PAN Card is an important identity document for all Indian citizens. It is needed for many financial activities like paying taxes, opening bank accounts, and more. Now, you can get an Instant E-PAN Card linked with your Aadhaar without filling long forms. In this article, you’ll learn how to apply online for an Instant E-PAN Card in 2025, the fees involved, and the documents you need. Let’s get started!
Overview of Instant E-PAN Card
An Instant E-PAN Card is a digital copy of the regular PAN card. This quick service was started by the Indian government to help people get their PAN instantly using their Aadhaar number. It is free and fast—you can get your PAN in just 10 minutes as a PDF file. This E-PAN is just as valid as the physical PAN card and can be used for tax filing, opening bank accounts, credit/debit cards, and other official purposes.
How is E-PAN Linked to Aadhaar?
When you apply for an Instant E-PAN, it will be issued as a digitally signed PDF with a QR code. This QR code contains your personal details like name, birthdate, and photo. After applying, you will get a 15-digit acknowledgement number to download your E-PAN from the Income Tax e-filing website. You will also receive an email copy. Applying through the Income Tax portal is free, unlike some other websites.
Purpose of Instant E-PAN Card Service
The government wants to make PAN card issuance simple and paperless by using Aadhaar-based e-KYC. With this service, residents who have an Aadhaar and a registered mobile number can get their E-PAN instantly without any cost. It saves time and removes the need to visit offices in person.
How Instant E-PAN Card Works
You just need to enter your basic details and verify them with an OTP (one-time password) sent to your mobile linked with Aadhaar. Once verified, you get your E-PAN with a QR code containing your photo and details, digitally signed by the government. Make sure your Aadhaar details are accurate to avoid your application being rejected.
Advantages of Getting an Instant E-PAN Card
- Quick and easy application process
- Get PAN card without visiting government offices
- Fully paperless and free when applying via the Income Tax e-filing portal
- Instant digital PAN available within minutes
- Useful for income tax filing, opening bank accounts, and other financial services
Who Can Apply for Instant E-PAN?
- Indian residents aged 18 or older
- Applicants must have a valid Aadhaar card linked to their mobile number
- Only individuals can apply; Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), firms, companies, and trusts are not eligible
- Applicants should not already have a PAN card
Documents Needed for Instant E-PAN Card
- Aadhaar card
- Proof of residence
- Passport size photograph
- Applicant’s signature
- Domicile certificate
- Voter ID card
- Email ID
How to Apply for Instant E-PAN Card Online
- Visit the official NSDL e-PAN site.
- Find the ‘Quick Links’ section and click on ‘e-PAN Card Services’.
- Read the instructions carefully and click on ‘Apply Instant e-PAN’ or ‘E-PAN Online’.
- Follow the guidelines and click ‘Next’ to link your Aadhaar.
- Fill the online form with your details and upload your signature in JPEG format (max 10 KB, dimension 2×4.5 cm).
- Submit and verify the Aadhaar OTP sent to your registered mobile.
- After submission, you will receive a 15-digit acknowledgement number on your mobile and email.
- Keep this number safe for downloading your e-PAN.
How to Download Instant E-PAN or Check Status
- Go to the official e-PAN download page.
- Enter your 15-digit acknowledgement number and captcha code.
- Click submit to view your E-PAN status and download the PDF file.
- If the PDF is password-protected, use your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format to open it.
Applying for Instant E-PAN via Aadhaar on Income Tax Portal
- Visit the official Income Tax e-filing website.
- Under ‘Quick Links’, click on ‘Instant E-PAN’.
- Click on ‘Get New E-PAN’.
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number, accept the declaration, and continue.
- You will get an OTP on your registered mobile; verify it.
- Accept terms, validate your email ID, and submit all details.
- You will receive an acknowledgement number once your Aadhaar is validated.
- Use the Aadhaar number and acknowledgement to check PAN allotment status at any time.
Checking Application Status or Downloading E-PAN
- Go to the Income Tax e-filing portal homepage.
- Click on ‘Instant E-PAN’ in the quick links.
- Select ‘Check Status / Download PAN’ option.
- Enter your Aadhaar number and OTP received on your mobile.
- Once verified, the status will show, and if the PAN is allotted, the download will be available.
This simple online process is made to give every eligible Indian resident an Instant E-PAN card quickly and without hassle. Make sure your Aadhaar details are up to date before applying. Now you can take care of your financial and tax-related needs without delay using your Instant E-PAN Card.