The Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is issued by the Income Tax Department and is today, one of the most important documents one can have. Linking all the financial transactions performed by an individual, a PAN card is widely accepted as identity proof. It is important to apply for a PAN Card as it is required for filing IT returns, when you buy or sell a vehicle, purchasing jewellery of above a certain amount, for foreign exchange, buying property, and much more. Losing a PAN Card can cause a lot of issues for a person and if you lose your card, it is important that you get a duplicate PAN card issued as soon as possible. To help you out, here’s a small guide on how to apply for a lost PAN card.
What is a Duplicate PAN Card?
The PAN number and card that are allotted to an individual are valid for a lifetime. So, in case of a lost PAN card you do not need to put in a new PAN card application but just need to apply for a duplicate card. A duplicate PAN card is a document that is issued by the income tax department to an individual who has lost, misplaced, or damaged their PAN card.
When Can You Apply for a Duplicate PAN Card?
Individuals can get a duplicate PAN card in the following cases:
- Stolen or Lost PAN Card: It is possible to lose your card in the theft of your purse or wallet. This is one of the most common reasons why people apply online for lost PAN card replacements.
- Misplaced Cards: Many times, people just leave their cards somewhere and are unable to recall just where they left them last.
- Damaged Cards: Getting a duplicate PAN card online or offline is the only solution if your present PAN card has been damaged.
- Changed Information: A PAN card application may also be required if in case the information printed on the card is incorrect or needs to be changed.
How to Get a Duplicate PAN Card Online
To replace your lost PAN card, you can apply online with ease. You can fill out a duplicate PAN card form online at the official TIN-NSDL website:
- Visit the TIN-NSDL website and under the application type, select “Changes or correction in existing PAN data/ Reprint of PAN card (No changes in existing PAN data)”. If you have misplaced or lost your PAN card or if it has been stolen, you should opt for reprinting your PAN without changing the information.
- In the duplicate PAN card form, fill out all the information that is marked as mandatory and submit the form
- The website will generate a token number which will be sent to the email ID you provide. You should take note of that token number as it will be required for future reference as you continue with the application filing.
- Next is to fill in the necessary information in the ‘Personal Details’, after which you will need to select one of the three available modes of submission of the PAN card application form*.
- Select whether you want a physical copy of the duplicate PAN card or an e-PAN card. A valid email ID is required for the e-PAN card where the digital document will be sent.
- Fill the “Contact & other details” and “Document details” page and click on submit.
- You will be taken to the payment page where you can make the payment for the duplicate PAN card (acknowledgement will be generated once payment is judged).
- The duplicate PAN card will be dispatched 2 weeks after the application has been received by the department. You can check the status of your PAN card application online on the official TIN-NSDL website using your 15-digit acknowledgement number.
* Three Modes of Submitting Your Application When You Apply for a Duplicate PAN Card
Apply for a replacement of your lost PAN card by sending your PAN card application forth in one of three ways:
Forward Application Physically
After making the payment, take a print-out of the acknowledgement form that is generated. Collect copies of the required documents and send them by registered post to the PAN Services Unit of the NSDL.
Digital Application Submission (Paperless) with e-KYC
In this mode, it is important for an individual to have an Aadhaar card and the details on the Aadhaar card should match those on the lost PAN card. An OTP will be sent to the Aadhaar’s registered mobile number. There is no need to upload a photo, sign, or other documents and only a digital signature would be required at the time of submitting the final form.
Use e-Sign to Submit Scanned Images
When you apply for a duplicate PAN card using this mode, you will not require an Aadhaar card but will need to upload scanned images of your photograph, signature, and other important documents. An OTP will be used to authenticate the application form.
Whether you have lost your PAN card, or it has been stolen, you can apply for a duplicate PAN card with ease online. You can also opt for assistance from financial institutions like Muthoot Finance, India’s No. 1 Most Trusted Financial Services Brand in India. With Muthoot Finance, you can apply for and get a duplicate PAN card in a hassle-free manner.
