A PAN card is an important financial identity document used for tax-related and other financial transactions in India. The Know Your PAN service helps you verify PAN details and check whether the information linked to a PAN is valid. It can also help you identify incorrect details while checking a PAN record. Verifying PAN information through official channels is important, especially when you need to identify a fake PAN card number or confirm the authenticity of PAN details. This guide explains how PAN verification works and the key details you should check.
What is a PAN card and why does PAN verification matter?
A PAN card is a 10-character alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department under Section 139 of the Income Tax Act, 1961, for tax and financial transactions, including property transactions above Rs. 10 lakh.
PAN verification ensures your PAN is active and your details match Income Tax Department records. An inoperative PAN may attract 20% TDS under Section 206AA in applicable cases. Knowing your PAN status helps confirm a real PAN card through official records. Bajaj Finance also offers financial services that may require valid PAN details.
PAN Card Details: What You Need to Know
A PAN is a 10-character alphanumeric identifier, with each position carrying specific information about the PAN holder. The PAN number structure can be understood using the example AFZPK7190K.
| Position | What it represents |
|---|
| 1–3: AFZ | Alphabetic series from AAA to ZZZ. |
| 4: P | PAN holder status; P represents an individual. |
| 5: K | First letter of the holder’s surname. |
| 6–9: 7190 | Sequential number from 0001 to 9999. |
| 10: K | Alphabetic check digit used for validation. |
This structure helps identify the PAN holder category and supports PAN number validation. Knowing these PAN card details can help with pan verification, including when you need to know your PAN number by name and DOB through the Income Tax portal.
How to know your PAN card number?
To know your PAN, use the Verify Your PAN service on the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal. If you have lost your PAN, you can also check your PAN card, previous tax records or contact the Income Tax Department.
- Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal.
- Select Verify Your PAN.
- Enter your PAN details for PAN verification.
- Provide the requested personal details and submit.
- Check the verification result displayed on screen.
Note: The earlier “Know Your PAN” service has been discontinued. You cannot find an unknown PAN using only your name and DOB.
How to verify your PAN card online: Step-by-step
PAN verification is a free, quick process that you can complete online in three steps through the Income Tax e-filing portal.
- Open the Income Tax e-filing portal: Visit the official portal and select Verify PAN Status under Quick Links.
- Enter your details: Provide your PAN, name, date of birth and mobile number as requested.
- Verify with OTP: Enter the OTP sent to your mobile number and submit the details to view your PAN status. You can also verify your PAN for more guidance.
Note: The Income Tax portal limits free online PAN verification to 10 searches per day per IP address.
How to verify PAN through NSDL?
You can verify PAN details through the authorised NSDL/Protean verification service by entering the required PAN and personal details and completing the available verification steps.
Use the official verification service to verify PAN card details before submitting your PAN for financial or tax-related requirements.
How to spot a real PAN card vs a fake one
A real PAN card can usually be distinguished from a fake PAN card by checking its hologram, printing quality and security features. A fake PAN card check should also include online verification through the Income Tax Department.
| Feature | Real PAN Card | Fake or Counterfeit PAN Card |
|---|
| Hologram | Clear and properly placed | Missing, blurred or poorly placed |
| Printing | Sharp text and consistent details | Uneven, unclear or altered text |
| Security features | Genuine card design and finish | Missing or suspicious features |
For a definitive check, use PAN verification through the Income Tax Department to confirm whether the PAN number is valid and active.
How to solve PAN verification failed error in UAN?
The pan verification failed uan error usually occurs when PAN details in your UAN or EPFO records do not match Income Tax Department records.
Common causes:
Name mismatch: Your name on PAN and EPFO records may differ.
Inoperative PAN: Your PAN may be inactive or not linked correctly.
To resolve the issue:
1. Log in to the EPFO Member Portal.
2. Open the profile or KYC section.
3. Check your PAN details and correct any mismatch.
4. Complete pan card verification again and submit the updated details.
5. If the issue continues, contact your employer or EPFO for assistance. You can also review your PAN verification certificate.
Unresolved pan verification issues may result in 20% TDS under Section 206AA.
Methods to know your Permanent Account Number (PAN)
There are multiple methods available for retrieving your PAN. We will outline these options and their corresponding procedures for your convenience.
Accessing PAN details through the Income Tax Department Website
- Registration: Navigate to the Income Tax Department's e-filing website and register for an account.
- Login and access: Upon successful registration, log in and access your profile section. Your PAN details, including name, address, and date of birth, will be displayed.
How to find your PAN using the mobile app
- Download and launch: Download and install the official PAN card mobile app from the relevant app store.
- PAN retrieval option: Select the "Know Your PAN Card" function within the app.
- Information verification: Enter your full name, date of birth, and contact information.
- OTP verification: An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number for verification.
- PAN details display: Once verified, your PAN and other details will be displayed on your device.
Retrieving PAN details via email
- Compose email: Draft an email using your registered email address.
- Recipient selection: Choose either "utiitsl.gsd@utiitsl.com" (UTIITSL) or "tininfo@nsdl.co.in" (NSDL) as the recipient.
- Subject line and body: In the subject line, clearly state "Request for PAN Card Number." Within the body, include your name, date of birth, and registered phone number.
- Attach PAN copy and await response: Attach a scanned copy of your PAN card and expect a response from NSDL or UTIITSL with your PAN details.
Obtaining PAN details through toll-free number
- Initiate call: Dial the toll-free helpline 1800-180-1961 (applicable within India) for PAN-related inquiries.
- IVR system navigation: Follow the instructions provided by the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system.
- "Know your PAN" option: Select the "Know Your PAN" option when prompted.
- Information provision: Provide the required details as instructed by the IVR system.
- PAN verification and display: Upon verification, your PAN details will be provided.
Tracking PAN card application status online
- Official website access: Visit the official PAN Card website, TIN-NSDL.
- Guided tour selection: Under the "Guided Tour" section, choose "Status Track."
- Status tracking option: Select "Track Status of your PAN / TAN application online" on the new page.
- Application type: Choose "PAN - New/Change Request" from the application type drop-down menu.
- Information input: Enter your acknowledgement number and captcha code.
- Submission and status display: Click "Submit" to view your PAN card application status.
Tracking PAN card application status via SMS
- SMS composition: Compose an SMS with the text "NSDLPAN" followed by your 15-digit PAN application acknowledgement number.
- SMS recipient: Send the message to 57575.
- Status update: You will receive an SMS response with the current status of your PAN card application.
Tracking PAN card application status via phone call
- Call centre contact: Contact the TIN call centre at 020-27218080.
- IVR navigation: Follow the IVR instructions to retrieve the status of your PAN card application.
- Acknowledgement number input: Enter your 15-digit PAN application acknowledgement number when prompted.
Please note: This document is for informational purposes only. Specific procedures and contact details may be subject to change. Refer to the official PAN Card website for the latest updates.