Applying for a PAN (Permanent Account Number) card is a crucial step for anyone engaged in financial activities in India. Issued by the Income Tax Department, a PAN card is essential for various transactions, including opening a bank account, filing tax returns, and conducting high-value purchases. To ensure the accuracy and validity of the PAN card, applicants must provide a set of documents that verify their identity, address, and date of birth. This comprehensive guide outlines the specific documents required for different categories of applicants, including individuals applying online, foreigners, minors, and students. Understanding these requirements will help streamline the application process, ensuring a hassle-free experience and timely issuance of your PAN card.
Applying for a PAN card in India requires specific documentation to verify identity, address, and date of birth. These documents ensure that the applicant's details are correctly recorded and verified by the Income Tax Department. Here’s a detailed guide on the documents needed for different categories of applicants.
Documents required to apply for a PAN card application online
Identity proof
- Voter ID card
- Aadhaar card
- Passport
- Driving licence
- Arm's license
- Photo identity card issued by central government or state government or any other public sector undertaking
- Certificate of identity in original signed by a Member of Parliament or Member of Legislative Assembly or Municipal Councilor
- Pensioner card having photograph of the applicant
Address proof
- Aadhaar card
- Passport (self/spouse)
- Driving licence
- Ration card with the applicant's photograph
- Electricity bill - latest
- Landline telephone bill - latest
- Broadband connection bill - latest
- Post office passbook featuring address of the applicant
- Bank account statement
- Credit card statement
- Domicile certificate issued by the central or state government
- Central government health scheme card
- Certificate of domicile
- Allotment letter
- Latest order for property tax assessment
Date of Birth Proof or Proof of Age
- Birth certificate issued by the Municipal Authority or any office authorised Registrar
- Aadhaar card
- Passport
- Matriculation certificate
- Marriage certificate issued by Registrar of Marriages
- Driving licence
- Affidavit signed before a magistrate stating the date of birth
- Pension payment order
- Bank certificate containing an attested photograph of the applicant along with bank account number of the applicant
Documents required for PAN application by a foreigner
Foreign applicants need to submit specific documents to apply for a PAN card in India. These documents ensure that their identity, address, and date of birth are verified accurately.
Identity proof
- Passport
- Aadhaar card
- Voter ID card
- Driving licence
- Photo identity card issued by Central or State Government of India
Address proof
- Passport
- Aadhaar card
- Voter ID card
- Driving licence
- Post office passbook clearly mentioning the applicant's address
- Ration card
- Certificate of domicile
Date of Birth proof
- Passport
- Aadhaar card
- Voter ID card
- Driving licence
- Birth certificate
- Matriculation certificate
- Pensioner card
Documents required for PAN card for minors and students
Minors and students also need to provide specific documents when applying for a PAN card. These documents ensure their identity and address are verified correctly.
Proof of Address
- Aadhaar card
- Driving licence
- Passport
- Last three month’s bank account statement
- Utility bills, such as electricity, gas, or telephone bill
- Voter ID card
- Domicile certificate issued by Government
- Original certificate of address attested by Gazetted officer or MLA
- Latest letter of accommodation allotment issued by the Central or State Government
Proof of Identity
- Aadhaar card
- Voter ID card
- Passport
- Driving licence
- Ration card
- Original identity certificate attested by Gazetted officer or MLA
- Bank certificate signed by Branch Manager
Ensuring you have the correct documents before applying for a PAN card can streamline the process and prevent any delays. Each category of applicants requires specific documentation to verify their identity, address, and date of birth, making it crucial to gather all necessary documents beforehand.
Required documentation for PAN card applications - Corporate entities
Business entities seeking a PAN card must submit the following documentation based on their legal structure:
Entity type |
Required documents |
Indian Registered Company |
Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Registrar of Companies |
Indian Firm |
Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of Limited Liability Partnership/Firms or Partnership Deed |
Indian Association of Persons (Trust) |
Trust Deed or Certificate of Registration Number issued by the Charity Commissioner |
Foreign Registered Company |
Registration Certificate issued by Indian authority or approval to establish an Indian office, or Registration Certificate from the applicant's country (apostilled or authenticated by Indian Embassy/High Commission/Consulate) |
Foreign Registered Firm |
[See Foreign Registered Company] |
Foreign Association of Persons (Trust) |
[See Foreign Registered Company] |
Other Foreign Entities |
[See Foreign Registered Company] |
Required documentation for PAN card application - Indian trusts
An Association of Persons (Trust) is an entity established to hold assets on behalf of beneficiaries. The specific formation method varies based on the trust's objectives.
To apply for a PAN card, Indian trusts must submit copies of the following documents:
- Deed of Trust
- Certificate of Registration Number issued by the Charity Commissioner
