How to Check PAN Card Status: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

APermanent Account Number (PAN)card is a critical financial identity document issued by the Income Tax Department of India under the supervision of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). It serves as a unique 10-digit alphanumeric identifier for individuals, companies, HUFs, and other entities for tax-related transactions, bank account openings, high-value purchases, and more. After applying for a newPAN card, correction, or reprint, applicants eagerly await deliverybut delays due to verification, postal issues, or data mismatches are common.

Checking PAN card statusempowers you to track application progress in real-time, identify issues early, and ensure timely receipt. This guide delivers authoritative, up-to-date (2025) methods tocheck PAN card statusthrough official portalsUTIITSLandProtean (formerly NSDL)plus alternative channels like SMS and helpline. Whether you're a first-time applicant or updating details, you'll gain actionable steps, expert tips, and troubleshooting insights to navigate the process confidently.

By the end, you'll masterhow to check PAN card statusefficiently, avoid pitfalls, and secure your financial identity seamlessly.

Required Tools/Resources

Before starting, gather these essentials:

• Acknowledgment Number: 15-digit number from the application receipt (mandatory for online tracking).
• PAN Number: If already allotted (for updates or reprints).
• Full Name and Date of Birth: Exactly as entered in the Form 49A/Request for Reprint.
• Stable Internet Connection: For portal access.
• Registered Mobile Number: Linked to the application for OTP/SMS.
• Smartphone or Computer: With updated browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge recommended).
• Official Portals:
  • Protean (NSDL):https://www.protean-tinpan.com
  • UTIITSL:https://www.utiitsl.com
• Helpline Numbers:
  • Protean: 020-27218080
  • UTIITSL: 033-40802999
• SMS Facility: Standard messaging charges apply.

Pro Tip: Keep your acknowledgment slip or email handyscanning the QR code on UTIITSL receipts instantly opens the tracking page.

Comprehensive How-To Steps: Check PAN Card Status

Follow these verified methods tocheck PAN card status. Start with online options for speed.

Method 1: Check Status Online via Acknowledgment Number (Fastest)

Via Protean (NSDL) Portal

1. Visit https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/pantan/StatusTrack.html.
2. SelectApplication Type? "PAN - New/Change Request".
3. Enter your15-digit Acknowledgment Number.
4. Input theCaptchacode displayed.
5. ClickSubmit.
6. View status:Under Process,Printed and Dispatched,RTO Rejected, etc.
7. If dispatched, noteAirway Bill Number(AWB) for courier tracking (India Post, Blue Dart, or First Flight).

Via UTIITSL Portal

1. Go tohttps://www.trackonpan.utiitsl.com/PANONLINE/trackApp.
2. ChooseApplication Type? "PAN Card".
3. EnterApplication/Coupon Number(15 digits).
4. InputDate of BirthorApplicant Name(as per form).
5. CompleteCaptchaand clickSubmit.
6. Status appears instantlyincludes dispatch date and courier partner.

Status Meanings (Protean & UTIITSL):

• Application Received: Initial stage.
• Under Process at ITD: Verification ongoing.
• PAN Allotted: Card generated; dispatch imminent.
• Printed and Dispatched: En routetrack via AWB.
• Returned Undelivered: Address issue; resubmit Form with proof.

Method 2: Check Status Using PAN Number (Post-Allotment)

Ideal whenPAN is allottedbut card not received.

1. Visithttps://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/.
2. UnderQuick Links? Click"Know Your PAN"or"Verify Your PAN".
3. EnterPAN,Full Name,DOB, andMobile Number.
4. ReceiveOTP? Submit.
5. Confirm PAN validity and jurisdiction.
6. Cross-check with e-PAN PDF (downloadable from same portal).

Note: This verifies PAN but doesnt track physical card dispatch.

Method 3: Check PAN Card Status via SMS

Send SMS to57575:

PAN<space><15-digit Acknowledgment Number>

Example: PAN 123456789012345

Receive instant reply:

"Your PAN application status: Printed and Dispatched on 22-Oct-2025 via Speed Post EM123456789IN"

Works for both Protean and UTIITSL applications.

Method 4: Check Status via Customer Care

• Call during 9 AM6 PM (MonSat).
• Keep acknowledgment number ready.
• Agents provide verbal status + AWB if dispatched.

Method 5: Visit PAN Service Center (Offline)

• Locate nearestPAN Facilitation CenterviaUTIITSLorProteanportal.
• Carry acknowledgment slip + ID proof.
• Staff checks internal system and prints status report.

Warning: Avoid unless online methods failtime-consuming.

Tips and Best Practices

1. Use Official Portals Only Avoid third-party sites charging ?50200 for tracking.
2. Check After 35 Days Status updates begin post-application submission.
3. Track Courier Separately Use AWB onIndia Post,Blue Dart, orFirst Flight.
4. Update Address Promptly If status shows "Returned," resubmit correction form within 30 days.
5. Enable e-PAN Download digital copy instantly from Income Tax e-Filing portal post-allotment.
6. Common Pitfalls to Avoid:
   • Wrong acknowledgment number ? Double-check digits.
   • Mismatched name/DOB ? Must match Form 49A exactly.
   • Using old NSDL URL ? Redirects fail; useprotean-tinpan.com.
7. For NRIs: Use international mobile with +91 prefix for OTP.

Real-World Examples or Scenarios

Scenario 1: First-Time Applicant (Salaried Employee)

Rohan applied for PAN via Protean on Oct 10, 2025.? Day 5: Checks via acknowledgment ? "Under Process." ? Day 12: SMS shows "PAN Allotted ABCPX1234Y." ? Day 15: Portal shows "Dispatched via Blue Dart AWB 987654321." ? Tracks courier ? Receives card on Day 18.

Lesson: Regular tracking prevents panic during verification delays.

Scenario 2: Address Mismatch (Business Owner)

Priyas card returned undelivered due to incomplete flat number.? Checks UTIITSL portal ? "RTO Address Incomplete." ? Submits correction form online with rent agreement. ? New card dispatched in 10 days.

Lesson: Accurate address proof (Aadhaar, utility bill) is critical.

Scenario 3: Lost Acknowledgment Slip

Vikram misplaced slip but remembers name/DOB.? Uses UTIITSL "Search by Name" ? Finds application ? Regenerates tracking link. ? Downloads e-PAN from Income Tax portal.

Lesson: Name/DOB search is a lifesaver when slip is lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How soon can I check PAN card status after applying?

You can check immediately, but meaningful updates appear after 35 working days.

2. I dont have an acknowledgment number. Can I still track?

YesuseName + DOBon UTIITSL or call helpline with application date.

3. Why does status show Under Process for weeks?

Common during peak tax season or if documents are under verification. Wait 1520 days.

4. Can I get e-PAN before physical card?

Yesonce allotted, download fromincometax.gov.inusing PAN + OTP.

5. What if status says Rejected?

Reasons: Photo/signature mismatch, invalid proof. Resubmit corrected Form 49A.

6. Is there a fee to check PAN status?

Noofficial methods are100% free.

7. How to track if applied through bank or agent?

Ask foracknowledgment numbersame process applies.

8. Can I change delivery address after dispatch?

Nocontact courier with AWB to redirect (if supported).

Wrapping up

Masteringhow to check PAN card statustransforms a potentially stressful wait into a transparent, controlled process. Whether you prefer the speed ofonline tracking via acknowledgment number, the convenience ofSMS, or the assurance ofhelpline support, official channels ensure accuracy and security.

Key Takeaways:

• Start withProteanorUTIITSLportals using your 15-digit acknowledgment.
• UseSMS to 57575for instant updates.
• Downloade-PANimmediately after allotment.
• Act fast on Returned or Rejected statuses.

Dont leave your financial identity to chance.Check your PAN card status todaybookmark this guide, save your acknowledgment, and stay informed every step of the way.

Last verified: October 24, 2025 | Sources: Income Tax India, Protean e-Gov, UTIITSL Official Portals