How to Apply PAN Card From US

For U.S.-based Indian nationals, NRIs (Non-Resident Indians), PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin), and foreign nationals with financial ties to India, obtaining a Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a critical step in managing tax obligations, opening bank accounts, investing in Indian securities, or purchasing property. While the process may seem daunting from abroad, applying for a PAN card from the United States is straightforward when following the correct procedures. This comprehensive guide walks you through every phase—from eligibility and documentation to submission and tracking—ensuring a smooth, error-free application process.

The PAN card, issued by the Income Tax Department of India under the supervision of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), is a unique 10-character alphanumeric identifier. It serves as a primary identification document for all financial transactions in India and is mandatory for anyone engaging in taxable activities or high-value financial dealings. For individuals residing in the U.S., understanding how to navigate the Indian government’s digital and postal systems is essential to avoid delays, rejections, or compliance issues.

This tutorial is designed to eliminate confusion. We cover every step with precision, provide best practices to prevent common mistakes, recommend trusted tools and resources, include real-world examples, and answer frequently asked questions. Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing a lost card, this guide ensures you have everything you need to successfully obtain your PAN card from the United States.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Before beginning your application, verify that you qualify for a PAN card. Eligible applicants from the U.S. include:

• Indian citizens residing in the U.S. (NRIs)
• Foreign nationals with income, assets, or business interests in India
• Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) holding foreign passports
• Companies, trusts, or entities registered outside India but operating in India

If you are a U.S. citizen with no Indian ties, you are not eligible unless you have financial obligations in India. For example, if you own rental property in Mumbai, hold shares in an Indian company, or receive dividends from an Indian mutual fund, you are required to have a PAN card.

Step 2: Choose the Correct Application Form

There are two primary forms for PAN applications: Form 49A and Form 49AA.

• Form 49A is for Indian citizens, including NRIs.
• Form 49AA is for foreign citizens, including PIOs and foreign entities.

As a U.S.-based applicant, determine your citizenship status. If you hold an Indian passport, use Form 49A. If you hold a U.S. passport or any foreign passport, use Form 49AA. Download the latest version of the form directly from the official websites of NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) or UTIITSL (UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited), the two authorized agencies appointed by the Indian government to process PAN applications.

Always verify you are using the most recent version. Outdated forms may be rejected. The current forms are available at:

• NSDL PAN Portal: https://www.tin-nsdl.com/
• UTIITSL PAN Portal: https://www.utiitsl.com/

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Document preparation is the most critical phase. Incomplete or incorrect documentation is the leading cause of application delays. You must submit two types of documents:

Proof of Identity (POI)

Acceptable documents include:

• Copy of your Indian passport (for NRIs)
• Copy of your U.S. passport (for foreign nationals)
• Copy of a U.S. driver’s license with photo
• Copy of a U.S. state-issued ID card

For foreign nationals, the passport must be valid and include your name, photograph, date of birth, and signature. If your passport is expired, you must submit a valid one.

Proof of Address (POA)

Acceptable documents include:

• U.S. utility bill (electricity, water, gas) issued within the last three months
• Bank statement from a U.S. bank (must show your name and U.S. address)
• Lease agreement or mortgage statement
• U.S. tax return (Form 1040) with your name and address

Documents must be clear, legible, and in English. If your documents are in another language, provide a certified English translation. Do not submit photocopies of documents issued outside the U.S. unless they are notarized or apostilled.

Proof of Date of Birth (PODB)

For Form 49AA applicants:

• U.S. birth certificate
• U.S. passport
• U.S. driver’s license

For Form 49A applicants (Indian citizens):

• Indian passport
• Birth certificate issued by Indian municipal authority
• Matriculation certificate

One document can serve as both POI and PODB if it contains your photo and date of birth (e.g., passport). However, POA must be a separate document.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form Accurately

Fill out Form 49A or 49AA with extreme care. Mistakes in spelling, date format, or address can lead to rejection. Follow these guidelines:

• Use capital letters for all entries.
• Enter your U.S. mailing address exactly as it appears on your proof of address.
• For foreign nationals, enter your country of residence as “United States of America.”
• Do not use abbreviations for city or state names (e.g., write “California” instead of “CA”).
• Include your Indian phone number if you have one; otherwise, provide your U.S. number.
• For NRIs, select “Non-Resident Indian” as your status.
• For foreign nationals, select “Foreign Citizen.”

Ensure your signature matches the one on your passport or other government-issued ID. If you are signing on behalf of a company or trust, include the authorized signatory’s details and supporting authorization documents.

Step 5: Attach Documents and Pay the Fee

Make two photocopies of each document. One set must be self-attested. To self-attest:

• Write “True Copy” below each photocopy.
• Sign across the photocopy.
• Include the date.

Do not use stamps or seals unless specifically requested. The original documents are not required—only certified copies.

Payment for the PAN application is made online via credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI. The fee is:

• ₹107 (approximately $1.30 USD) for dispatch within India
• ₹1,017 (approximately $12.20 USD) for dispatch outside India (including the U.S.)

Payment is made during the online application process on the NSDL or UTIITSL portal. After payment, you will receive a unique 15-digit acknowledgment number. Save this number—it is essential for tracking your application.

Step 6: Submit the Application

There are two submission methods:

Option A: Online Submission with Courier

• Complete the form online on NSDL or UTIITSL’s portal.
• Upload scanned copies of your documents (PDF or JPG, under 100 KB each).
• Pay the fee online.
• Print the acknowledgment form and sign it.
• Attach the self-attested photocopies of your documents.
• Send the package via international courier (DHL, FedEx, or UPS) to the address provided on the portal.

Address for NSDL (for international applicants):

NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited

5th Floor, Mantri Sterling, Plot No. 341, Survey No. 997/8, Model Colony,

Near Deep Bungalow Chowk, Pune – 411 016

Maharashtra, India

Address for UTIITSL (for international applicants):

UTIITSL PAN Services

2nd Floor, UTI Building, 31/32, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex,

Bandra (East), Mumbai – 400 051

Maharashtra, India

Option B: Offline Submission via Authorized Agent

If you prefer in-person assistance, you can use an authorized PAN service center in the U.S. These centers are rare, but some Indian consulates or cultural organizations may offer referral services. Verify legitimacy before proceeding. Always request a receipt and track your submission.

Step 7: Track Your Application

After submission, track your application using your 15-digit acknowledgment number:

• Visit https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/pantan/StatusTrack.html (NSDL)
• Or visit https://www.utiitsl.com/pan-track (UTIITSL)

Enter your acknowledgment number and captcha. Status updates typically appear within 5–7 business days. Possible statuses include:

• Application Received
• Under Process
• Documents Verified
• Dispatched
• PAN Generated

Once “PAN Generated” appears, your card will be dispatched via international courier. Delivery to the U.S. takes 10–20 business days after dispatch.

Step 8: Receive and Verify Your PAN Card

Upon receiving your PAN card:

• Check that your name, date of birth, and PAN number are correct.
• Verify the photograph and signature.
• Confirm the card is laminated and has the official Government of India emblem.

If any information is incorrect, you must apply for a correction immediately using Form 49A or 49AA with the “Correction” option selected. Do not delay—errors can affect banking, tax filings, and investment activities in India.

Keep a digital copy of your PAN card and store it securely. You may need to upload it for online tax filings, investment platforms, or property registrations.

Best Practices

1. Use Official Portals Only

Never use third-party websites claiming to “expedite” your PAN application. Only NSDL and UTIITSL are authorized by the Income Tax Department. Fraudulent sites may steal your personal data or charge excessive fees. Always verify the URL and look for the official government logo.

2. Avoid Common Document Mistakes

Most rejections occur due to document issues:

• Blurry or incomplete scans
• Expired passports or ID cards
• Address documents older than 3 months
• Missing self-attestation
• Using non-government-issued documents (e.g., school ID, gym membership)

Always double-check the document list on the NSDL or UTIITSL website before submitting.

3. Maintain Consistent Name Format

Your name must be identical across all documents. If your passport says “John Michael Smith” but your bank statement says “J. Michael Smith,” your application will be flagged. Use your full legal name as it appears on your primary ID.

4. Apply Early

Processing times vary. During peak seasons (April–June, before Indian tax deadlines), delays can extend to 6–8 weeks. Apply at least 8–10 weeks before you need your PAN for a financial transaction.

5. Keep Multiple Copies

Store digital and physical copies of your application acknowledgment, payment receipt, and PAN card. These may be required for future corrections or audits.

6. Update Your Address if You Move

If you relocate within the U.S. after submitting your application, notify NSDL or UTIITSL via email or through the “Update PAN Details” portal. Failure to update may result in your card being sent to an incorrect address.

7. Use a Dedicated Email

Create a separate email address for all PAN-related communication. This ensures you don’t miss critical updates or requests for additional documents.

Tools and Resources

Official Government Portals

• NSDL PAN Services – https://www.tin-nsdl.com/
• UTIITSL PAN Services – https://www.utiitsl.com/
• Income Tax India e-Filing Portal – https://www.incometax.gov.in/

Document Verification Tools

• Adobe Scan – Free mobile app to scan and compress documents into PDF format.
• Smallpdf – Online tool to convert, compress, and merge documents without losing quality.
• DocuSign – For digital signatures if you are applying on behalf of a company.

Translation Services

If your documents are not in English, use certified translation services:

• American Translators Association (ATA) – https://www.atanet.org/
• Rev.com – Professional translation with certification.
• Gengo – Fast, affordable translation with document verification.

International Courier Services

Use reliable courier services to send your documents:

• DHL Express – Fastest delivery, real-time tracking, customs clearance support.
• FedEx International Priority – Reliable for documents, includes insurance.
• UPS Worldwide Express – Good for heavier packages with tracking.

Payment Gateways

NSDL and UTIITSL accept payments via:

• Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
• Net Banking (via Indian banks)
• UPI (for Indian bank account holders)

If you don’t have an Indian bank account, use a U.S.-issued credit card. Some users report success with PayPal-linked cards, but direct card payment is recommended.

Real Examples

Example 1: NRI Applying from California

Samantha R., an Indian citizen living in San Francisco, needed a PAN card to invest in Indian mutual funds. She:

• Downloaded Form 49A from NSDL’s website.
• Used her Indian passport as POI and PODB.
• Submitted a recent Chase Bank statement as POA.
• Self-attested all copies and uploaded them online.
• Paid ₹1,017 via her U.S. Visa card.
• Printed the acknowledgment, signed it, and mailed it via DHL.

Her application was approved in 14 days. She received her PAN card via courier and linked it to her investment account within 48 hours.

Example 2: U.S. Citizen with Rental Property in Delhi

James L., a U.S. citizen, owns a rental apartment in Delhi. He:

• Used Form 49AA because he holds a U.S. passport.
• Submitted his U.S. passport (POI and PODB) and a recent utility bill from his home in Austin, Texas (POA).
• Did not have an Indian phone number, so he left the field blank.
• Applied through UTIITSL’s portal and paid via Mastercard.
• Received his PAN card in 18 business days.

He now files his Indian rental income tax returns annually using his PAN.

Example 3: Correction Request After Error

Ashok P., an NRI in New York, received his PAN card with his middle name misspelled. He:

• Downloaded Form 49A and selected “Correction” under “Type of Application.”
• Attached his passport and the original PAN card.
• Wrote a brief note explaining the error.
• Submitted the form via NSDL and paid ₹107.

He received the corrected PAN card in 10 days. He advises others to check the card immediately upon receipt.

FAQs

Can I apply for a PAN card from the U.S. without visiting India?

Yes. The entire process can be completed remotely using online forms, courier services, and digital document uploads. No physical presence in India is required.

How long does it take to get a PAN card from the U.S.?

Typically, 15–25 business days from the date of submission. This includes processing (5–10 days) and courier delivery (10–15 days). Delays may occur during tax season or due to document verification issues.

Do I need an Indian phone number to apply?

No. You may leave the phone number field blank or provide your U.S. number. However, including an Indian number may help with faster communication if needed.

Can I use a PO Box as my address?

No. Proof of address must show a physical residence. PO Box numbers are not accepted for PAN applications.

What if my documents are in Hindi or another Indian language?

They must be translated into English by a certified translator. Attach both the original and the translated version.

Can I apply for a PAN card for my child living in the U.S.?

Yes. Parents or legal guardians can apply on behalf of minors. Submit the child’s birth certificate as PODB and the parent’s passport and address proof as POI and POA.

Is the PAN card valid forever?

Yes. Once issued, a PAN card does not expire. However, if your personal details change (e.g., name after marriage), you must apply for a correction.

Can I apply for a PAN card if I don’t have any income in India?

You can apply even without income, but you must have a valid reason such as investment, property ownership, or banking activity in India. The tax department may ask for justification if no income is declared.

What should I do if my application is rejected?

Review the rejection reason provided via email or the tracking portal. Common causes include mismatched names, expired documents, or missing signatures. Correct the error and resubmit with a new payment.

Is there an emergency PAN issuance service?

No. There is no expedited or emergency service for PAN applications, even for urgent financial needs. Plan ahead to avoid last-minute delays.

Conclusion

Applying for a PAN card from the United States is a manageable process when approached systematically. By understanding the eligibility criteria, preparing accurate documentation, using official portals, and following best practices, you can avoid delays and ensure your application is approved on the first attempt. Whether you’re an NRI investing in Indian markets, a foreign national owning property in India, or a business entity with Indian operations, your PAN card is not just a formality—it’s a gateway to financial compliance and opportunity.

Remember: precision in documentation, patience in processing, and vigilance in verification are your greatest allies. Use the tools and resources outlined here to navigate the system confidently. Keep digital backups, track your application regularly, and never rely on unofficial intermediaries.

Once you receive your PAN card, store it securely and integrate it into all your Indian financial activities. It is your key to transparency, legality, and long-term financial health in India. With this guide, you now have the knowledge to apply successfully—no matter where you are in the world.