How To Check PAN Card Status?

Ramesh, a 28-year-old freelance writer from Pune, submitted his application for a PAN card on April 2, 2025, via the NSDL website. His 15-digit acknowledgement number—123456789012345—was dispatched to him on the same day. A week later, when he needed to open an urgent bank account, he checked the status of his PAN card online to track it. As Ramesh did, lakhs of Indians submit 

the PAN card application every month. The PAN is a unique 10-character code and is utilised by the Income Tax Department for financial and taxation transactions.

In light of the recent news that highlighted over 85 lakh PAN cards suspended due to not being Aadhaar-linked until March 2025, it is more crucial than ever to get your PAN details updated and follow up thoroughly on your application. Tax filing, banking, or loan approvals - knowing how to check PAN card status makes financial processing smooth sailing.

Understanding the PAN Card

The PAN card is a ten-character alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It is structured as follows:

• First five characters: Letters
• Next four characters: Numbers
• Last character: Letter

For example, a typical PAN might look like ABCDE1234F.

This unique number links all financial transactions of an individual or entity, thereby preventing tax evasion and ensuring transparency in the financial system.

When Can You Check Your PAN Card Status?

After submitting your PAN card application, it's natural to be eager about its status. Typically, the status becomes available for tracking 24 hours after the application submission. However, it's advisable to wait for at least 3 days to ensure that the application details have been updated in the system.

Methods to Check PAN Card Status

There are multiple avenues to track your PAN card application status:

1. Online via NSDL (Protean eGov Technologies Limited)

If you've applied through the NSDL portal, follow these steps:

1. Visit: NSDL PAN Status Tracking
   
   
2. Select Application Type: Choose "PAN - New/Change Request".
   
   
3. Enter Acknowledgement Number: Input your 15-digit number received during application.
   
   
4. Captcha Verification: Enter the code displayed.
   
   
5. Submit: Click on "Submit" to view your application status.

Example: If Mr. Kumar's acknowledgement number is 123456789012345, entering this will display the current status of his application.

2. Online via UTIITSL

For applications submitted through UTIITSL:

1. Visit: UTIITSL PAN Status
   
   
2. Enter Details:
   • Application Coupon Number or PAN
   • Date of Birth/Incorporation
     
     
3. Captcha Verification: Input the displayed code.
   
   
4. Submit: Click on "Submit" to view the status.

Example: If Ms. Anjali Sharma applied via UTIITSL and received coupon number 9876543210, entering this along with her date of birth will fetch her application status.

3. SMS Facility

You can check your PAN status via SMS:

• Format: Type NSDLPAN <15-digit Acknowledgement Number>
• Send To: 57575

Example: Sending NSDLPAN 123456789012345 to 57575 will return the current status of the application.

4. Call Centre

For telephonic updates:

• Dial: 020-27218080
• Timings: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM (All days)
• Provide: Your 15-digit acknowledgement number to the executive.

5. WhatsApp Service

A convenient method introduced recently:

1. Save Number: 8096078080
   
   
2. Send Message: Type "Hi"
   
   
3. Follow Prompts: You'll receive options; select "Status of Application" and then "PAN Application".
   
   
4. Enter Acknowledgement Number: Input your 15-digit number to receive the status.

6. Using Name and Date of Birth

If you've misplaced your acknowledgement number:

1. Visit: NSDL PAN Status Tracking
   
   
2. Select Application Type: "PAN - New/Change Request"
   
   
3. Choose: "Name" option
   
   
4. Enter Details:
   • Last Name/Surname
   • First Name
   • Middle Name (if any)
   • Date of Birth
     
     
5. Captcha Verification: Enter the displayed code.
   
   
6. Submit: Click on "Submit" to view the status.

Note: Ensure that the name entered matches exactly with the one provided during application.

Checking e-PAN Status Using Aadhaar Number

For applicants who opted for the instant e-PAN facility:

1. Visit: Income Tax e-Filing Portal
   
   
2. Navigate to: "Quick Links" and select "Instant E-PAN"
   
   
3. Click: "Continue" under "Check Status/Download PAN"
   
   
4. Enter Aadhaar Number: Input your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
   
   
5. OTP Verification: An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number.
   
   
6. View Status: Upon successful verification, your e-PAN status will be displayed.

Example: Mr. Ramesh Verma, who applied using his Aadhaar number 1234 5678 9123, can follow the above steps to check his e-PAN status.

Tracking PAN Card Delivery via India Post

Once your PAN card is dispatched, you can track its delivery:

1. Obtain Consignment Number: This is usually sent via SMS or email once the card is dispatched.
   
   
2. Visit: India Post Tracking
   
   
3. Enter Consignment Number: Input the tracking number provided.
4. View Status: The current location and expected delivery date will be displayed.

Example: If the consignment number is RM123456789IN, entering this on the India Post website will show the delivery status.

Common PAN Card Status Messages and Their Meanings

Understanding the status messages you see when tracking your PAN card application can save time, reduce anxiety, and help you act swiftly when needed. Let’s break down each message and what it truly means—using a simple example for clarity.

Numerical Example:

Let’s say Ritika Sharma, a resident of Delhi, applied for her PAN card on 10th April 2025 through the NSDL portal. She paid the fee, submitted all documents online, and received an Acknowledgement Number: 012345678901234. Over the next few days, she checks her application status regularly.

Here’s how to understand what Ritika might see:

1. Status: Application Received

What does it mean?
 

The application and documents have been successfully received by the PAN processing center, but no review has started yet.

When Ritika sees this?
 

On 12th April, Ritika checks the status and sees “Application Received.” This confirms that NSDL has her documents, but no action has been taken yet.

Tip: This is just a confirmation step. No action needed from your side.

2. Status: Under Process

What it means:
 

The submitted documents are now being verified. The data is under scrutiny by PAN officials.

When Ritika sees this:
 

By 14th April, her status changes to “Under Process.” This means her identity proofs and form details are being validated.

Tip: Still no action required unless you get an email asking for document clarification.

3. Status: Dispatched

What it means:
 

Your PAN card has been printed and shipped via India Post or a courier service. Tracking details are usually provided.

When Ritika sees this:
 

On 20th April, Ritika gets a message: “PAN Card Dispatched via Speed Post – Tracking No. EX123456789IN.”

Tip: Use the tracking number to follow your PAN card’s journey. It usually arrives in 5–7 working days.

4. Status: Returned Undelivered

What it means:
 

The courier tried to deliver the PAN card, but failed due to an incorrect address, non-availability, or refusal to accept.

When Ritika sees this:
 

Let’s say she wasn’t at home on 25th April, and no one accepted the delivery. Her status updates to “Returned Undelivered” on 27th April.

Tip: Update your address immediately and request re-dispatch. Some portals allow you to raise a re-delivery request.

5. Status: Application Rejected

What it means?
 

The application has been rejected due to missing/inaccurate documents, mismatched data, or signature issues.

When Ritika sees this?
 

If officials find that Ritika’s Aadhaar number is mismatched with her date of birth, she might see this message around 15th April.

Tip: Check the rejection reason provided in the status message or email. You’ll likely need to reapply or correct errors.

Understanding these status messages helps you stay one step ahead in your PAN card journey. If you’re unsure, it's always a good idea to call the PAN helpline or check the portal for specific instructions.

Conclusion

Getting your PAN card on time is necessary for hassle-free financial transactions and tax compliance. With several options open to you—online portals, SMS, call centres, and even WhatsApp—it is easier than ever to track the status of your PAN card. With the steps in this guide, the applicant can keep himself/herself posted about the application status and take corrective action at the right time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How long does it take to receive the PAN card after application?
Typically, it takes 15 working days from the date of application submission.

Q2. Can I check the PAN card status without the acknowledgement number?
Yes, by using your name and date of birth on the NSDL portal.

Q3. Is there a fee for checking the PAN card status?
No, checking the status is free of charge.

Q4. What should I do if my PAN card is returned undelivered?
You should verify and update your address details and request for re-dispatch.

Q5. Can I track the delivery status of my PAN card?
Yes, using the consignment number provided, you can track it on the India Post website.

Apply for Loans Fast and Hassle-Free

Apply Now

About the Author

LoansJagat Team

We are a team of writers, editors, and proofreaders with 15+ years of experience in the finance field. We are your personal finance gurus! But, we will explain everything in simplified language. Our aim is to make personal and business finance easier for you. While we help you upgrade your financial knowledge, why don't you read some of our blogs?