Before applying for a new PAN, it's important to confirm whether one already exists in your name. You can quickly check using your full name and date of birth—no need to guess or risk duplication. This guide walks you through the exact steps to verify your PAN status online.
Process to Know Your PAN or Check If You Already Have One
The Income Tax Department of India used to offer a “Verify Your PAN” feature on its official website, allowing individuals to check their PAN details. However, this option has now been discontinued.
To find out if you already have a PAN and retrieve your PAN number, follow a two-step process. The key requirement for this is your Aadhaar card, which helps verify your identity and check for any existing PAN linked to it.
How to know If You Already Have a PAN?
Here are the steps you must follow to find out if you already have a PAN card:
Step 1: Visit the official website of the Income Tax Department.
Step 2: Navigate to ‘Instant E-PAN’ in the Quick Links section of the homepage.
Step 3: Scroll down and click on ‘Get New e-PAN’.
Step 4: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and tick the box that confirms your understanding of the pointers mentioned.
Step 5: Click ‘Continue’ to submit your application.
Do not panic if you have already confirmed that you have an existing Permanent Account Number (PAN) to proceed; once you click Continue, the system will verify if you already have a PAN.
If you do not already have a PAN, you will be taken ahead to a consent page as part of issuing a PAN to you. However, if you do, you will see an error message informing you that your Aadhaar is already linked with a PAN. Now that you have this confirmation, exit the page by going to the homepage of the website.
Know Your PAN
- To find out your PAN, you will have to log in with the Income Tax Department from their homepage.
- On the login page, enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number, alongside the other required login credentials.
- Once you’re logged in, you will be able to see your PAN on the left of the homepage.
If you do not have an account, you will have to register, for which your PAN is required. In this case, it’s advisable to contact department representatives to find out what your PAN is.
Click on "Call Us" in the dropdown menu on the official website to find information on contacting the Tax Information Network - NSDL for PAN-related queries. As of September 2025, the number to call is +91-20-27218080, between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. on all days of the week.
Also Read: Understanding KYC: Definition, Types, and Significance
To Conclude
Before applying for a PAN, use your Aadhaar to check if one already exists. This helps avoid duplication and ensures smooth access to banking, loans, and tax services. Follow the steps mentioned to verify and retrieve your PAN quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my name has changed since getting the PAN?
If you’ve legally changed your name, you may need to update your PAN and Aadhaar records first to ensure they reflect updated personal details. The same can be done via the Income Tax Department’s official website.
What date format should I use?
Always use the DD/MM/YYYY format for anything related to official documents like your Aadhaar card or PAN. For example, if your date of birth is 15th March 1990, enter it as 15/03/1990.
What if no PAN is found?
This typically means either no PAN exists in your name, there’s a mismatch in the details entered, or your name might be registered differently. If you are confident that you already have a PAN, contact the department to confirm how to proceed. Otherwise, you can apply for an ePAN online.
Is the service to check PAN details online free?
Yes, checking your PAN through the official Income Tax Department portal is completely free of charge.
What if I find multiple PANs?
Having multiple PANs is illegal under Indian tax law. If you discover multiple PANs, you should immediately contact the Income Tax Department to resolve this issue and surrender the duplicate PAN.
Can I use nicknames or abbreviated names for PAN?
No, you must use your complete legal name exactly as it was registered with the government for any official documents. Nicknames, pet names, or abbreviated versions are not ideal.
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