{"id":348,"date":"2026-07-19T01:15:45","date_gmt":"2026-07-18T19:45:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.taxaj.com/learn\/how-to-download-e-pan-card-online\/"},"modified":"2026-07-19T01:27:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-18T19:57:00","slug":"how-to-download-e-pan-card-online","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.taxaj.com/learn\/how-to-download-e-pan-card-online\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Download Your e-PAN Card Online (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"

A Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is now available in a fully digital form known as the e-PAN, a password-protected PDF that carries the same legal validity as the physical card. If you have already been allotted a PAN, you can download the e-PAN online in a few minutes without visiting any office. This guide explains the three official routes available in 2026 \u2014 the Income Tax e-Filing portal, Protean (formerly NSDL) and UTIITSL \u2014 along with the details you need, the applicable charges and how to open the file.<\/p>\n

Understanding the two situations: instant e-PAN vs downloading an existing PAN<\/h2>\n

Before choosing a method, it helps to know which situation you are in. The Income Tax e-Filing portal offers a service called Instant e-PAN, which is meant for individuals who do not yet hold a PAN and wish to obtain one instantly using their Aadhaar. Through the same service you can also download the e-PAN that was generated for you.<\/p>\n

If your PAN was applied for or issued through an agency \u2014 that is, Protean or UTIITSL \u2014 you would ordinarily download the e-PAN from that respective agency’s portal. The distinction matters because the agency route depends on which body processed your PAN application, while the Income Tax portal route is tied to Aadhaar-based allotment. In all cases the file you receive is a PDF, and the password to open it is your date of birth.<\/p>\n

Method 1: Download instant e-PAN through the Income Tax e-Filing portal (Aadhaar-based)<\/h2>\n

This method is free of cost and is the quickest option for individuals whose Aadhaar is linked to an active mobile number. You do not need to log in to use it.<\/p>\n

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  1. Visit the Income Tax e-Filing portal and, on the home page, locate the Instant e-PAN service under the quick links or services section.<\/li>\n
  2. Select the option to check status or download the e-PAN.<\/li>\n
  3. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and confirm the declaration, then continue.<\/li>\n
  4. An OTP will be sent to the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar. Enter the OTP to verify your identity.<\/li>\n
  5. The portal will display the status of your e-PAN request. Once it shows that the PAN has been allotted, select the option to download the e-PAN.<\/li>\n
  6. The e-PAN is saved to your device as a PDF file.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    A few points are worth noting. The instant e-PAN facility is available only to individuals, not to companies, firms or trusts. Your Aadhaar must be linked to a working mobile number, since the entire process relies on OTP verification. If you do not already hold a PAN, the same service allows you to apply for a new one instantly using Aadhaar, and there is no fee for this.<\/p>\n

    Method 2: Download e-PAN from the Protean (formerly NSDL) portal<\/h2>\n

    If your PAN was issued or updated through Protean, you can download the e-PAN from the Protean online services page dedicated to e-PAN requests.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Go to the Protean e-PAN download page from a trusted source such as the Protean website.<\/li>\n
    2. Choose whether you wish to search using your PAN number or your acknowledgement number.<\/li>\n
    3. Enter the required details. If searching by PAN, you will typically provide your PAN, Aadhaar number (for individuals), date of birth or date of incorporation, and GSTN where applicable. If searching by acknowledgement number, enter that number along with the date of birth.<\/li>\n
    4. Tick the declaration and select how you wish to receive the OTP \u2014 by email, SMS or both \u2014 then generate the OTP.<\/li>\n
    5. Enter the OTP to validate the request. The OTP is generally valid for a limited time, so complete this step promptly.<\/li>\n
    6. If your request falls within the free window, the e-PAN is delivered to the email address registered in your PAN record. If it falls outside that window, you will be directed to make a small payment before the file is issued.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      On charges: where the PAN was allotted, or the changes confirmed, by the Income Tax Department within the last 30 days, Protean allows the e-PAN to be delivered to the registered email free of cost, up to three times. Beyond this 30-day window, a nominal charge of Rs. 8.26 (inclusive of taxes) applies for each download. The e-PAN arrives as a PDF, either directly or through a link in the email.<\/p>\n

      Method 3: Download e-PAN from the UTIITSL portal<\/h2>\n

      If your PAN was processed through UTIITSL, use its download e-PAN facility.<\/p>\n

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      1. Open the UTIITSL download e-PAN page from the official UTIITSL portal.<\/li>\n
      2. Enter your PAN number, date of birth or date of incorporation, and GSTIN if it is required in your case, then submit the request.<\/li>\n
      3. Choose your OTP delivery preference \u2014 email, SMS or both \u2014 and request the OTP.<\/li>\n
      4. Enter the OTP received to authenticate the request.<\/li>\n
      5. If a charge applies, complete the payment. Where the download is within the permitted free window, no payment is needed.<\/li>\n
      6. Download the e-PAN from the link provided or from the email sent to your registered address.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        As with Protean, UTIITSL provides the e-PAN free of charge where the PAN was allotted or updated within the last 30 days, after which a nominal charge of Rs. 8.26 (inclusive of taxes) applies. Make sure the email address and mobile number on record are current, because the OTP and the file are sent to those contact details.<\/p>\n

        Opening the e-PAN PDF: the password format<\/h2>\n

        Every e-PAN PDF is protected by a password so that only the rightful holder can open it. The password is your date of birth in the DDMMYYYY format, with no spaces or slashes. For example, if your date of birth is 24 June 1990, the password is 24061990. For non-individual applicants such as companies and firms, the password is the date of incorporation or formation, again in the DDMMYYYY format. If the file does not open, verify that the date on record with the department matches what you are entering.<\/p>\n

        A few practical reminders<\/h2>\n