Families managing ancestral property, collective family businesses, or shared income under a “Karta” (the head of the family).
Example- BKRPH5678
4th Character Code: H (stands for HUF).
Foreign National & NRI PAN Cards
These cards are issued to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), foreign individuals, and foreign corporations.
Example- DLWPP4321M
PAN Card Fees in India (2026)
The PAN application fee depends on whether you need a physical PAN Card or only an e-PAN, as well as your communication address. The latest PAN Card fees for 2026 are given below:
| Application Type | Indian Address | Foreign Address |
| Physical PAN Card + e-PAN | ₹107 | ₹1,017 |
| e-PAN Only | ₹72 | ₹72 |
PAN Card Reprint & Correction Fees
| Service | Indian Address | Foreign Address |
| PAN Card Reprint | ₹50 | ₹959 |
| PAN Card Correction/Update | ₹50 | ₹959 |
Note: If you apply for an Instant e-PAN through the Income Tax Department using Aadhaar, the e-PAN is issued free of cost (subject to eligibility).
What is the processing time of PAN Card?
- Instant e-PAN (Aadhaar-based): Usually issued within minutes.
- Regular e-PAN: Typically 2 to 7 working days after successful verification.
- Physical PAN Card: Usually dispatched within 15 to 20 working days.
Important: Delays may occur due to document mismatches, incomplete forms, or address verification issues.
Summary
A PAN application is central to almost every financial and tax-related activity in India, from opening a bank account to filing your income tax return. Keeping your PAN details accurate and linked with Aadhaar ensures you avoid disruptions in banking, investing, and tax compliance. For more on cross-border tax matters, check our related guides on DTAA, NRO/NRE accounts, and NRI income tax filing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I apply for a PAN Card online?
You can apply through the official Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL portal by filling in your details, uploading documents, and paying the fee online.
Who is eligible for a PAN Card?
Indian citizens, minors (through a guardian), NRIs, foreign citizens, companies, partnership firms, and trusts are all eligible to apply.
Can NRIs apply for a PAN Card?
Yes, NRIs holding Indian citizenship can apply using their passport and overseas address proof.
How much does a PAN Card cost?
Fees vary by application type and delivery address. Domestic physical PAN typically costs around ₹107, while e-PAN is cheaper. Always check current rates on the official portal.
How long does PAN approval take?
Instant e-PAN can be issued within minutes, regular e-PAN in 2-7 working days, and physical PAN cards in 15-20 working days.
How do I check PAN status?
You can check your PAN application status using your acknowledgement number, PAN number, SMS, WhatsApp, or the official website tracker. For a complete step-by-step walkthrough of every method to check your PAN status, read our detailed guide: How to Check PAN Card Status — Complete Guide.
Can I have two PAN Cards?
No, holding more than one PAN is illegal under Indian tax law and can attract a penalty.
Is PAN mandatory for bank accounts?
Yes, PAN is required to open and operate most bank accounts in India as part of KYC compliance.
Can minors get a PAN Card?
Yes, a parent or legal guardian can apply for a PAN Card on behalf of a minor.
