How to Verify e-PAN Card Status Online: Step-by-Step Guide

October 5, 2026

Verifying your e-PAN card status online is a quick, free, and paperless process that ensures your Permanent Account Number (PAN) is active and your records match the government database. Whether you want to check if your existing PAN is legally valid or track a newly applied e-PAN, you can complete the process in a few minutes using official government channels. Knowing your PAN status helps you avoid delays in banking transactions, salary processing, and Income Tax Return (ITR) filings.

There are two distinct digital procedures: verifying the validity and details of an existing PAN card, and tracking the application status of a new or updated e-PAN. Both processes can be executed on official portals like the Income Tax e-Filing portal, Protean (formerly NSDL), or UTIITSL, eliminating the need to wait for a physical card to begin financial transactions.

Prerequisites for e-PAN Verification and Tracking

Before you begin the online check, ensure you have the necessary details ready. No physical documents need to be uploaded to verify your PAN status or track pending applications. The requirements depend on what you want to achieve:

For verifying an existing PAN card: You need your 10-character alphanumeric PAN, your full name, and your Date of Birth or Date of Incorporation as registered in the tax records. You also need an active mobile number to receive a one-time password (OTP).
For tracking an Instant e-PAN application: You need your Aadhaar Number and the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar to receive the validation OTP.
For tracking traditional PAN applications (via Protean or UTIITSL): You need the 15-digit Acknowledgement Number (for Protean) or the Application Coupon Number (for UTIITSL).

How to Verify Your Existing PAN Card Validity Online

The Income Tax Department provides a free online tool named ‘Verify Your PAN’ on its e-Filing portal. This tool offers real-time confirmation of your PAN status and quickly checks if your name and Date of Birth match the official records. You can verify up to 5 different PANs in a single day using a single mobile number, which does not need to be registered with the e-filing portal.

Go to the official Income Tax e-Filing portal at incometax.gov.in.
Navigate to the ‘Quick Links’ section on the homepage and click on Verify Your PAN.
Enter your 10-character alphanumeric PAN, full name, Date of Birth (or Incorporation), and a valid mobile number.
Click Continue to receive a 6-digit OTP on the entered mobile number.
Input the 6-digit OTP on the verification page and click Validate.

The system will instantly display whether your PAN is active and if the details you entered match the PAN database.

Step-by-Step Guide to Track Your e-PAN Application Status

If you have recently applied for a new e-PAN or requested correction details, you can track the status of your application. The tracking method depends entirely on the portal you used to submit your application.

Method 1: Track Instant e-PAN via Income Tax e-Filing Portal

If you applied for an Instant e-PAN using your Aadhaar card on the Income Tax e-Filing portal, you can track the progress or download your digitally signed PDF within minutes.

Visit the official portal at incometax.gov.in.
Under the ‘Quick Links’ section, click on Instant e-PAN.
On the next page, find the Check Status / Download PAN section and click Continue.
Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar Number and click Continue.
An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number. Enter the OTP to validate your identity.
The screen will display your current application status. If generated, you can download your e-PAN PDF immediately.

Method 2: Track PAN Application via Protean (Formerly NSDL) Portal

If you applied for your card through the Protean portal, you will need the 15-digit Acknowledgement Number received in your confirmation email.

Go to the official Protean status track portal.
For the ‘Application Type’ field, select PAN – New / Change Request from the dropdown menu.
Enter your unique 15-digit Acknowledgement Number.
Enter the captcha code exactly as shown on the screen.
Click Submit to view your application status.

Method 3: Track PAN Application via UTIITSL Portal

If your application was processed through UTIITSL, you can track it using either your Application Coupon Number or your existing PAN.

Visit the official UTIITSL tracking portal.
Enter your Application Coupon Number or your 10-character PAN.
Enter your Date of Birth, Agreement, or Incorporation date in the DD/MM/YYYY format.
Enter the captcha security code.
Click Submit to check the processing stage of your card.

Important Rules, Warnings, and Troubleshooting

When managing your e-PAN online, keep the following security warnings and system parameters in mind to ensure a smooth experience:

Inoperative PAN Status: The active status of your PAN depends heavily on whether it is linked with Aadhaar. Unlinked PANs are classified as ‘Inoperative’ by the Income Tax Department. An inoperative status restricts you from filing ITRs and leads to significantly higher Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) rates.
Avoid Third-Party Portals: Never use unofficial or third-party web portals to check your PAN details. Sharing your PAN, Aadhaar, or Date of Birth on unverified websites poses a severe risk of personal data exposure and financial fraud.
Returned Undelivered Status: If your tracking status shows ‘Returned Undelivered’, it means the postal service could not locate your address. You will need to submit a reprint request with updated, accurate address details.
e-PAN Password Format: PDF copies of your downloaded e-PAN are secured with a password. The password is your Date of Birth or Date of Incorporation in the DDMMYYYY format (for example, if your DOB is 5th May 1990, the password will be 05051990).
Physical Dispatch Tracking: If your physical card has been dispatched, you can track its delivery journey through the India Post website using the speed post consignment number displayed on the Protean or UTIITSL tracking pages.

Official Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check someone else’s PAN status using my mobile number?

Yes. You can verify any PAN card using your own mobile number to receive the OTP. However, the system enforces a strict security limit of 5 different PAN verifications per mobile number in one single day.

What should I do if my PAN status shows “Details Mismatch”?

First, recheck the details you typed against your actual physical card. If you entered everything correctly and still see a mismatch, it means the database has incorrect records. You must submit a formal PAN correction request through either the Protean or UTIITSL portal to update your records.

Is the e-PAN legally valid?

Yes, a digitally signed e-PAN is a completely valid identity document. It holds the exact same legal value as a physical PAN card for all financial transactions, identity verification, and government procedures.

Conclusion

Checking your e-PAN status online is a direct, secure, and entirely free process. Regularly verifying your PAN status helps ensure that your card remains active and prevents sudden disruptions in your banking, tax filing, or investment activities. Ensure your PAN is linked to your Aadhaar to avoid it being declared ‘Inoperative’. Always use official government portals—the Income Tax e-Filing portal, Protean, or UTIITSL—to safeguard your sensitive personal data.