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PAN is set in the form of a 10-digit unique identification alphanumeric number (containing both alphabets and numbers) assigned to Indians, mainly to those who pay tax. Permanent Account Number or PAN is a mode of identifying taxpayers across the country.
While applying for a new PAN, you have to submit certain documents as proof of identity, proof of address and proof of date of birth. The requirement and validity of documents may differ depending on the applicant and also based on the purpose of the application. The documents required for PAN card by different types of applicants vary as per the entity type (individual or organisation).
You can apply for a new PAN or correction in the existing PAN or the reissuance of PAN Card in case of its loss or damage. Based on the residential status of the applicant, Form 49A or Form 49AA is to be filled and submitted along with a set of valid documents.
Documents for PAN of HUF and Individuals (Citizens)
The three main documents required for PAN application by an Individual Indian Citizen or a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) include Proof of Identity, Proof of DOB and Address proof. For each proof type, the Income Tax Department has suggested a list of documents.
Documents accepted as Proof of Identity –
Copy of any of below-mentioned
- Voter’s ID card
- Passport
- Aadhar card
- Ration card having Applicant’s photo
- Driving License
- Photo ID card which is issued by the central government, state government or any undertaking of public sector
- A certificate issued by a bank that should be duly attested, containing applicant’s photo and the bank a/c number
- Arm’s license
- Central government health scheme card
- Pensioner card copy with applicant’s photograph
Original of below-mentioned
- A certificate of identity in the prescribed format signed by a Member of Legislative Assembly, Member of Parliament, Municipal Councillor or a Gazetted Officer
- Bank statement on letterhead from the bank branch along with name and stamp of the issuing officer and containing a duly attested photograph and bank account number of the applicant
Points to note:
- In case a minor applicant, parents’/guardian’s proof of identity shall be deemed to be the proof of identity and address for the minor applicant.
- In case of HUFs, an affidavit by the head of the HUF stating the name, father’s name and address of all the coparceners on the date of application will work as a proof of identity.
Documents accepted as Proof of Address –
Copy of any of below-mentioned
- Electricity Bills
- Landline connection Bills
- Bills for Broadband connection
- Voter ID card containing a photograph
- Aadhaar card
- Passport
- Passport of spouse
- Statements of Bank Account
- Statements of Credit Card
- Passbook of Post office account containing the applicant’s address
- Latest order for property tax assessment
- Domicile certificate allotted by the government
- Driving license
- Allotment letter of accommodation issued by Central or State Government of not more than three years old
- Property Registration Documents
Point to note:
- Utility Bills and Bank/Credit card statements must be recent and not more than three months old.
Documents accepted as Proof of Date of Birth –
Copy of any of below-mentioned
- Birth certificate issued by any office that is certified for issuing Birth as well as Death Certificate, like Municipal Authority
- Birth Certificate issued by Indian Consulate
- Matriculation certificate from a recognized board
- Aadhaar Card
- Driving license
- Passport
- Certificate of Marriage issued from Marriage Registrar’s Office
- Pension payment order
- Domicile certificate issued by Government of India or any of the state governments
- An affidavit stating the DOB which is signed before a magistrate
- Photo identity card issued by the Central Government or State Government or Central Public Sector Undertaking or State Public Sector Undertaking.
Documents for PAN of HUF and Individuals (Non-Citizens)
Documents needed for PAN Card application by Individuals and HUFs who are not citizens of India slightly differ from those who are Indian Citizens. These applicants do not have to submit proof of date of birth, only proof of identity and address. Here’s is the list of acceptable documents
Documents accepted as Proof of Identity –
Copy of any of below-mentioned
- Passport
- OCI card that is allotted by Government of India
- PIO card allotted by the Government of India
- Other Citizenship ID Number, National ID Number, Taxpayer ID Number (any of these) –have to be properly attested either by the ‘Apostille’ or by any of the Indian Embassy/ High Commission/ Consulate functioning in the applicant’s home country
Documents accepted as Proof of Address –
Copy of any of below-mentioned
- Passport
- PIO card allotted by the Government of India
- OCI card that is allotted by the Government of India
- Non-resident external bank account statements in India
- Bank account statements from the country where the applicant resides
- Registration certificate issued by Office of Foreigner’s Registration and reflects Indian address
- Other Citizenship ID Number or National ID Number, Taxpayer ID Number – (any of these) have to be properly attested either by the ‘Apostille’ or by any of the Indian Embassy/ High Commission/ Consulate functioning in the applicant’s home country Visa that is granted by any foreign country as well as the Appointment letter copy provided by the Indian company or Employer-issued original certificate of Address in India.
Documents for PAN of Companies Incorporated in India
For PAN applications, a Company could mean any of the following:
- Company
- Partnership Firm
- Limited Liability Partnership
- Trust
- Association of Persons
- Body of Individuals
- Local Authority
- Artificial Juridical Person
Depending on the type of company, the following set of documents are required for PAN application:
| Type of Entity | Proof of Identity/Address |
|---|---|
Company | Copy of Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of Companies. |
Partnership Firm | Copy of Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of Firms or Copy of partnership deed. |
Limited Liability Partnership | Copy of Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of LLPs |
Trust | Copy of trust deed or copy of the certificate of registration number issued by Charity Commissioner. |
Association of Person, Body of Individuals, | Copy of Agreement or copy of the certificate of registration number issued by charity commissioner or registrar of cooperative society or any other competent authority or any other document originating from any Central or State Government Department establishing identity and address of such person. |
Documents for PAN Application of Assesses (Non-Individuals)
Mentioned below are the documents needed for PAN Card application by a firm or association of persons including those that do not have any office in India –
- Documents accepted as Proof of Identity: Copy of -
- Company registration certificate issued in the country where the applicant resides duly attested by ‘Apostille’ or by the High Commission or Consulate in the country of applicant’s residence or by the Indian Embassy or any other authorised officials of overseas branches of Scheduled Banks registered in India
- Registration certificate issued in India or of approval granted to set up an office in India by Indian Authorities.
- Documents accepted as Proof of Address: Copy of –
- Certificate of Registration issued in the country of residence of the applicant, duly attested by ‘Apostille’ or by the Indian Embassy or High Commission or Consulate in the country where the applicant is located or authorised officials of overseas branches of Scheduled Banks registered in India
- Registration certificate issued in India or of approval granted to set up an office in India by Indian Authorities.
- Applicants must make sure that these certificates adhere to the format prescribed by the Income Tax Authorities.
FAQs: Documents Required for PAN Card
1. Can a person obtain or use more than one PAN?
Obtaining or possessing more than one PAN is against the law, for which penalty of Rs. 10,000/- may be imposed.
2. How do I get the PAN application form?
You can get the PAN application form at the PAN centre. Alternatively, you can download PAN application form 49A or 49AA online from TIN NSDL website.
3. Is a photograph compulsory for making an application for PAN?
A photograph is compulsory only in case of Individual applicants.
4. Will my PAN card number change if I make a change in my name?
No, your PAN will remain the same even if there is a change in your name as it is a Permanent Account Number.
5. How do I check the status of my PAN Card application?
You can track the status of your Pan online by visiting
6. Will the existing PAN cards issued by the Department remain valid?
All PAN allotted and PAN card issued by the Department will remain valid. All persons who have been allotted a PAN need not apply again.
7. Why is it necessary to have PAN?
You will not be able to file your ITR if you do not present your PAN. All bank accounts not linked with PAN will be deactivated soon. Also, it is necessary to furnish PAN for making cash transactions above Rs 50,000.
End Note
Carefully go through the list of documents as mentioned above, depending on the type of application and applicant. PAN is generally used to keep a track on tax payments. One can easily apply for PAN card online with the NSDL or the UTIITSL website by submitting some important documents. Without submitting these documents, a PAN card application can be rejected.