How to Download PAN Card PDF: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

The Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is a vital identification document issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It serves as a unique identifier for all financial transactions that have tax implications, including bank account openings, property purchases, investments, and tax filings. In today’s digital-first environment, having a digital copy of your PAN card in PDF format is not just convenient—it’s essential. Whether you’re applying for a loan, submitting tax returns, or verifying your identity online, a downloadable PAN card PDF ensures quick access, easy sharing, and secure storage.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every method to download your PAN card PDF, from official government portals to third-party platforms. You’ll learn the correct procedures, avoid common pitfalls, and discover best practices to ensure your document remains secure and legally valid. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll be fully equipped to retrieve your PAN card PDF anytime, anywhere—without delays or confusion.

Step-by-Step Guide

Method 1: Download PAN Card PDF via the NSDL Portal

The National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) is one of the two authorized agencies (along with UTIITSL) that process PAN applications on behalf of the Income Tax Department. The NSDL portal is the most reliable source for downloading your PAN card PDF.

1. Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the official NSDL PAN portal: https://www.nsdl.com.
2. On the homepage, locate and click on the option labeled “PAN” in the top navigation menu.
3. From the dropdown, select “Reprint of PAN Card”.
4. You will be redirected to a new page. Look for the section titled “Apply Online for Reprint of PAN Card” and click the “Continue” button.
5. On the next screen, you will be asked to select your application type. Choose “Already have PAN” and click “Continue”.
6. Enter your PAN number in the designated field. Ensure the PAN is entered in the correct format: five letters, four digits, and one letter (e.g., ABCDE1234F).
7. Enter your Date of Birth or Date of Incorporation (for companies) exactly as it was provided during your original PAN application.
8. Complete the CAPTCHA verification by typing the characters displayed on the screen.
9. Click “Submit”.
10. After submission, you will be prompted to enter your Registered Mobile Number or Email Address associated with your PAN. This is used to verify your identity.
11. An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to the registered mobile number or email. Enter the OTP in the provided field and click “Verify”.
12. Upon successful verification, you will be directed to a payment page. The fee for reprinting your PAN card is ₹50 (inclusive of taxes) for Indian addresses and ₹950 for international addresses.
13. Select your preferred payment method—UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card—and complete the transaction.
14. Once payment is confirmed, you will see a confirmation message: “Your request for reprint of PAN card has been successfully submitted.”
15. Within 15–20 minutes, a PDF version of your PAN card will be emailed to the registered email address. You may also download it directly from the portal by logging back in and checking your application status under “Track Status”.

Method 2: Download PAN Card PDF via the UTIITSL Portal

UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited (UTIITSL) is the other authorized agency for PAN services. The process on the UTIITSL portal is nearly identical to NSDL’s, with minor interface differences.

1. Visit the official UTIITSL PAN portal at https://www.utiitsl.com.
2. On the homepage, click on the “PAN” tab in the main menu.
3. Select “Reprint of PAN Card” from the available options.
4. On the next page, choose “Apply Online”.
5. Enter your PAN number and Date of Birth in the respective fields.
6. Complete the CAPTCHA and click “Submit”.
7. You will be redirected to a verification page. Enter your Registered Mobile Number or Email Address.
8. An OTP will be sent to your registered contact. Enter the OTP and click “Verify”.
9. Proceed to the payment section. Pay the applicable fee of ₹50 (India) or ₹950 (International) using your preferred mode.
10. After successful payment, you will receive an on-screen confirmation and an email with a link to download your PAN card PDF.
11. Alternatively, log in to your UTIITSL account using your PAN and Date of Birth, navigate to “My Applications”, and download the PDF directly from the history section.

Method 3: Download via the Income Tax e-Filing Portal

If you have an active account on the Income Tax Department’s e-Filing portal, you can download your PAN card PDF directly from there without any additional fees.

1. Go to the official Income Tax e-Filing portal: https://www.incometax.gov.in.
2. Click on “Login” in the top-right corner.
3. Enter your PAN as your User ID and your password. If you’ve forgotten your password, use the “Forgot Password” option to reset it using your registered email or mobile number.
4. After logging in, hover over the “Profile Settings” menu in the top navigation bar.
5. Select “View PAN Details” from the dropdown.
6. You will be taken to a page displaying your full PAN details, including name, father’s name, date of birth, and status.
7. Look for the “Download PDF” button located near the top-right of the panel.
8. Click on it. The system will generate a digitally signed PDF of your PAN card, which includes your photo (if uploaded), signature (if available), and official seal.
9. Save the file to your device. This PDF is legally valid and can be used for all official purposes.

Method 4: Download via DigiLocker

DigiLocker is a government-backed digital locker platform that allows Indian citizens to store and share verified documents securely. If your PAN card has been linked to your DigiLocker account, you can download it instantly.

1. Visit the DigiLocker website: https://digilocker.gov.in or download the DigiLocker app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Log in using your Aadhaar number and OTP or your mobile number and password.
3. Once logged in, click on “Issued Documents” in the main dashboard.
4. Search for PAN Card in the list of available documents.
5. If your PAN is linked, it will appear under the “Income Tax Department” issuer. Click on it.
6. A digital copy of your PAN card in PDF format will load. Verify the details.
7. Click “Download” to save the file to your device.
8. The document will display a QR code and digital signature, making it legally valid under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Method 5: Download via Aadhaar-Linked PAN (If Applicable)

If your PAN has been seeded with your Aadhaar number, you can use your Aadhaar credentials to access your PAN details through the UIDAI portal.

1. Visit the UIDAI website: https://uidai.gov.in.
2. Click on “My Aadhaar” and then select “Retrieve Lost UID/EID”.
3. Enter your Aadhaar number and complete the security check.
4. After authentication, you will be able to view your linked documents, including PAN, if it has been successfully seeded.
5. Click on the PAN card option to view and download the PDF.
6. Note: This method only works if your PAN and Aadhaar are officially linked. To check your linkage status, visit the Income Tax e-Filing portal and navigate to “Link Aadhaar” under Profile Settings.

Best Practices

Ensure Your PAN Details Are Accurate and Updated

Before attempting to download your PAN card PDF, verify that your personal details—name, date of birth, and address—are correct. Any mismatch may lead to verification failures. If you’ve changed your name due to marriage, legal reasons, or typographical errors, update your PAN through the NSDL or UTIITSL portal before proceeding with the download.

Use Only Official Portals

Many third-party websites claim to offer instant PAN downloads for a fee. These are often scams or phishing sites designed to steal personal data. Always use only the official government portals: NSDL, UTIITSL, Income Tax e-Filing, and DigiLocker. Look for the padlock icon in the browser address bar and verify the URL ends in .gov.in or .nsdl.com or .utiitsl.com.

Secure Your Downloaded PDF

Once you’ve downloaded your PAN card PDF, store it securely. Use password-protected folders or encrypted cloud storage services like Google Drive (with 2FA enabled) or OneDrive. Avoid uploading it to public forums, unsecured websites, or unverified apps. The PAN card contains sensitive personal information and should be treated like a physical ID card.

Keep Multiple Backups

Store your PAN card PDF in at least two locations: one on your personal device and another in the cloud. This ensures you’re not locked out if your phone or computer fails. Consider printing a physical copy and storing it in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

When registering or logging into any government portal, always enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if available. This adds an extra layer of security, reducing the risk of unauthorized access to your documents.

Check for Digital Signatures and QR Codes

Legitimate PAN card PDFs downloaded from official sources will contain a digital signature and often a QR code. These elements validate the authenticity of the document. If your downloaded PDF lacks these features, it may be a scanned copy or a fraudulent version. Always prefer the digitally signed version.

Do Not Share Your PAN Unnecessarily

Only provide your PAN card PDF when legally required—such as for banking, tax filing, or investment purposes. Be cautious of unsolicited requests from unknown entities, even if they claim to be from government departments. Official agencies will never ask for your PAN via unsolicited email or SMS.

Regularly Monitor for Unauthorized Usage

Periodically check your Form 26AS (tax credit statement) on the Income Tax e-Filing portal to ensure no unauthorized financial transactions have been linked to your PAN. If you notice suspicious activity, report it immediately through the official grievance redressal channel.

Tools and Resources

Official Government Portals

• NSDL PAN Portal – https://www.nsdl.com
• UTIITSL PAN Portal – https://www.utiitsl.com
• Income Tax e-Filing Portal – https://www.incometax.gov.in
• DigiLocker – https://digilocker.gov.in
• Aadhaar Portal – https://uidai.gov.in

Document Verification Tools

Use the PAN Verification Tool on the Income Tax e-Filing portal to confirm the validity of any PAN number before accepting it from others. This tool allows you to verify the name, date of birth, and status of a PAN without revealing personal details.

PDF Security Tools

To protect your downloaded PAN card PDF:

• Adobe Acrobat Pro – Add password protection and digital signatures.
• 7-Zip – Encrypt PDFs within a password-protected ZIP file.
• Smallpdf – Compress and optimize your PDF without losing quality.
• PDF24 Tools – Free online tool to add watermarks or remove metadata.

Cloud Storage Recommendations

For secure cloud backup:

• Google Drive – Integrates with Gmail and offers 15GB free storage.
• Microsoft OneDrive – Bundled with Windows and Office 365 subscriptions.
• Dropbox – Offers end-to-end encryption and file versioning.
• Proton Drive – End-to-end encrypted, privacy-focused alternative.

Mobile Apps for Document Management

• DigiLocker App – Official government app for storing PAN, Aadhaar, and other documents.
• mParivahan – For driving licenses and vehicle documents, also supports PAN.
• Document Scanner by Adobe – Scan physical PAN cards and convert to PDF with OCR.
• CamScanner – Popular app for scanning and organizing documents (ensure you delete sensitive files after upload).

Browser Extensions for Secure Downloads

Use browser extensions like:

• HTTPS Everywhere – Ensures you’re always connected via secure HTTPS.
• uBlock Origin – Blocks malicious ads and phishing pop-ups.
• Bitwarden – Secure password manager to store login credentials for portals.

Real Examples

Example 1: Ramesh, a Freelancer Applying for a Bank Loan

Ramesh, a freelance graphic designer, needed to submit his PAN card to a bank for a personal loan. He had lost his physical card and didn’t have a digital copy. He visited the Income Tax e-Filing portal, logged in with his PAN and password, and clicked “Download PDF” under “View PAN Details.” Within seconds, he received a digitally signed PDF with his photo and signature. He emailed it directly to the bank’s loan officer and received approval within 48 hours. Ramesh saved the file in a password-protected folder on Google Drive and printed one copy for his records.

Example 2: Priya, a Student Opening a Demat Account

Priya, a college student, wanted to open a demat account for investing in mutual funds. Her broker required a PAN card copy. She used DigiLocker, which she had set up during her Aadhaar enrollment. She found her PAN card under “Issued Documents,” downloaded the PDF, and shared it via a secure link to her broker. The broker verified the QR code on the document and processed her application the same day. Priya later linked her DigiLocker account to her bank’s mobile app for future transactions.

Example 3: Mr. Kapoor, a Business Owner Updating PAN Details

Mr. Kapoor noticed a typo in his father’s name on his PAN card. He first updated his details via the NSDL portal by submitting Form 49A. Once the correction was approved (within 7 days), he returned to the portal and downloaded the updated PDF. He replaced all old copies on his computer and cloud storage with the new version. He also informed his accountant and bank to update their records using the new PDF.

Example 4: Anjali, a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) in the USA

Anjali, an NRI living in New York, needed her PAN card to file Indian tax returns. She used the UTIITSL portal and selected the international address option. She paid ₹950 via her international credit card. The PDF was emailed to her registered Gmail account within 10 minutes. She printed it, signed it, and mailed it to her tax consultant in Mumbai. She also uploaded it to her encrypted Dropbox folder for future reference.

Example 5: A Small Business Using PAN for GST Registration

A small retail shop owner in Jaipur applied for GST registration. The portal required a PAN card PDF. He used the NSDL portal, paid ₹50, and downloaded the PDF. He attached it to his GST application and submitted it. The application was processed without delays because the PDF had a valid digital signature. He now keeps a copy on his smartphone and shares it with suppliers when required.

FAQs

Can I download my PAN card PDF for free?

Yes, if you are downloading it from the Income Tax e-Filing portal or DigiLocker, there is no charge. However, if you are reprinting a physical or digital copy via NSDL or UTIITSL, a nominal fee of ₹50 applies for Indian addresses. The fee covers processing and delivery costs.

Is a downloaded PAN card PDF legally valid?

Yes. A PAN card PDF downloaded from official portals like Income Tax e-Filing, NSDL, UTIITSL, or DigiLocker is legally valid under the Information Technology Act, 2000. These PDFs include digital signatures, QR codes, and official seals, making them equivalent to physical cards.

What if I don’t have a registered mobile number or email?

If your PAN is not linked to a mobile number or email, you must first update your contact details. Visit the NSDL or UTIITSL portal, select “Request for New PAN Card or Changes,” and update your information. Once updated, you can proceed with the download.

Can I download someone else’s PAN card PDF?

No. You can only download your own PAN card PDF using your credentials. Attempting to access another person’s PAN card without authorization is illegal and violates privacy laws under the Aadhaar Act and IT Act.

Why is my downloaded PAN card PDF not showing my photo?

If your PAN card was issued before 2011, it may not have a photo. Also, if you did not upload a photo during the application or update process, the PDF will display without one. To add a photo, you must apply for a reprint via NSDL or UTIITSL and upload a recent passport-sized photo during the process.

How long does it take to receive the PAN card PDF after payment?

After successful payment, the PDF is typically generated and emailed within 15–30 minutes. In rare cases, it may take up to 24 hours due to system delays. If you haven’t received it after 24 hours, check your spam folder or contact the portal’s support (without using helpline numbers).

Can I use the PAN card PDF for KYC verification?

Yes. Most banks, mutual fund houses, and fintech platforms accept the digitally signed PAN card PDF for KYC. Ensure the document includes your name, PAN, date of birth, and digital signature. Avoid sharing scanned copies of physical cards unless explicitly requested.

What should I do if I lost both my physical and digital PAN card?

Follow the reprint process via NSDL or UTIITSL. You’ll need your PAN number and Date of Birth. If you don’t remember your PAN, you can search for it using your name and date of birth on the Income Tax e-Filing portal under “Know Your PAN.”

Is there an app to download PAN card PDF?

Yes. The official DigiLocker app allows you to download and store your PAN card PDF. Other apps like mParivahan also support PAN. Avoid third-party apps that promise instant downloads—they are often fraudulent.

Can I change my PAN card details after downloading the PDF?

Yes. You can update your PAN details (name, address, photo, etc.) at any time by submitting the appropriate form via NSDL or UTIITSL. Once the update is processed, you can download a new PDF with the revised information.

Conclusion

Downloading your PAN card PDF is a straightforward process when you follow the correct procedures using official government platforms. Whether you’re accessing it through the Income Tax e-Filing portal, NSDL, UTIITSL, or DigiLocker, each method provides a secure, legally valid digital copy that meets all official requirements. The key to success lies in using trusted sources, verifying your details beforehand, and securing your downloaded files properly.

As digital documentation becomes the norm, having a reliable, easily accessible PAN card PDF is no longer optional—it’s essential. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you eliminate the stress of physical card loss, reduce paperwork, and ensure compliance with tax and financial regulations. Remember to always prioritize security: enable two-factor authentication, avoid third-party sites, and keep encrypted backups.

With the tools and knowledge provided here, you now have full control over your PAN card documentation. Whether you’re a student, professional, business owner, or NRI, this guide empowers you to manage your PAN card efficiently in the digital age. Bookmark this page, share it with others, and use it as your go-to reference for all PAN-related queries.