You can download your PAN card online via Instant e-PAN (Aadhaar) on the Income Tax portal or re-download e-PAN from Protean (NSDL) and UTIITSL using PAN/DOB with OTP.
PAN Card Download – Complete Guide 2025
A PAN card download is one of the most searched services in India today. Whether you have just applied for a new Permanent Account Number (PAN), lost your card, or want a soft copy for quick verification, the government provides multiple official portals for e-PAN download. This article explains every method—Income Tax e-Filing, Protean (formerly NSDL), and UTIITSL—along with instant PAN download options using Aadhaar, troubleshooting tips, password details, and FAQs.
PAN Card Download Options at a Glance
Here’s a quick comparison of the three official channels where you can download your PAN :
| Portal | Service Type | Eligibility | Cost | Requirements | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax e-Filing | Instant e-PAN, e-PAN view/download | Aadhaar-linked individuals | Free | Aadhaar + OTP | Immediate |
| Protean (NSDL) | e-PAN download for new/change requests | Applicants through NSDL | Free (first 3 times within 30 days) | PAN/Acknowledgement + DOB | PDF via email |
| UTIITSL | e-PAN download for UTIITSL-issued PAN | Applicants via UTI | Nominal fee if beyond free limits | PAN + DOB/incorporation | PDF download |
How to Download PAN Card (e-PAN) from Income Tax e-Filing Portal
The Income Tax e-Filing portal provides the most convenient way to download your e-PAN. Follow these steps:
- Visit Income Tax e-Filing Portal.
- Go to Quick Links → Instant e-PAN / Check Status.
- Enter your Aadhaar number and verify OTP sent to your registered mobile.
- If PAN is already allotted, you can View and Download e-PAN instantly.
- Save the PDF file for future use.
This service works best for individuals whose Aadhaar is already linked to PAN.
Instant e-PAN Download by Aadhaar (No PAN in Hand)
If you don’t know your PAN but have Aadhaar, the Instant e-PAN feature helps you:
- Use Aadhaar OTP to generate a new PAN instantly.
- Once allotted, you can download the e-PAN card PDF immediately.
- This service is free and available only to Indian residents (individuals, not companies).
Password to Open e-PAN PDF
Downloaded PAN cards are protected with a password. The format is:
- Date of Birth (DDMMYYYY) for individuals.
- Date of Incorporation/Formation for firms, companies, or trusts.
Example: If your DOB is 15th August 1995 → Password = 15081995.
PAN Card Download via Protean (NSDL)
If you applied through NSDL (now Protean), you can re-download your e-PAN:
- Visit the Protean e-PAN Download Page.
- Enter your PAN or Acknowledgement Number.
- Enter Date of Birth/Date of Incorporation.
- Authenticate via OTP (mobile/email registered with PAN).
- Download your e-PAN PDF.
Important Note: For PANs allotted/changed in the last 30 days, e-PAN can be sent free to the registered email up to three times.
PAN Card Download via UTIITSL
Applicants who submitted PAN applications through UTIITSL can download their e-PAN as follows:
- Visit UTIITSL e-PAN Download Page.
- Enter PAN, Date of Birth/Date of Incorporation, and Captcha.
- Authenticate via OTP sent to registered mobile/email.
- Download your PAN in PDF format.
UTIITSL also allows reprinting physical PAN cards (with a nominal fee).
When to Use Which PAN Card Download Method
- Need a brand new instant PAN → Use Instant e-PAN on Income Tax e-Filing.
- Applied through NSDL/Protean → Download from Protean portal.
- Applied through UTIITSL → Download from UTIITSL portal.
- Don’t know your PAN but Aadhaar is linked → Use Instant e-PAN with Aadhaar.
Troubleshooting PAN Card Download Issues
Sometimes, users face issues while downloading PAN cards. Common problems include:
- Aadhaar not linked → Link Aadhaar to PAN before using e-PAN services.
- OTP not received → Ensure your mobile/email is updated in PAN records. Retry after a few minutes.
- OTP expired → Valid only for 15 minutes; request a new one.
- PDF not opening → Check DOB format (DDMMYYYY). Remove separators.
- Portal downtime → Wait and try during non-peak hours.
⚠️ Warning: Be cautious of fake emails claiming to provide “PAN 2.0” or free downloads. Always use official portals.
Charges, Limits, and Validity of e-PAN Download
- Income Tax e-Filing e-PAN → Free.
- Protean (NSDL) → Free email delivery up to 3 times within 30 days. Beyond that, fees may apply.
- UTIITSL → Usually free within first few downloads; nominal fee if re-issued.
- Validity → e-PAN is legally equivalent to a physical PAN card and accepted everywhere.
Security & Privacy Tips for PAN Card Download
- Download only from official websites.
- Never share your OTP with anyone.
- Avoid using cybercafes or public Wi-Fi for PAN downloads.
- Do not respond to suspicious emails offering “free PAN downloads.”
- Always verify the site URL (ending with
.gov.inor official domains).
Quick How-Tos for PAN Card Download
- Download PAN card by Aadhaar only: Use Instant e-PAN service at e-Filing portal.
- Download PANcard without acknowledgement number: Enter PAN + DOB on Protean/UTIITSL portals.
- Find e-PAN PDF password: It is your DOB in DDMMYYYY.
- Re-download later: Use the same channel you originally applied with; respect free download limits.
FAQs on PAN Card Download
You can use the Instant e-PAN facility at the Income Tax e-Filing portal with Aadhaar OTP.
Yes. Enter your PAN + DOB on UTIITSL or Protean to authenticate and download.
It is your Date of Birth in DDMMYYYY format.
Yes. The e-PAN PDF is equally valid for KYC and tax purposes.
Free up to three times within 30 days of PAN allotment/changes.
It could be under scheduled maintenance. Try again later.
No. This is a phishing scam. Only use official portals.