Lost PAN Card and Need It Urgently? Get Instant e-PAN + Physical Card Replacement Strategy

If you’ve lost your PAN card and need a quick replacement, you can easily obtain an e-PAN or a physical card through the Income Tax e-filing portal, and the Protean and UTIITSL websites. This blog is a step-by-step guide on how to quickly get your PAN card reissued, both digitally and physically.

How to Get an Instant e-PAN Card

An e-PAN card is a digitally signed, electronic version of your PAN card and obtaining this is a quick, paperless process.

Downloading Instant e-PAN From Income Tax Portal

1. Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal .

2. Click on ‘Instant e-PAN’ under the Quick Links section.

3. Select ‘Continue’ under the ‘Check Status/Download PAN’ box.

4. Enter your Aadhaar number and verify the OTP sent to your registered mobile.

5. Confirm the pre-filled details that are fetched from your Aadhaar.

6. Click on ‘Submit’, and you can download the e-PAN card PDF immediately.

Also Read: Applying for a PAN Card Loan Online: Steps and Benefits

Downloading Instant e-PAN From The Protean (NSDL) Portal

1. Visit the Protean PAN services website.

2. Scroll down to ‘PAN Services Links’ and click on ‘Request for e-PAN/e-PAN XML (PANs allotted in last 30 days)’ or ‘Request for e-PAN/e-PAN XML (PANs allotted prior to 30 days)’, depending on when your card was issued.

3. Enter the required details, i.e., PAN card number, Aadhaar card number, and date of birth.

4. Pay a nominal fee online, which is around ₹8.26.

5. An OTP will be sent to your registered contact details for validation.

6. Once processed, you can download your e-PAN card PDF.

Downloading Instant e-PAN From UTIITSL Portal

1. Visit the UTIITSL PAN card portal.

2. Select the ‘Download e-PAN’ option on the homepage.

3. Provide your PAN, GSTIN number (if applicable), date of birth, and captcha code.

4. If you applied for your PAN more than a month before the date of applying for the e-PAN, you will have to pay the applicable fees of ₹8.26 online.

5. You will receive a link via email where you can download a PDF of the PAN card.

Also Read: Step by Step Guide to Download PAN Card Online from NSDL & UTIITSL

How to Apply for a Replacement Physical PAN Card

While an e-PAN is convenient, a physical PAN card is sometimes necessary for certain offline applications. Luckily, you can request for a duplicate physical card with your existing PAN number.

Applying via the Protean (NSDL) Portal

1. Visit the official Protean online service portal.

2. Scroll down to ‘PAN Services links’, click the ‘Re-print PAN Card’ option.

3. Fill in the form with your PAN, Aadhaar number, date of birth, and any other required details.

4. Tick the declaration and enter the captcha code.

5. Click 'Submit'. You will receive a token number via email.

6. Continue with the application and select your preferred method for receiving an OTP (email, SMS, or both).

7. Enter the OTP to validate your request.

8. Pay the nominal fee of ₹50 using a debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI. After successful payment, an acknowledgement receipt will be generated.

9. The new PAN card will be sent to your address within 15–20 days. 

Applying via the UTIITSL Portal

1. Go to the UTIITSL PAN portal.

2. Click on the 'Reprint of PAN Card' option.

3. Enter your PAN, Aadhaar number, date of birth, and the captcha code.

4. Click 'Submit'.

5. On the next screen, verify your details and click on 'Get OTP'.

6. Enter the OTP you received on your registered mobile number or email.

7. Pay the required fee of ₹50 for delivery within India.

8. Download the receipt for your records.

9. The reprinted PAN card will be dispatched to your registered address.

Also Read: Step-by-Step Guide on How to Check Active Loans on PAN Card

Filing an FIR for a Lost PAN Card

Before applying for a replacement, it is wise to lodge a First Information Report (FIR) at your local police station to report the loss. This establishes an official record and helps protect you from potential fraudulent use of your PAN details.

Keep a copy of the FIR for your records. It may be needed if you face any misuse incidents or require proof of loss during other applications.

To Conclude

Getting your PAN card replaced after a loss is a straightforward and convenient process. You can use the online instant PAN facility for urgent digital needs and follow the smooth process for a physical duplicate from Protean or UTIITSL. Using these official channels ensures you get authentic PAN documents quickly, avoiding interruptions in your financial life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an e-PAN card as valid as a physical PAN card?

Yes, an e-PAN holds the same legal status as the physical version. It is accepted for banking, taxation, KYC verification, and all financial transactions as per Income Tax Department guidelines.

How long does it take to receive a physical duplicate PAN card?

After your application is successfully submitted, the dispatch process generally takes around 10 to 15 working days. The printed card is sent by post to your registered address.

What is the cost of applying for an instant e-PAN?

The instant e-PAN service is free of cost for first-time applicants using Aadhaar-based e-KYC. You don’t need to pay any processing or issuance fee when applying through the official portal.

Is filing an FIR mandatory when a PAN card is lost?

Filing an FIR isn’t compulsory for getting a reprint, but it's strongly advised. It acts as proof of loss and protects you in case your card is misused by someone else.

How can I get a duplicate PAN card downloaded?

You can apply through the Protean (formerly NSDL) or UTIITSL websites by entering your Aadhaar and PAN details. After a small fee payment, the PDF version becomes available to download.

Can an individual hold more than one PAN?

No, holding multiple PANs is against the law. If someone is found with more than one, they can face penalties under Section 272B of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

What documents do I need to apply for a duplicate PAN card?

If you’re only requesting a reprint without any data change, your Aadhaar and PAN details are generally enough. Extra documents are not needed unless there’s a mismatch or update request.

Where will the duplicate PAN card be delivered after approval?

The reprinted physical card is delivered only to the address linked with your Aadhaar or PAN records. Make sure your address is correct before applying to avoid delays.

How do I authenticate my identity while downloading an e-PAN?

Identity authentication happens through Aadhaar-based OTP verification. You must use the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar to complete this process successfully.

What is the Tax Information Network, and how is it related to PAN?

The Tax Information Network (TIN) is an initiative managed by Protean to streamline tax-related services. It plays a key role in processing PAN applications and maintaining related databases.

How can I check the status of my PAN once it has been applied for?

You can track the progress using your acknowledgement number on the Protean or UTIITSL portal. This helps you confirm whether your request is being processed, dispatched, or on hold.