Unlocking the secret: Demystifying the PAN card password

Your PAN card password is usually your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format, such as 01011990. Learn how to open, download and unlock your e-PAN PDF using the correct password format and access your PAN details securely.
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In Summary

The PAN card password for an individual is their date of birth in DDMMYYYY format, such as 07041992 for 7 April 1992.


  • An e-PAN PDF uses the date of birth in DDMMYYYY format as the password.
  • For companies, the PAN password is the date of incorporation in DDMMYYYY format.
  • Individual PAN PDF passwords contain only eight digits, so they are not affected by letter case.
  • You can download e-PAN from the Income Tax e-Filing portal or the authorised provider after required OTP verification.
  • If the PDF does not open, check the date format and download the file again.

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2 min read
Oct 19, 2026

The PAN card PDF password protects a downloaded e-PAN file from unauthorised access. When you obtain the PDF through an official PAN service or the Income Tax e-Filing portal, you need the correct password to open it. For individuals, the e-PAN password is generally the date of birth in DDMMYYYY format; company PDFs may use the date of incorporation in the same format. The sections below explain the password format, how to download and open the file, and what to check if it does not work.


What is the PAN card password format?

The PAN card password format is generally the date of birth in DDMMYYYY format for individuals. If you mean the PAN card password for a company, use its date of incorporation in the same format. Enter all eight digits in day-month-year order, without spaces or separators.

Applicant TypePassword FormatExample
IndividualDate of birth in DDMMYYYY formatBorn 7 April 1992: 07041992
Company/LLP/HUFDate of incorporation in DDMMYYYY formatIncorporated 1 March 2010: 01032010

The e-PAN password uses digits only in these formats, so letter case does not apply. Confirm the relevant date in your PAN records if the file will not open.


How to download and open a PAN card PDF with the PAN card password

The password for PAN card PDF access is usually the individual's date of birth in DDMMYYYY format; company PDFs may use the incorporation date in the same format.

  1. Open the official portal: Visit the Income Tax e-Filing portal for Instant e-PAN or the authorised provider that issued your PAN.
  2. Select the download option: For Instant e-PAN, choose Instant e-PAN, then select Check Status / Download PAN. For other applications, use the relevant provider's download service.
  3. Enter your details: Provide the Aadhaar or PAN details the portal requests and complete any CAPTCHA.
  4. Verify your identity: Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number or other provider-supported contact method.
  5. Download and open: Save the PDF and enter your PAN card password in the correct format to view the document.

The e-PAN card password format uses eight digits, with no spaces or separators.


How to open PAN card PDF with password

Enter the password for PAN card PDFs after you open the downloaded file in a PDF reader. Follow these five steps:

  1. Locate the file: Find the downloaded e-PAN PDF on your device.
  2. Open the PDF: Use Adobe Acrobat Reader or another standard PDF reader.
  3. Enter the password: When prompted, enter the PAN card PDF password as the date of birth in DDMMYYYY format. For example, 07041992 represents 7 April 1992.
  4. Use the entity date where applicable: For company PDFs, enter the date of incorporation in DDMMYYYY format, such as 01032010 for 1 March 2010.
  5. View the document: Select Open or OK to display your e-PAN details.

Tip: If the password is rejected, check the date against your PAN records, remove any spaces or special characters, and download the PDF again if needed.


How to change PAN card password?

Changing your PAN card password is advisable to enhance security. Follow these steps to modify your e-PAN card password:

  1. Access the official portal: Visit the official NSDL or UTIITSL website and navigate to the e-PAN card section.
  2. Login: Log in to your account using your existing credentials.
  3. Select change password: Look for the option to change the password within the settings or account management section.
  4. Enter old and new password: Provide your current password and choose a new, secure password following the prescribed format.
  5. Save changes: Confirm the changes and save them to update your PAN card password successfully.

How to change PAN card password?

You cannot change the built-in e-PAN PDF password. The PAN password is based on the relevant date, while the ePAN password is separate from your Income Tax e-Filing account password. You can change your e-Filing password after logging in or reset it if forgotten. To review your PAN details, visit Know Your PAN.

 

To change your e-Filing password

  1. Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing portal.
  2. Select Change Password from your dashboard.
  3. Enter your current password and create a new one.
  4. Use 8–14 characters with uppercase and lowercase letters, a number and a special character. Your new password cannot match your previous three passwords.

 

To reset a forgotten password

  1. Select Forgot Password and enter your PAN as the user ID.
  2. Choose an available verification method, such as e-Filing OTP, Aadhaar OTP, bank or demat EVC, DSC, or net banking.
  3. Complete verification, set your new password and save the transaction ID.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the password to open a PAN card PDF?

The password to open an individual PAN card PDF is the holder's date of birth in DDMMYYYY format. For example, 7 April 1992 becomes 07041992. For companies, use the date of incorporation in the same format.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For individuals, the PAN card password uses the date of birth in DDMMYYYY format. For companies, it uses the date of incorporation. For example, 07041992 represents 7 April 1992, while 01032010 represents 1 March 2010.

If your PAN card password does not work, check that the date is entered in DDMMYYYY format without spaces or symbols. Confirm the relevant date against your PAN records, then download the PDF again from the official provider if needed.

You do not need to recover a separate password for the e-PAN PDF. Use your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format or, for companies, the date of incorporation. If the file still fails to open, check your records and redownload it.

The supplied guidance does not identify an official way to remove the e-PAN PDF password. Keep the original file protected and enter the correct date-based password to open it using a compatible PDF reader.

Yes, you can open a downloaded e-PAN PDF offline using a compatible PDF reader and the correct password. You need an internet connection to download or retrieve the file again from the relevant official portal.

An e-PAN is a valid form of PAN in India, but acceptance for international financial transactions depends on the bank, institution, destination country, and transaction rules. Check the receiving institution's KYC requirements before relying on it.

Yes, a valid, digitally signed e-PAN is a recognised form of PAN in India. It can be used where PAN is accepted for KYC, subject to the receiving bank or organisation's verification process and document requirements.

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