How to Reprint PAN Card: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

The Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is one of the most critical identity and financial documents in India. Issued by the Income Tax Department, it serves as a unique identifier for all financial transactions, including tax filings, bank account openings, property purchases, and investment activities. Over time, PAN cards can become damaged, faded, lost, or outdated due to changes in personal details such as name or address. In such cases, reprinting your PAN card becomes essential to ensure uninterrupted access to financial services and legal compliance.

Reprinting a PAN card is not a reapplication process—it is a straightforward administrative update that allows you to obtain a fresh, legible copy of your existing PAN details without altering the number itself. Whether your card is torn, the print is smudged, or you simply need an extra copy for official documentation, knowing how to reprint your PAN card efficiently can save you time, avoid delays in financial processes, and prevent potential legal complications.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every aspect of reprinting your PAN card—from the official portals and required documents to common pitfalls and real-world examples. By the end of this tutorial, you will have a clear, actionable roadmap to successfully obtain a new PAN card copy, whether you prefer an online process or need to submit physical documentation.

Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding the Difference Between Reprint and Correction

Before initiating the reprint process, it’s crucial to distinguish between reprinting and correcting your PAN card. Reprinting refers to obtaining a new physical or digital copy of your existing PAN details with no changes to the information. This is ideal if your card is damaged, lost, or you need an additional copy.

However, if your name, date of birth, address, or photograph needs to be updated, you must apply for a correction or modification, which is a separate process with additional documentation requirements. Reprinting does not allow for any data changes. If you attempt to update information during a reprint request, the system will reject it or redirect you to the correction portal.

To confirm whether you need a reprint or correction, review your current PAN details on the Income Tax e-Filing portal. If the information is accurate and only the physical card is problematic, proceed with reprinting.

Eligibility Criteria for Reprinting

Any individual who has been issued a PAN card by the Income Tax Department is eligible to request a reprint. This includes:

• Indian citizens
• Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
• Foreign nationals holding a PAN

You must have your existing PAN number to proceed. No new PAN applications are processed through the reprint portal. If you do not know your PAN number, you can retrieve it using your name, date of birth, and mobile number via the official Income Tax e-Filing website.

Required Documents

Reprinting a PAN card does not require submission of new proof of identity or address if your existing details are unchanged. However, you will need the following:

• Your 10-digit PAN number
• Valid mobile number registered with the Income Tax Department
• Valid email address linked to your PAN
• Proof of identity (if requested during verification—Aadhaar, passport, or driver’s license)

Note: If you are reprinting for an NRI or foreign national, ensure your correspondence address is clearly stated and matches the one on file. Any mismatch may delay processing.

Online Reprint Process via NSDL Portal

The National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) is one of the two authorized agencies (along with UTIITSL) to manage PAN-related services. The NSDL portal is the most widely used platform for reprinting PAN cards.

1. Visit the Official NSDL Website – Open your browser and navigate to https://www.nsdl.com. Click on “PAN” in the top menu, then select “Apply Online” > “Reprint of PAN Card.”
2. Select Your Category – Choose whether you are an individual, HUF, company, or other entity. For most users, “Individual” is the correct option.
3. Enter Your PAN and Details – Input your 10-digit PAN number, full name as it appears on the card, date of birth, and captcha code. Click “Continue.”
4. Verify Your Mobile Number – An OTP will be sent to the mobile number linked to your PAN. Enter the OTP to proceed. If your mobile number is outdated, you must first update it via the correction portal before reprinting.
5. Select Reprint Option – Choose “Reprint of PAN Card” from the list of services. Confirm that no changes are being requested to your personal details.
6. Review and Submit – Double-check all entered details. Once confirmed, click “Submit.”
7. Make Payment – The reprint fee is ₹50 for delivery within India and ₹950 for international delivery. Payment can be made via net banking, UPI, credit/debit card, or digital wallets. After successful payment, a transaction ID will be generated.
8. Download Acknowledgment – Save or print the acknowledgment receipt. This contains your application number and payment details for future reference.

The entire online process typically takes less than 10 minutes. Once submitted, your request is processed within 5–7 working days. You will receive an SMS and email notification when your card is dispatched.

Online Reprint Process via UTIITSL Portal

UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited (UTIITSL) is the second authorized agency for PAN services. The process is nearly identical to NSDL’s.

1. Visit the UTIITSL Website – Go to https://www.utiitsl.com. Click on “PAN Services” > “Reprint of PAN Card.”
2. Enter PAN and Personal Details – Provide your PAN, full name, date of birth, and captcha. Click “Continue.”
3. OTP Verification – Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
4. Select Reprint Service – Choose “Reprint of PAN Card” and confirm that no modifications are required.
5. Review and Pay – Verify all information and proceed to payment. Fees are the same as NSDL: ₹50 for domestic and ₹950 for international.
6. Save Acknowledgment – Download and store your acknowledgment receipt. You will receive a tracking number via email.

Both NSDL and UTIITSL deliver the printed PAN card via speed post. Delivery timelines are consistent across both platforms.

Reprinting via the Income Tax e-Filing Portal

The Income Tax Department’s official e-Filing portal also allows users to request a reprint directly.

1. Login to e-Filing Portal – Visit https://www.incometax.gov.in and log in using your PAN and password.
2. Navigate to “My Profile” – After login, click on “My Profile” in the top menu.
3. Select “PAN Card Reprint” – Under the “PAN” section, you will find an option labeled “Reprint PAN Card.” Click on it.
4. Confirm Details – The system will auto-populate your name, PAN, and address. Verify accuracy.
5. Choose Delivery Mode – Select “Domestic” or “International” delivery.
6. Pay the Fee – Complete payment using the integrated payment gateway.
7. Receive Confirmation – You will receive a confirmation message and email. Your request is now processed.

This method is ideal for users who already have an active e-Filing account and want to avoid third-party portals. The experience is seamless and integrates directly with your tax records.

Offline Reprint Process (For Those Without Digital Access)

If you do not have access to the internet or face difficulties with digital verification, you may apply offline.

1. Download Form 49A – Visit the NSDL or UTIITSL website and download Form 49A (for Indian citizens) or Form 49AA (for foreigners).
2. Fill the Form – In Section 1, write “Reprint of PAN Card” under “Type of Application.” Fill in your PAN, name, date of birth, and address. Do not alter any existing data.
3. Attach Required Documents – Include a copy of your existing PAN card (if available), a recent passport-sized photograph, and proof of identity (Aadhaar, passport, etc.).
4. Pay the Fee – Pay ₹50 via demand draft or postal order in favor of “NSDL-PAN” or “UTIITSL-PAN,” depending on the agency you choose.
5. Submit the Form – Mail the completed form, documents, and payment to the address listed on the NSDL or UTIITSL website.
6. Track Your Request – You will receive an acknowledgment via post. Processing time is 15–20 working days.

While offline submission is reliable, it is significantly slower than online methods. Use this option only if digital access is not feasible.

Best Practices

Verify Your Details Before Reprinting

Always cross-check your PAN details on the Income Tax e-Filing portal before initiating a reprint. If your name is misspelled or your address is outdated, you must correct it first. Attempting to reprint with incorrect data may lead to rejection or delivery failure.

Use Only Official Portals

Many third-party websites claim to offer PAN reprint services for higher fees or promise faster delivery. These are often scams or unauthorized intermediaries. Always use the official NSDL, UTIITSL, or Income Tax e-Filing portals. No legitimate service requires you to pay more than ₹50 for domestic reprinting.

Keep a Digital Copy

After receiving your new PAN card, scan or photograph it and store it securely in encrypted cloud storage or a password-protected folder. Many institutions now accept digital copies for KYC verification. Having a backup eliminates the need for future reprints.

Update Contact Information

Ensure your mobile number and email address are current. These are used for OTP verification and delivery notifications. Outdated contact details are the leading cause of failed reprint requests.

Retain Payment and Acknowledgment Receipts

Always download and save your payment receipt and acknowledgment number. These are required if you need to track your request or raise a query later. Store them in multiple locations—email, cloud, and printed copy.

Check Delivery Status Regularly

After submission, track your application using the acknowledgment number on the NSDL or UTIITSL website. If your card hasn’t arrived within 10 working days, contact the support team via the official portal’s grievance form—not through unofficial channels.

Do Not Lend or Share Your PAN Card

Even though you are reprinting for a backup, never share your original or digital PAN card with unverified individuals or websites. PAN is a sensitive identifier and can be misused for financial fraud. Always verify the legitimacy of any entity requesting your PAN.

Reprint Only When Necessary

There is no limit on how many times you can reprint your PAN card. However, each request incurs a fee. Only initiate a reprint when the existing card is unusable or lost. Avoid unnecessary requests to reduce costs and administrative burden.

Tools and Resources

Official Portals

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

Document Verification Tools

• Aadhaar Verification Portal – https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in – To verify your identity details if they need updating.
• PAN Status Checker – Available on all three official portals. Use your acknowledgment number to track your reprint request.

Document Scanning and Storage Tools

• Adobe Scan – Free mobile app to scan documents with OCR (optical character recognition) for text extraction.
• Google Drive – Securely store scanned copies with folder encryption and sharing controls.
• OneDrive – Microsoft’s cloud storage with end-to-end encryption for sensitive documents.

Payment Gateways

Official portals support the following secure payment methods:

• Net Banking (all major banks)
• UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm)
• Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, RuPay)
• Digital Wallets (Paytm, Amazon Pay)

Always ensure the payment page displays “https://” and a padlock icon in the browser address bar to confirm encryption.

Customer Support Tools

If you encounter issues, use the official grievance redressal forms on NSDL and UTIITSL websites. These are monitored by departmental staff and typically respond within 3–5 business days.

Mobile Apps

• DigiLocker – Government-backed app to store digital copies of PAN, Aadhaar, and other documents. Once uploaded, your PAN card is legally valid for all purposes.
• Income Tax App – Official mobile application for tracking PAN status, filing returns, and accessing e-verified documents.

Real Examples

Example 1: Lost PAN Card – Ramesh, Mumbai

Ramesh, a freelance graphic designer, misplaced his PAN card while moving apartments. He needed it to open a new bank account for client payments. He visited the Income Tax e-Filing portal, logged in using his PAN and password, clicked “Reprint PAN Card,” selected domestic delivery, paid ₹50 via UPI, and downloaded his acknowledgment. Within 6 days, he received his new card via speed post. He also uploaded the scanned copy to DigiLocker for future use.

Example 2: Faded Print – Priya, Delhi

Priya’s PAN card had faded over time due to frequent handling. When she applied for a home loan, the bank rejected her physical copy. She used the NSDL portal to request a reprint. She verified her details, paid the fee, and received the new card in 7 days. She then submitted the fresh copy to her lender and updated her records with all financial institutions.

Example 3: NRI Reprint – Arjun, Toronto

Arjun, an NRI working in Canada, needed a reprint of his PAN card to invest in Indian mutual funds. He used the UTIITSL portal, selected international delivery, and paid ₹950. He provided his Canadian mailing address and uploaded a scanned copy of his passport as proof of identity. His card was delivered in 14 days. He now keeps a digital copy in his encrypted cloud folder and shares it only with verified financial advisors.

Example 4: Offline Reprint – Mrs. Sharma, Rural Odisha

Mrs. Sharma, a senior citizen without internet access, visited her local post office. She downloaded Form 49A from a public computer, filled it manually, attached her Aadhaar copy and a photograph, and paid ₹50 via postal order. She mailed the form to NSDL. After 18 days, she received her new PAN card by post. She now keeps it in a fireproof box and has shared a scanned copy with her family for emergencies.

Example 5: Failed Reprint Due to Outdated Mobile – Vikas, Bangalore

Vikas attempted to reprint his PAN card online but received an error stating “Mobile number not verified.” He discovered his registered mobile was no longer active. He first used the correction portal to update his mobile number using his Aadhaar, waited 48 hours for the update to reflect, and then successfully reapplied for reprinting. This example highlights the importance of maintaining updated contact details.

FAQs

Can I reprint my PAN card if it’s damaged?

Yes. If your PAN card is torn, faded, water-damaged, or otherwise unreadable, you can request a reprint. The new card will have the same PAN number but a fresh print.

Is there a limit to how many times I can reprint my PAN card?

No, there is no legal limit. You may request a reprint as many times as needed. However, each request requires payment of the applicable fee.

How long does it take to receive a reprint of the PAN card?

Domestic deliveries take 5–7 working days. International deliveries may take 10–14 working days, depending on the destination country.

Can I get a digital PAN card instead of a physical one?

Yes. After reprinting, you can download a digital copy from the Income Tax e-Filing portal or store it in DigiLocker. A digitally signed e-PAN card has the same legal validity as a physical one.

What if I don’t remember my PAN number?

You can retrieve your PAN using your name, date of birth, and mobile number on the Income Tax e-Filing portal. Alternatively, check old tax documents, bank statements, or Form 16.

Can I change my name or address while reprinting?

No. Reprinting only provides a new copy of existing details. To update your name, address, or photograph, you must apply for a correction using Form 49A or the online correction portal.

Is the reprint fee refundable if the application is rejected?

Yes, if your application is rejected due to an error on the department’s side (e.g., system failure), the fee is refunded automatically. If rejected due to incorrect information provided by you, the fee is non-refundable.

Do I need to visit a PAN center for reprinting?

No. The entire process can be completed online. Offline applications require postal submission but do not require a personal visit.

Can I reprint my PAN card if I’m outside India?

Yes. NRIs and foreign nationals can request reprinting with international delivery. Ensure your correspondence address is accurate and supported by valid identification.

Is the new PAN card the same as the old one?

Yes. The PAN number, name, and details remain identical. Only the physical print quality and date of issue are updated.

What should I do if I receive a wrong PAN card?

If the printed details are incorrect, contact the NSDL or UTIITSL support team immediately using your acknowledgment number. They will guide you on initiating a correction request.

Can I use a photocopy of the reprint for KYC?

Many institutions accept clear photocopies. However, for legal compliance, a digitally signed e-PAN or original printed card is preferred. Always check the specific requirements of the institution.

Is the PAN reprint request secure?

Yes. All official portals use SSL encryption and comply with RBI and IT Act security standards. Never share your PAN, OTP, or payment details with unknown parties.

Conclusion

Reprinting your PAN card is a simple, secure, and essential service for maintaining financial integrity in India. Whether your card is damaged, lost, or you simply need a backup, the process is designed to be user-friendly and accessible through multiple channels. By following the steps outlined in this guide—using only official portals, verifying your details, paying the correct fee, and storing your digital copy—you can ensure a smooth and successful reprint without unnecessary delays or expenses.

The key to success lies in preparation: always confirm your details before applying, keep your contact information updated, and avoid third-party intermediaries. With the rise of digital identity systems like DigiLocker and e-KYC, the PAN card is evolving into a hybrid physical-digital asset. Embrace this shift by maintaining both a printed and digital version of your card.

Remember, your PAN is not just a document—it’s your financial identity. Protect it, update it when needed, and use it wisely. Reprinting your PAN card is not a burden; it’s a proactive step toward financial security and compliance. Use this guide as your trusted reference every time you need a fresh copy, and ensure your financial journey remains uninterrupted.