⚡ Quick Summary: Recovering Your Lost PAN
Losing your wallet containing your PAN card can be a nightmare, especially since it is mandatory for almost all financial transactions in India, from opening bank accounts to buying property. However, you do not need to visit the Income Tax office or file a Police FIR (unless you suspect theft of other valuables). The Income Tax Department, through its authorized agencies NSDL (Protean) and UTIITSL, provides a seamless online facility to reprint your card.
This guide focuses on the "Reprint PAN Card" facility. This option is applicable if you do not want to change any details (like name or photo) but simply want a fresh physical copy of your existing card. The process relies entirely on your existing database records. If your mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar or PAN, you can validate your request via OTP and order a reprint instantly.
The cost is highly subsidized by the government—just ₹50 (inclusive of GST) for delivery anywhere in India. Agents often charge ₹200-₹500 for this simple 5-minute task. Once applied, the new card is dispatched to your registered address via Speed Post within 15-20 days. Meanwhile, you can also download an e-PAN (PDF) immediately, which is legally valid for all immediate verifications while you wait for the physical card.
Lost Your PAN Card? How to Apply for Duplicate PAN Online (Reprint)
A lost wallet doesn't mean lost identity. You can order a "Reprint" of your original PAN card directly from NSDL or UTIITSL for just ₹50. No documents needed, delivered to your doorstep.
Warning: The "PVC Print" Scam
Many local internet shops offer to "Print PAN on Plastic Card" for ₹100.
Avoid This: These are unofficial prints. They lack the enhanced QR code and Hologram found on the official NSDL/UTI cards. Banks may reject them during KYC. Always order the official reprint for just ₹50.
e-PAN vs Physical PAN
Can't wait 15 days? You can use the digital version immediately.
Verdict: According to CBDT circulars, e-PAN is legally equivalent to the physical card for all purposes.
Beware of "Fake PVC Cards"
Getting a colour printout from a local xerox shop is NOT a valid PAN card.
- ❌ Rejected at Banks: Unofficial prints usually lack the hologram and QR code needed for KYC.
- ❌ Security Risk: Giving your data to local shops increases identity theft risk.
- ✅ Official Reprint: Only NSDL/UTIITSL send the valid, hologram-embedded card.
What You Need
To order a reprint, you only need basic details:
- ✅ PAN Number: The 10-character alphanumeric code.
- ✅ Aadhaar Number: Should be linked to PAN.
- ✅ ₹50 Fee: Payable via UPI/Net Banking.
Are you ready?
There are two types of applications: "Reprint" (when you just want a copy of the existing card) and "Correction/New" (when you want to change name/photo). This guide focuses on Reprint, which is cheaper (₹50) and faster.
1 Step 1: NSDL or UTIITSL? (Crucial)
PAN cards in India are issued by two agencies. You must apply for reprint at the same agency that issued your original card.
How to Check?
Look at the back of your old PAN card (if you have a photo). Or simply try applying on NSDL first. If it says "PAN not present in database", then it belongs to UTIITSL.
Quick Links
2 Step 2: Submit Request (No Documents Needed)
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1
Enter Details
Enter your PAN, Aadhaar Number, and Month/Year of Birth. Captcha code is mandatory.
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2
Verify Contact Info
The system will show your address (masked). You cannot change the address here (it uses the one already in database). Verify your mobile/email.
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3
Generate OTP
Select "Mobile" to receive OTP. Enter the OTP to validate your request.
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4
Payment
You will be redirected to the payment gateway. Pay ₹50 (for Indian address) or ₹959 (for Foreign address).
Reprint vs Correction: Know the Difference
| Feature | Reprint (Request for New PAN) | Correction (Update PAN) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Lost/Damaged Card. Same details. | Change Name/Photo/DOB. |
| Cost | ₹50 | ₹107 |
| Documents | None Required | Proof Required (Aadhaar etc.) |
Don't Make These Blunders
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Applying for "New PAN":
If you lost your card, NEVER apply for a "New PAN" (Form 49A). Having two PAN cards is a crime with a ₹10,000 penalty.
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Wrong Address:
Reprint orders are sent to the address currently in the database. If you moved house, use the "Correction" form to update address first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I track my PAN card status?
Yes. After payment, you get an Acknowledgement Number. Use the "Track PAN Status" link on NSDL/UTIITSL to see dispatch details.
Is e-PAN (PDF) valid?
Yes. The Income Tax Department states that e-PAN is a valid mode of issue of PAN. You can download it for free if your PAN was issued in the last 30 days.
I don't know my PAN number. What to do?
Use the "Know Your PAN" facility on the Income Tax website. Enter your Name, DOB, and Mobile to retrieve the number. Then apply for reprint.