PAN Card Online Apply 2026 – Free Instant e-PAN, New Form 93, Fees & Documents

PAN Card Online Apply 2026 – Free Instant e-PAN & Physical PAN Card Process

A Permanent Account Number is a unique identifier issued by the Income Tax Department for tax and specified financial transactions. In 2026, an individual who does not already have a PAN can apply online in two useful ways: free Instant e-PAN through the Income Tax e-Filing portal, or a regular PAN application through an authorised PAN service provider such as Protean or UTIITSL.

There is an important change from older guides. From 1 April 2026, the Income-tax Rules, 2026 introduced new PAN application forms. An Indian citizen applying as an individual now uses Form No. 93 instead of the old Form 49A.

Fastest free option: If you are an individual, do not already have PAN, have a valid Aadhaar, an active mobile number linked with Aadhaar and access to DigiLocker, you can use the Income Tax Department's Instant e-PAN service free of cost.

2026 correction: Do not select Form 49A just because an older website tells you to. For applications under the Income-tax Rules, 2026, Form 93 is for an Indian individual, Form 94 for non-individual Indian entities, Form 95 for foreign individuals and Form 96 for foreign entities.

Fee clarification: A regular physical PAN card does not always cost exactly ₹107. Protean currently lists ₹107 for an Indian-address application submitted using physical-document mode, while a paperless application with physical-card dispatch in India is ₹101. A free Instant e-PAN issued through the Income Tax e-Filing portal has no application fee.

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PAN Card Online Apply 2026 Overview

Which Method Should You Choose?

Method 1: Free Instant e-PAN Through Aadhaar

The Instant e-PAN facility is a free pre-login service of the Income Tax Department. It provides a digitally signed PAN in electronic form to an eligible individual who has never been allotted a PAN.

Who Can Use Instant e-PAN?

• You must be an individual taxpayer.

• You must not already have a PAN allotted.

• You need a valid Aadhaar number.

• Your Aadhaar must have an active mobile number linked to it.

• You need access to DigiLocker for the current process.

• You must not be a minor on the date of request.

• You must not fall under the notified Representative Assessee restriction for this service.

How to Apply for Instant e-PAN

1. Open the official Income Tax e-Filing portal.

2. Under Quick Links, select Instant e-PAN.

3. Choose Get New e-PAN.

4. Complete the DigiLocker step and provide consent to share an accepted date-of-birth document.

5. Enter the Aadhaar number requested for PAN allotment.

6. Generate and validate the OTP sent to the Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

7. Review the Aadhaar/e-KYC information displayed by the portal.

8. Submit the request after verifying the details.

9. Save the acknowledgement number shown after successful submission.

10. Use Check Status / Download e-PAN later to view or download the generated e-PAN.

DigiLocker DOB proof: The current Instant e-PAN flow can use accepted date-of-birth documents available through DigiLocker, such as a driving licence, birth certificate, Class 10 marksheet or Class 10 passing certificate. If you cannot complete the DigiLocker proof step, use the regular PAN application route.

Method 2: Regular PAN Application With Form 93

Indian citizens who need a regular PAN application can use an authorised PAN service portal. Under the 2026 rules, an Indian individual applies using Form No. 93.

New PAN Forms From April 2026

Regular PAN Application Steps

1. Open an authorised PAN application portal such as Protean or UTIITSL.

2. Choose the application for allotment of a new PAN.

3. For an Indian individual, select the current Form 93 route.

4. Enter name, date of birth, email, mobile and other required details carefully.

5. Choose the appropriate physical-document or paperless verification mode available on the portal.

6. Provide proof of identity, proof of address and proof of date of birth as required.

7. Choose whether you require a physical PAN card or only e-PAN.

8. Pay the applicable fee.

9. Complete e-KYC/e-Sign or send the acknowledgement and supporting documents if you selected physical-document mode.

10. Save the acknowledgement/reference number for status tracking.

PAN Application Fees in 2026

The fee depends on whether you want a physical card and which submission mode you choose. Protean currently lists the following inclusive-of-tax charges:

The fee table above reflects Protean's published processing charges. Always check the amount displayed by the authorised portal immediately before payment because service charges or rules can be revised.

Documents Required for Form 93

Under the Income-tax Rules, 2026, an Indian individual generally needs documents covering three categories:

• Proof of Identity

• Proof of Address

• Proof of Date of Birth

Examples of Proof of Identity

• Aadhaar card

• Indian passport

• Driving licence

• Voter photo identity card

• Ration card containing the applicant's photograph

• Other permitted government/PSU photo identity documents listed in Rule 158

Examples of Proof of Address

• Aadhaar card

• Indian passport

• Voter ID

• Driving licence

• Post-office passbook containing the applicant's address

• Government domicile certificate

• Recent electricity, water, landline/broadband, gas, bank, depository or credit-card statement where permitted under the current rules

Proof of Date of Birth

For most individuals, accepted date-of-birth proof can include documents such as a birth certificate, Indian passport, driving licence, voter ID, government domicile certificate or recognised-board matriculation certificate/marksheet, subject to Rule 158. For individuals born on or after 1 October 2023, the current Form 93 instructions specifically require a birth certificate as date-of-birth proof.

Important Aadhaar Rules

• Aadhaar is mandatory for Form 93 applicants except notified exempt categories.

• For a new PAN applicant, Aadhaar-PAN linking is normally handled during the application process.

• Name and date-of-birth details should be entered carefully to avoid Aadhaar authentication mismatch.

• Instant e-PAN requires an active Aadhaar-linked mobile number for OTP verification.

Already have PAN? Do not apply for a new PAN through Instant e-PAN or Form 93 just because you lost the card. Use the PAN reprint or correction service instead. Instant e-PAN is only for an eligible individual who has not already been allotted PAN.

How to Check PAN Application Status

Instant e-PAN Status

1. Open the Income Tax e-Filing portal.

2. Choose Instant e-PAN from Quick Links.

3. Select Check Status / Download e-PAN.

4. Enter your Aadhaar number.

5. Verify the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile.

6. View the status and download the e-PAN when allotted.

Protean PAN Status

Use the PAN application status facility and enter the 15-digit acknowledgement number generated after a successful new PAN or change request.

Physical PAN Card Reprint

If PAN is already allotted and the details are correct, you do not need to apply for another PAN. Protean offers a reprint facility for eligible existing PAN holders. Where the communication address is in India, the published online reprint fee is ₹50 inclusive of taxes for the applicable Protean reprint route.

If you need to change the name, date of birth, parent name, address or another PAN record, use the official PAN correction/change service instead of the simple reprint option.

Common PAN Application Mistakes

• Using outdated Form 49A instructions after 1 April 2026.

• Applying for another PAN even though a PAN has already been allotted.

• Entering a name or date of birth that does not match supporting documents.

• Using an Aadhaar-linked mobile number that is no longer active for Instant e-PAN.

• Selecting physical-document mode but failing to send the acknowledgement and documents when required.

• Uploading unclear identity, address or date-of-birth proof.

• Paying money on look-alike or unauthorised websites.

• Losing the acknowledgement or token/reference number.

Important Official Links

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a PAN card online in 2026?

Yes. New PAN applications can be made online. Eligible individuals can use the free Instant e-PAN service, while regular PAN applications are available through authorised providers.

Is Instant e-PAN free?

Yes. The Income Tax Department states that the Instant e-PAN service is free of cost.

Which form should an Indian individual use in 2026?

From 1 April 2026, an Indian individual applies using Form No. 93 under the new Income-tax Rules, 2026.

Is Form 49A still the correct new PAN form?

Older guides refer to Form 49A. Under the 2026 rules, it has been replaced for current applications by the new PAN forms; Form 93 applies to an Indian individual.

What do I need for Instant e-PAN?

You need to be an eligible individual without an existing PAN, have a valid Aadhaar with an active linked mobile number, and have access to DigiLocker for the current Instant e-PAN process.

Will Instant e-PAN give me a physical PAN card?

The free Instant e-PAN service issues PAN electronically. If you need a physical card, use an applicable physical-card/reprint service after allotment or choose a regular PAN application route that provides physical dispatch.

How much does a physical PAN card cost?

Protean currently lists ₹107 inclusive of tax for an India-address application using physical-document mode, and ₹101 for a paperless application with physical-card dispatch in India.

Can a minor use Instant e-PAN?

No. The current Instant e-PAN service excludes minors. However, minors can apply for PAN through the regular Form 93 process with the applicable Representative Assessee documents.

Can I apply for another PAN if I lost my card?

No. If PAN has already been allotted, use the official reprint or correction facility rather than applying for a new PAN.

How can I track my PAN application?

Instant e-PAN can be tracked with Aadhaar OTP through the e-Filing portal. Protean regular applications can be tracked using the 15-digit acknowledgement number.

Can the PAN form be edited after final submission?

The 2026 PAN-form FAQ states that edits are not allowed after final submission. If PAN is allotted with incorrect details, a separate correction request is required.

Disclaimer

This article on NexRojgar is intended for general informational purposes. PAN forms, fees, eligibility conditions, document requirements and online procedures can be revised by the Income Tax Department or authorised PAN service providers. Always verify the latest information on the official Income Tax, Protean or UTIITSL portal before submitting personal information or making a payment. NexRojgar is not associated with the Income Tax Department, Protean or UTIITSL.