How To Apply For A Duplicate PAN Card – Complete Step-by-Step Guide

For Example, 33-year-old Ravi, a freelance graphic designer from Delhi, earned ₹8,50,000 in a year and needed to file his income tax before the March 31st deadline. While organising his documents, he realised his PAN card was missing! 

Without it, he couldn’t file taxes, receive payments over ₹50,000, or apply for loans. Stressful, right?

Here’s what he did – and you can too:

• Filed an FIR
• Applied online for a duplicate PAN card
• Paid just ₹50 (within India)
• Received it in 17 days

Isn’t it interesting how easy it can be—if you follow the steps correctly? This guide walks you through every detail to get your PAN reprinted, fast and hassle-free!

What Is a Duplicate PAN Card?
 

Reprinting a PAN card means getting a duplicate if your original card is lost or damaged. You must fill out and submit a Reprint PAN Card application form to do this. This service is only available if no changes are needed in your PAN details, like your name or date of birth. It simply provides you with a copy of your existing PAN card with the same information

Why is a Duplicate PAN Card Needed?

Let’s say Ravi, a freelance graphic designer, earned ₹8,50,000 in a year and had to file his income tax. While preparing documents, he realised he had lost his PAN card. Since a PAN is needed for tax filing and verifying large transactions (like receiving payments over ₹50,000), he quickly applied for a reprint.

Here’s how you can do the same:

• Visit the official PAN service provider’s website
• Choose “Reprint PAN”
• Fill in details (no changes allowed)
• Pay the fee and submit
• Receive the duplicate PAN by post

Documents Required To Apply For A Duplicate PAN Card:

When applying for a duplicate PAN card, you need to submit the following self-attested documents:

• Proof of Identity: Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driver’s Licence
• Proof of Address: Aadhaar card, Passport, Driver’s Licence, utility bills, or bank passbook
• Proof of Age: Birth certificate or school leaving certificate
• Copy of PAN: A self-attested copy of your original PAN card or the PAN allotment letter

How To Apply For A Duplicate PAN Card Offline?

Here are the steps to apply for a duplicate PAN card offline:

1. Download and print the application form from the NSDL’s official website.
    
2. Fill the form using capital letters and black ink.
    
3. Enter your 10-digit PAN number and sign the form where required.
    
4. Attach two passport-sized photos (for individuals) with your face visible.
    
5. Include self-attested copies of your identity proof, address proof, and original PAN card (or allotment letter).
    
6. Send the completed form and payment to the nearest NSDL facilitation centre.
    
7. You’ll receive an acknowledgement number to track your application status.
    
8. Once verified, your duplicate PAN card will be sent to you in around two weeks.

How To Apply For A Duplicate PAN Card Online?

1. Visit the official TIN-NSDL website.
    
2. Go to the ‘Services’ tab and click on ‘PAN’.
    
3. Scroll down to ‘Reprint of PAN Card’ and click ‘Apply.’
    
4. The online form will open—select your category and application type.
    
5. Fill in all required details and click ‘Submit’ to receive an acknowledgement number via email.
    
6. Continue by entering your details and choosing the method to submit your documents.
    
7. Select your PAN card type—e-PAN or physical card. For e-PAN, make sure to enter your correct email address.
    
8. On the next page, enter your contact details and review the information.
    
9. You'll be directed to the payment page, complete the payment.
    
10. Once done, you’ll receive an acknowledgement receipt, and your duplicate PAN card will be dispatched within 15–20 days.

When To Apply For A Duplicate PAN Card?

Let’s say Rahul, a 32-year-old software engineer from Pune, was travelling to Delhi for work. One day, while dining out, his wallet was stolen. Along with ₹5,000 cash and his credit cards, his PAN card was also gone. He panicked, especially since he needed the PAN for filing his taxes in just 10 days!

Rahul filed an FIR at the local police station and then applied online for a duplicate PAN card using the acknowledgement number. He uploaded the FIR, Aadhaar copy, and paid a small fee of ₹50.

When Should You Apply for a Duplicate PAN Card?

• Lost/Stolen: If your card is lost or stolen (like Rahul’s case).
• Misplaced: You can’t find your PAN card anywhere.
• Damaged: The Card is torn or unreadable.
• Update Required: Name, DOB, or address needs correction.
• PAN 2.0: Want the new QR code version?
  
   

What Is The Fees for a Duplicate PAN Card?

Let’s say Priya, a 28-year-old marketing executive from Mumbai, lost her PAN card while shifting apartments. She urgently needed it for a loan application. Since her PAN details remained unchanged, she applied for a duplicate PAN card online.

Because she wanted it delivered to her new address in India, she paid just ₹50 as the fee. Her cousin in the US, who lost his PAN card too, had to pay ₹959 to get it delivered abroad.
 

What Is The Processing Time & Delivery For A Duplicate PAN Card?

Enter your contact details, like phone number and address, on the document details page and finish your application. You’ll then be taken to the payment page. Once you make the payment, you’ll get an online receipt as proof. 

After that, your PAN card will be processed and sent to your address. It usually takes about 15 to 20 days for the duplicate PAN card to arrive.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying For A Duplicate PAN Card:

Let’s say Sana, a 30-year-old graphic designer from Lucknow, applied for a PAN card online. In a hurry, she typed her name as "Snaa" and entered the wrong PIN code—226006 instead of 226016. When she submitted the form, it got rejected due to errors. 

She then visited the NSDL official website, selected the correction form, and updated her name and address details correctly. Within 15 days, her corrected PAN card was delivered.

Conclusion:

Losing your PAN card can feel scary, but don’t worry, it’s easy to get a new one! You can apply online or offline. If you’re in India, it costs just ₹50, and if you're abroad, it’s ₹959. You’ll get your duplicate PAN card in 15–20 days. Just fill the form carefully, check your name, PIN code, and photo. Stay calm, follow the steps, and your PAN card will be back soon!

FAQs:

1. What should I do if I lost my PAN card?
 Answer: If your PAN card is lost, you can apply for a duplicate/reprint online via NSDL or UTIITSL by selecting Reprint of PAN Card. The card is delivered to your registered address in ~15–20 working days. Filing an FIR is recommended if misuse is suspected.

2. Can the Income Tax Officer make me pay ₹10,000 to surrender a duplicate PAN card?

 Answer: You must surrender extra PANs, but there is no official fee of ₹10,000. The penalty under Section 272B may apply if multiple PANs exist. Extra PANs can be surrendered via NSDL/UTIITSL online without paying this “fee.”

3. What’s the difference between an e‑PAN and a physical PAN card?

 Answer: An e‑PAN is a PDF version legally valid for all purposes. The physical card has a hologram and photo. Both represent the same PAN number, though some systems still prefer the physical card.

4. If I lost my original PAN but have the PAN number, can I get a physical PAN card instead of just an e‑PAN?

 Answer: Yes, you can get a physical PAN card by applying for a duplicate/reprint online and choosing physical delivery. The e‑PAN PDF is optional in the meantime.

5. What is the official process if I lost my PAN card?

 Answer: File an FIR if needed, then apply for duplicate PAN online via NSDL or UTIITSL, fill in your PAN number, pay the fee, and track the 15‑digit acknowledgement number. Delivery usually takes 15–20 days.

6. How do I apply if my PAN card is damaged?

 Answer: For a damaged PAN card, apply for a duplicate/reprint online through NSDL or UTIITSL. Select Reprint or Changes/Correction, pay the fee, and the new card will be sent to your registered address.

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LoansJagat Team

‘Simplify Finance for Everyone.’ This is the common goal of our team, as we try to explain any topic with relatable examples. From personal to business finance, managing EMIs to becoming debt-free, we do extensive research on each and every parameter, so you don’t have to. Scroll up and have a look at what 15+ years of experience in the BFSI sector looks like.