PAN Card Status: A Comprehensive Guide to Checking Your Application

If you’ve recently applied for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) card or made changes to your existing one, you’re likely eager to know its standing. Understanding your PAN card status is crucial, and the process to find out is simpler than you might think. 

Whether applied via NSDL or UTIITSL, or using your acknowledgment number, we help you check your PAN card application status easily. We will break down each step, explain what different status updates mean, and provide tips to make the entire experience smooth.

This blog covers everything you need to know about checking your PAN card status, differentiating it from duplicate PAN card requests.

Checking Your PAN Card Application Status

PAN card is a unique ten-character alphanumeric identifier issued by the Indian Income Tax Department. It’s a key document for taxpayers needed for salary, asset deals, mutual funds, and filing income tax returns. Without a PAN, many financial doors remain closed.

After you apply for a new PAN or request a correction or reprint, a waiting period follows. During this time, knowing your application can bring peace of mind. It tells you whether your application is being processed, if more information is needed, or if your card has been dispatched. 

Tracking your PAN card status is simple and transparent with the right information. You can easily check updates through online portals and know what to expect once your card is approved. 

Methods to Check PAN Card Status Online

The digital age has blessed us with convenient online methods to check PAN card status. The two primary authorities that facilitate PAN applications and status checks are NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited (now known as Protean eGov Technologies Ltd.) and UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited (UTIITSL). Your application route determines which portal you’ll use.

A. Checking PAN Card Status on the NSDL Website (Protean eGov Technologies Ltd.)

If you submitted your PAN application through the NSDL (Protean) portal, this is where you’ll find your PAN card status. Protean eGov Technologies Ltd. provides a straightforward way to track your application.

How to check PAN card status on NSDL:

1. Visit the Official Portal: Open your web browser and go to the Protean eGov Technologies Ltd. TIN website. Look for the section dedicated to PAN.
2. Navigate to ‘Status Track’: You will usually find an option like “Track PAN/TAN Application Status” or simply “Status Track.” Click on it.
3. Select Application Type: Choose ‘PAN – New/Change Request’ from the ‘Application Type’ dropdown menu.
4. Enter Acknowledgement Number: This is a crucial piece of information. When you successfully submit your PAN application, you receive a 15-digit acknowledgement number. Carefully enter this number into the provided field. If you’re unsure where to find it, check the receipt or email confirmation you received post-application. Knowing this number is key for your NSDL PAN card status check.
5. Enter Captcha Code: You’ll see a captcha code (those wiggly letters and numbers). Enter them accurately in the box to verify you’re human.
6. Submit and View: Click on the ‘Submit’ button. Your current PAN card status will then be displayed on the screen.

This method is highly reliable for getting an accurate NSDL PAN card status. It provides real-time updates on your application.

B. Checking PAN Card Status on the UTIITSL Website

Alternatively, if you applied for your PAN card through the UTIITSL portal, you will need to visit their website to track your application. The process for checking your UTI is just as user-friendly.

How to check PAN card status on UTIITSL:

1. Go to the UTIITSL Website: Navigate to the official UTIITSL PAN card page (“UTIITSL PANOnline Portal”).
2. Find the Tracking Option: Look for a section like “Track Your PAN Card” or “PAN Application Status.” This is your gateway to your UTI status.
3. Enter Application Coupon Number: For applications made through UTIITSL, you receive an ‘Application Coupon Number’ (e.g., U-followed by digits) or your PAN number if you are checking the status of a reprint or correction. Enter this number correctly.

4. Enter Date of Birth/Incorporation: You might also need to enter your Date of Birth (for individuals) or Date of Incorporation/Agreement/Partnership or Trust Deed (for other categories).
5. Enter Captcha Code: Input the captcha shown on the screen.
6. Submit for Status: Click ‘Search.’ The website will then display your detailed status.

Checking your UTI status regularly helps you stay informed about the progress of your application.

C. Checking PAN Card Status Using Acknowledgement Number

The Acknowledgement Number is your golden ticket to knowing your PAN card status. As mentioned earlier, this 15-digit number is provided by NSDL (Protean) once your application is successfully submitted.

How to check PAN card status using this number is straightforward:

• For NSDL Applications: Follow the steps outlined in Section II. The Acknowledgement Number is the primary identifier for tracking your NSDL. It directly links to your specific application.
• For UTIITSL Applications (if you have a number that resembles it): While UTIITSL primarily uses a “Coupon Number,” if you have any reference number from them, use that on their portal as described in section II.B. The terminology might differ slightly, but the principle of using a unique identifier for your UTI status check remains.

Keeping this number safe and handy is essential until you receive your physical PAN card.

D. Checking PAN Card Status Without an Acknowledgement Number (Using Name and Date of Birth)

What if you’ve misplaced your Acknowledgement Number? While it’s a bit more complex, there are provisions, particularly with NSDL, to sometimes check status using your name and date of birth instead.

How to check PAN card status using Name and Date of Birth (primarily NSDL):

1. Visit the Income Tax Department Portal: Instead of directly going to the NSDL or UTIITSL status tracking pages, you might need to use the Income Tax Department’s main portal.
2. Look for ‘Verify Your PAN’: Often, the option to find PAN details by name and date of birth is part of a PAN verification service rather than direct status tracking of a new application.
3. Enter Details: You’ll need to enter your full name (as per the application) and your date of birth.
4. Submit and Verify: After submitting, if your PAN has been allotted, the system might display your PAN details, which indirectly confirms its generation. However, this method might not give you the detailed stage-by-stage PAN card application status, like “under processing” or “dispatched.”

Important Note: This method is generally less direct for new applications compared to using an acknowledgement number. The primary portals (NSDL/UTIITSL) are best for detailed updates on new or revised applications. This option might be more useful if you’ve forgotten your PAN number itself, rather than just the application status.

E. How to Know PAN Card Status from Coupon Number (Primarily for UTIITSL)

As highlighted earlier, if your PAN application journey took you through UTIITSL, the “Coupon Number” is your key. This unique identifier is provided on the receipt you get after submitting your application and payment.

To reiterate how to check PAN card status using the Coupon Number:

1. Go to the UTIITSL PAN Online Portal.
2. Find the “Track Your PAN Card” section.
3. Enter your Application Coupon Number.
4. You might also need to provide your Date of Birth or other details as requested.
5. Enter the captcha and click ‘Submit’.

This will fetch your current UTIs, giving you clarity on where your application stands. Consider contacting a professional to better understand and manage expectations around your PAN card status.

Here’s a table for a better understanding:

Method	Where to Check	Required Details	Steps Summary	Notes
A. NSDL Website (Protean eGov)	NSDL (Protean eGov Technologies Ltd.)	15-digit Acknowledgement Number, Captcha	1. Visit the NSDL portal2. Click “Track PAN/TAN Application Status.”3. Select ‘PAN – New/Change Request’4. Enter Acknowledgement Number & Captcha5. Submit	Real-time updates; most reliable for NSDL applications
B. UTIITSL Website	UTIITSL PAN Online Portal	Application Coupon Number, Date of Birth/Incorporation, Captcha	1. Visit UTIITSL portal2. Click “Track Your PAN Card”3. Enter Coupon Number & DOB4. Enter Captcha5. Submit	User-friendly for UTIITSL applicants; Coupon Number given after application submission
C. Using Acknowledgement Number	NSDL or UTIITSL portals	Acknowledgement Number (NSDL) or Coupon Number (UTIITSL)	Follow the respective portal steps with your unique number	Primary identifier for tracking PAN status; keep it safe until the card is received
D. Without Acknowledgement Number	Income Tax Department Portal	Full Name (as in application), Date of Birth	1. Visit the Income Tax Department portal2. Use the ‘Verify Your PAN’ option3. Enter Name & DOB4. Submit	Limited info, may confirm PAN allotment, but not detailed application status
E. Using Coupon Number (UTIITSL)	UTIITSL PAN Online Portal	Application Coupon Number, Date of Birth, Captcha	1. Visit UTIITSL portal2. Find “Track Your PAN Card”3. Enter Coupon Number & DOB4. Enter Captcha5. Submit	Unique to UTIITSL applications, the Coupon Number is found on your receipt after payment

Understanding Different PAN Card Status

When you check PAN card status, the portal will display a specific message. Understanding these messages is vital to know the exact stage of your application. Here are some common application messages and what they generally mean:

• Application submitted/received/logged: This means your application has been successfully received by NSDL or UTIITSL and is in the queue for processing.
• Application under process/verification: Your details are being verified. This might involve checking the documents you submitted against the information provided in the form.
• Application processed/approved: Your application has been successfully processed, and your PAN has been allotted. Your status indicates success.
• PAN allotted, card is under printing: Your PAN number has been generated, and the physical card is being printed.
• PAN card dispatched: Your physical PAN card has been sent to your registered address via post or courier. The status might also include a tracking number for the shipment. This is a key update.
• Application rejected/discrepancy found: This means there are issues with your application. The reason for rejection or the nature of the discrepancy will usually be mentioned. You will need to rectify these issues and potentially reapply or submit additional documents.
• No record found: This could mean you’ve entered incorrect details (like the acknowledgement number) or there’s a significant delay in the database update. Double-check your input or try again after some time.

Checking PAN Card Status Offline (If Applicable)

While online methods are the most popular and efficient ways to check PAN card status, some individuals might wonder about offline options.

Currently, widely advertised offline methods like a dedicated IVR(Interactive Voice Response) phone number for a detailed PAN card application status are not as common as their online counterparts.

• Helpline Numbers: Both NSDL (Protean) and UTIITSL have customer care helpline numbers and email addresses. You can contact them to inquire about your status. However, be prepared for potential wait times, and you will still need to provide your acknowledgement or coupon number.
  • NSDL (Protean) Helpline: You can find their contact details on their official website.
  • UTIITSL Helpline: Similarly, contact information is available on the UTIITSL PAN online portal.
• Written Communication: In rare cases, for complex issues, written communication might be an option, but it’s the slowest method for a simple check.

Checking PAN Card Status Using Aadhaar Card (For Allotted PANs)

While your Aadhaar card is primarily used for linking to your PAN and not directly for checking the application status of a new PAN, it plays a crucial role in verifying if a PAN has already been allotted to you.

• Income Tax e-filing Portal: You can visit the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal.
• “Verify Your PAN” or “PAN Aadhaar Link Status” Options: Look for options like “Verify Your PAN” or “Link Aadhaar” / “PAN Aadhaar Link Status.”
• Enter Aadhaar Number and Other Details: You will typically need to enter your Aadhaar number, PAN (if you already know it), and other requested details such as your name and date of birth.
• Verification: This process helps you confirm if a PAN has been issued in your name and whether it’s linked to your Aadhaar. If your PAN is already linked, it indirectly confirms that your PAN has been successfully generated. This method is more for verification of an existing PAN rather than tracking a new application’s processing stages.

For a quick and easy update, online portals are strongly recommended.

Additional Important Checks Related to PAN Card

Beyond just the application, there are other important status checks related to your PAN.

A. Checking e-PAN Card Status and Downloading e-PAN

An e-PAN card is a digitally signed PAN card issued in electronic format. It’s as valid as a physical PAN card. If you’ve opted for an e-PAN or if it’s part of your application, you can check its status.

Once your PAN is allotted, the e-PAN card status will typically show as available for download. You can usually download it from the same NSDL or UTIITSL portal where you checked your main application status. 

This often requires your acknowledgement number or PAN number and date of birth. Checking your e-PAN card status is quick and lets you access your PAN digitally much faster. Keeping an eye is beneficial if you need your PAN details urgently.

B. Checking PAN Card Payment Status

When you apply for a PAN card, there’s a nominal processing fee. It’s important to ensure your payment was successful. Usually, the acknowledgement receipt itself is proof of payment. 

However, if you encounter any issues or your PAN card application status is stalled due to payment queries, you might need to verify this.

• Bank Statement: Check your bank account or credit card statement for the transaction.
• Application Portal: Sometimes, the NSDL or UTIITSL portal might have a section to verify payment, or the payment success message is displayed upon transaction completion. If your payment failed, your status would not proceed.

A successful payment is a prerequisite for your application to be processed and to get a positive status.

C. Checking Aadhaar Card-PAN Card Linking Status

Linking your PAN with your Aadhaar card is mandatory as per government regulations. This is crucial for filing income tax returns and keeping your PAN operative. While this isn’t about the application status of a new PAN, it’s a vital PAN card status you must be aware of.

How to check Aadhaar-PAN linking status:

1. Visit the Income Tax Department’s e-Filing portal.
2. Look for “Link Aadhaar Status” under “Quick Links.”
3. Enter your PAN and Aadhaar number.
4. Click on ‘View Link Aadhaar Status.’

The portal will show whether your PAN and Aadhaar are linked. While you are checking your status, remember that after receiving your PAN, linking it with Aadhaar is a critical step. This status is also different from an ITR status check by PAN card, which pertains to your tax return filings.

What to Do After Your PAN Card is Approved and Dispatched

Once your status shows “approved” and then “dispatched,” congratulations! Your physical PAN card is on its way.

• Wait for Delivery: Typically, it takes about 2-3 weeks for the physical PAN card to reach your registered address after dispatch.
• Track Shipment (if applicable): Sometimes, the dispatch status may include a courier tracking number. You can use this on the courier company’s website to monitor its movement.
• Receiving the Card: Ensure someone is available at your address to receive it.
• e-PAN Card: Remember, you can usually download your e-PAN card status and the e-PAN itself much earlier. This can be used for most purposes where a PAN is required.
• If Not Received: If you don’t receive within a reasonable time (e.g., 3-4 weeks post-dispatch), contact the NSDL or UTIITSL helpline with your acknowledgement/coupon number. Verify the address you provided in the application.

A positive PAN card status indicating dispatch is a relief, but ensure you follow through until the card is in your hands.

Documents Required While Applying for a PAN Card 

While this guide focuses on how to check PAN card status, it’s worth briefly noting the documents generally required for an application, as any discrepancy in these can affect your application.

For individual Indian citizens, commonly required documents include:

• Proof of Identity (POI): Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Driving License, Passport, etc.
• Proof of Address (POA): Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Driving License, Passport, utility bills (not older than a few months), bank account statement, etc.
• Proof of Date of Birth (PODB): Birth certificate, Matriculation certificate, Aadhaar card, Passport, Driving License, etc.
• Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs.

Ensure the details in your application form perfectly match the details in your supporting documents to avoid delays. Any mismatch can lead to your PAN card application status showing “discrepancy.”

Importance of a PAN Card

Understanding how to check PAN card status is important precisely because the PAN card itself is so vital. Here’s a quick recap of why:

• Filing Income Tax Returns: Mandatory for anyone liable to pay income tax. In fact, after getting your PAN, you will use it for your ITR status check.
• Financial Transactions: Required for high-value transactions, opening bank accounts, Demat accounts, investing in mutual funds, and buying or selling property.
• Identity Proof: Serves as a valid proof of identity across India.
• TDS (Tax Deducted at Source): Ensures appropriate TDS is deducted. Without PAN, TDS rates can be much higher.
• Business Registration: Essential for starting and registering a business.

Your PAN is a lifelong document, and keeping track of its application through the check is the first step in leveraging its benefits. An ITR status check is a subsequent step in your financial compliance journey.

Final Thoughts

Staying updated is no longer a cumbersome task. With user-friendly online portals provided by NSDL (Protean) and UTIITSL, you can effortlessly check using your acknowledgement or coupon number. We’ve covered how to check PAN card status through various methods, what different status messages mean, and what to do once your application is approved. Remember also to check your e-PAN card status for quick digital access.

Regularly monitoring your application ensures you are aware of any issues requiring your attention, allowing for timely rectification. This proactive approach helps in receiving your PAN card without unnecessary delays.

Ultimately, being informed helps in smooth financial planning and compliance. Don’t forget, once your PAN is active, it’s a key for many things.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does it generally take to get a PAN card after application? 

Typically, after successful application and document verification, it takes about 15-20 working days to receive the physical PAN card. The e-PAN is usually issued within a few days of approval; checking your e-PAN card status can give you quicker access.

2. What should I do if I have lost my PAN application acknowledgement number? 

If you’ve lost your NSDL acknowledgement number, you might be able to retrieve your NSDL PAN card status or PAN details using your name and date of birth on the Income Tax portal, though this is less direct for application status. For UTIITSL, you’d need your coupon number; if lost, contacting their helpline is the best option.

3. Can I check the status of a PAN card correction/update application using these same methods? 

Yes, the process to check for a correction or update request is the same as for a new application. You’ll use the acknowledgement/coupon number provided for that specific request on the respective NSDL or UTIITSL portal.

4. My PAN application status shows “discrepancy.” What should I do? 

If your PAN card status shows a discrepancy, the portal will usually mention the nature of the issue. You’ll need to rectify it by submitting the required documents or corrected information. NSDL/UTIITSL will provide instructions on how to resolve the discrepancy.

5. Is there a mobile app to check PAN card status? 

While dedicated official apps solely for PAN status might not be as prominent, some financial service apps or the UMANG app might integrate such services. However, the most reliable way to check PAN card status is through the official NSDL (Protean) and UTIITSL websites.

6. Can I use these methods for an ITR status check by PAN card? 

No, these methods are specifically to check PAN card status related to your application or changes. For an ITR status check (i.e., checking your Income Tax Return status), you need to visit the official Income Tax Department’s e-Filing portal.

7. What is the difference between checking NSDL PAN card status and UTI? 

The primary difference lies in which authority processed your application. If you applied via NSDL (Protean), you can check your NSDL PAN card status on their site. If via UTIITSL, you can check your UTI status on their website. The core information required (acknowledgement/coupon number) and the goal (tracking your PAN card application status) are similar.

8. How frequently should I check after applying? 

After applying, you can check your PAN card status once every 3-4 days. Once it shows “dispatched,” you might check once more to see if a tracking ID for the courier is available. There’s no need to check it multiple times a day, as updates are usually not that frequent.