How to Apply for a PAN Card If Lost – Reissue Process Explained

Ramesh Verma, a 34-year-old entrepreneur from Pune, was in the midst of expanding his online electronics business when he discovered that his PAN card was missing after relocating. Unfortunately, without it, he could not proceed with his GST registration.

Faced with a time-sensitive situation, he visited the NSDL website, entered his Aadhaar and personal details, uploaded a scanned signature and photograph, and paid a nominal fee of ₹50. Within 10 days, his duplicate PAN card was delivered to his new address via Speed Post. This scenario highlights the importance of understanding the correct process for replacing a lost PAN card.

What is a PAN Card & Why Does It Matter?

A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a unique 10-character alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It serves as a vital tool in various financial and regulatory functions.

Why is PAN important?

• Mandatory for filing income tax returns
  
  
• Essential for opening bank accounts and investing in mutual funds
  
  
• Required for high-value transactions such as property purchases
  
  
• Helps the government track financial transactions to prevent tax evasion
  
  
• Used by individuals, firms, and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
  

Example:
 

In the financial year 2024–25, more than 2.8 crore Indians used their PAN for e-verifying income tax returns. During the same period, approximately 15 lakh PAN cards were reported lost, misplaced, or damaged, signalling the widespread need for re-issuance services.

Immediate Steps to Take If Your PAN Card Is Lost or Misplaced

Before applying for a duplicate, take a few precautionary steps:

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Ensure It’s Lost: Double-check bags, folders, and scanned storage.
   
   
2. Secure Financial Access: Notify your bank or any service provider where PAN is used for KYC.
   
   
3. Gather Key Information: Keep your PAN number (if known), Aadhaar card, and date of birth handy.
   
   
4. Prepare Required Documents: Upload scanned copies during online application or carry originals for offline submission.

Things to Keep Handy Before Applying for a Duplicate PAN

Example: 
 

A survey conducted among 1 lakh individuals across Tier-2 cities found that 61% did not know their PAN number when they lost their cards. Maintaining a soft copy on a secure device or cloud service is strongly recommended.

Methods to Apply for a Duplicate PAN Card Online

You can conveniently apply online through two authorised websites:

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A. NSDL (Protean eGov Technologies)

Website: https://www.tin-nsdl.com

Step-by-Step:

1. Visit https://www.onlineservices.nsdl.com/paam/ReprintEPan.html
   
   
2. Click on “Reprint of PAN Card (Only for Individuals who have been allotted PAN)”
   
   
3. Enter PAN number, Aadhaar number, and date of birth
   
   
4. Upload scanned photo and signature (.jpg format, below 50KB each)
   
   
5. Pay ₹50 for communication within India (₹994 for foreign addresses)
   
   
6. Receive a 15-digit acknowledgement number
   
   
7. Track the application using the token number provided

B. UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Ltd (UTIITSL)

Website: https://www.pan.utiitsl.com

Follow a similar process: login, enter personal details, upload required documents, make payment, and submit.

Example:
 

Shweta Rao from Nagpur successfully applied via the NSDL site. She paid ₹50 using her debit card and received her duplicate PAN 

card within eight working days via Speed Post, confirming how streamlined the process has become.

Offline Method: Apply for a Duplicate PAN Card through Form

For those who prefer offline methods or have limited digital access, a physical form can be submitted at authorised centres.

Step-by-Step:

1. Visit the nearest TIN-Facilitation Centre (TIN-FC) or UTIITSL branch
   
   
2. Download and fill in Form 49A (available at the centre or online)
   
   
3. Attach self-attested photocopies of Aadhaar and address proof
   
   
4. Paste a recent passport-size photograph
   
   

5. Sign in the appropriate boxes on the form

   
   

6. Pay ₹50 fee in cash or via a demand draft (for Indian address)

Key PAN Service Centres in Metro Cities (India)

Example: 
 

Ashok Mehta, a senior citizen from Delhi, visited the Connaught Place TIN-FC and submitted Form 49A along with the required documents. He received his reissued PAN card within 12 business days via registered post.

How to Track Duplicate PAN Application Status?

After applying, it’s important to monitor the application status to ensure there are no delays or missing documents.

Learn More: PAN and Aadhaar: A Complete Guide on How to Link Aadhaar to PAN

Ways to Track:

A. NSDL Website
 

Go to: https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/pantan/StatusTrack.html

• Enter your 15-digit acknowledgement number.

B. UTIITSL Website

Visit: https://www.trackpan.utiitsl.com/PANONLINE/#forward

• Provide the application coupon number and date of birth to check the status.

Example: 
 

Vivek Shah from Ahmedabad applied for a duplicate PAN card through the UTI portal. Four days later, he received an SMS update stating “Application Under Process”. By Day 7, the status had changed to “Card Dispatched”, providing him peace of mind.

Charges & Fees for Reprinting PAN Card (2025 Updated)

Replacing a lost or damaged PAN card is relatively affordable for Indian residents, but it comes with a higher fee for NRIs or those residing abroad. Whether you choose an online or offline route, the cost structure is fixed by the Income Tax Department and its authorised service providers, NSDL (Protean eGov) and UTIITSL.

Here’s a breakdown of the charges applicable in 2025:

PAN Reprint Charges (Domestic & NRI)

Example:
 

Manju Iyer, a chartered accountant working in the UAE, applied for a reprint of her PAN card using the NSDL website. Since her delivery address was in Dubai, she paid the ₹994 fee online and uploaded the necessary documents, including her Aadhaar and passport-size photo. Her card was delivered securely to her Dubai PO Box within 18 days.

This demonstrates the efficiency of PAN reprinting services for NRIs and the importance of keeping official documents updated, regardless of location.

What if the PAN Number is Forgotten Too?

Many people lose their physical PAN card and can’t recall the 10-character alphanumeric code. Fortunately, the Income Tax Department offers a secure online tool called “Know Your PAN” to retrieve forgotten PAN details using Aadhaar.

How to Retrieve PAN Online?

1. Visit https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in
   
   
2. Click on ‘Know Your PAN’
   
   
3. Enter your full name, Aadhaar number, date of birth, and registered mobile number
   
   
4. Complete OTP verification sent to your mobile
   
   
5. The PAN number will be displayed on the screen or sent to your email.

Example:
 

Ravi Menon, aged 45, residing in Hyderabad, had lost his PAN card and could not remember the number. Worried about an upcoming loan application, he used the “Know Your PAN” tool on the IT Portal. With his Aadhaar and mobile number, he completed the process and retrieved his PAN details within just 2 minutes — no physical visit or paperwork required.

FIR Requirement: When is it Needed?

An FIR (First Information Report) is not mandatory for all duplicate PAN applications, but it is strongly recommended in the following situations:

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• If you suspect misuse of your lost PAN card
• If the PAN was stolen and could be used for fraudulent activities
• If advised by your bank or financial institution

In such cases:

• Visit the nearest police station and file a complaint, or
• Lodge an FIR online (available in some states like Delhi, Maharashtra)
• Keep a copy of the FIR and submit it as part of the supporting documents

Numerical Example:
 

In 2023, nearly 18,000 cases of PAN card misuse were reported in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. One such case involved Simran Joshi, whose PAN was misused to open a fraudulent trading account. She filed an FIR and reissued her PAN with the FIR copy attached. This prevented further financial abuse under her name.

Reissuing PAN for NRIs & Foreign Nationals

Non-resident Indians (NRIs) and foreign nationals holding PAN cards can also reissue them if lost, damaged, or misplaced. The application process is entirely online and can be completed via the NSDL or UTIITSL portals.

Documents Required for NRIs:

• Scanned copy of the passport (mandatory)
• Valid visa or residence permit
• OCI/PIO card (if applicable)
• Signature and passport-size photo
• Payment of ₹994 fee
• International delivery address (check availability for your country)

Numerical Example:
 

Abhijit Banerjee, a software consultant based in Toronto, lost his PAN card while visiting India. After returning to Canada, he used the NSDL online portal, uploaded his passport and visa scan, and paid ₹994. The reprinted PAN card was delivered to his Canadian address by India Post International within 14 working days.

This case underscores the global accessibility of Indian financial services even from abroad.

Digital PAN vs Physical PAN – What’s Better After Loss?

Once you request a duplicate PAN, you’ll often be given the option to download a digital copy (ePAN) before the physical card arrives. ePAN is a legally valid soft version of the PAN card, issued in PDF format and emailed to your registered ID.

Advantages of ePAN:

• No waiting for delivery
• Can be printed if needed
• Accepted for KYC, banking, taxation, and official ID
• No extra charge if reissued along with the physical card
• Instant access in emergencies

Example:
 

In FY 2024–25, more than 64 lakh ePANs were issued instantly by NSDL and UTIITSL. Rajesh Nair, a freelancer in Bengaluru, needed his PAN urgently to file an ITR. Upon applying for a duplicate, he received his ePAN by email within 2 hours and used it for his filing on the same day.

Tips to Prevent PAN Loss in Future

To avoid the hassle of reapplying or dealing with possible misuse, here are some practical tips for safeguarding your PAN card:

• Save a scanned copy of your PAN on trusted platforms like DigiLocker, Google Drive, or an encrypted folder.
  
  
• Link your PAN with Aadhaar to simplify retrieval and e-verification.
  
  
• Avoid carrying the physical card unless necessary.
  
  
• Enable two-factor authentication for all banking and stockbroking accounts linked with your PAN.
  
  
• Regularly monitor your credit score and financial activity to detect any unauthorised use.

Adopting these measures can drastically reduce the risks associated with misplacing your PAN card.

Comparing All Methods:

To help you decide which method suits your needs best, here’s a comparison of the most common PAN reissue routes:

PAN Reissue Methods Compared

Each method comes with its advantages depending on urgency, location, and access to the internet or documentation.

Conclusion:

Losing your PAN card can feel stressful, but thankfully, replacing it is a structured and well-supported process in India. Whether you're sitting at home in Mumbai, working abroad in London, or studying in Singapore, all you need is internet access, your Aadhaar, and a scanned photo to begin the process.

By following the official procedures through NSDL or UTIITSL, being cautious about potential misuse, and storing your documents wisely, you can not only retrieve your PAN quickly but also prevent future losses.

From salaried individuals and entrepreneurs to NRIs and students, the PAN is essential, and now you know exactly how to safeguard and reissue it without panic or confusion.

FAQs:

1. Can I reissue my PAN card online without filing an FIR?
   Yes, FIR is optional unless there's suspected misuse or theft.
   
   
2. Is ePAN valid for official purposes like ITR or KYC?
   Absolutely, ePAN is legally valid and accepted everywhere.
   
   
3. How much does it cost to reprint a PAN card for NRIs?
   ₹994 including international dispatch charges.
   
   
4. How can I find my PAN if I forgot the number?
   Use the “Know Your PAN” service on the Income Tax e-filing website.
   
   
5. Can I get a duplicate PAN card delivered to a foreign address?
   Yes, NRIs can receive it internationally via India Post after an online application.

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