PAN CARD UPDATE: A PAN card has become an extremely important document these days. It is required for everything from banking to tax-related matters. Therefore, it’s natural to be worried if your PAN card is lost, stolen, or damaged. However, the Income Tax Department provides the facility to obtain a duplicate PAN card in such situations, allowing you to get a new card with the same old PAN number.

What is a Duplicate PAN Card?

A duplicate PAN card is also called a reprinted PAN card. It’s not a new PAN number, but a new card with the same old PAN number. This card is issued when a person’s original PAN card is lost, stolen, or damaged and becomes unusable.

How to apply for a duplicate PAN card online

If your PAN card is lost, applying online is considered the easiest and fastest method. For this, the applicant has to visit the official website of Protean (formerly NSDL). There, they need to go to the PAN-related services section and select the “Re-print PAN card” option. After that, information such as PAN number, Aadhaar number, and date of birth is entered. After accepting the declaration and completing the payment, a 15-digit acknowledgment number is received, which can be used to track the application status. With the online application, the e-PAN can also be downloaded immediately in PDF format.

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Offline process for a duplicate PAN card

Those who do not want to apply online can also opt for the offline method. For this, they need to download and print the “Request for New PAN Card and/or Changes or Correction in PAN Data” form. The form is filled out neatly and submitted along with the necessary photographs and documents to the nearest NSDL or authorized center. After payment, an acknowledgment number is provided, and the application is sent to the Income Tax PAN Service Unit. Usually, the new PAN card is received by post within 15 to 20 days.

When is a duplicate PAN card needed?

Sometimes, a PAN card is lost due to the theft of a wallet or bag. In some cases, people misplace the card and forget where they kept it. Additionally, a duplicate PAN card is needed if the original card is torn, burned, or otherwise rendered illegible.

Documents Required for a Duplicate PAN Card

For a duplicate PAN card, you need to provide proof of identity, proof of address, and a document verifying your date of birth. If a copy of the old PAN card is available, it can also be submitted. In case of theft, providing a copy of the FIR (First Information Report) is considered useful.

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How to Download an e-PAN Card

If you have applied for a duplicate PAN online, the e-PAN can be easily downloaded. To do this, you need to visit the NSDL website and select the e-PAN download option. After completing OTP verification using your acknowledgment number or PAN number, the PDF file can be downloaded. This PDF is password-protected, and the password is usually your date of birth.

Why is it necessary to surrender a PAN card?

According to the law, a person should have only one PAN card. If, for any reason, more than one PAN card has been issued, it is necessary to surrender the extra PAN card(s). This requires writing a letter to the Assessing Officer and providing the necessary details. The acknowledgment receipt issued serves as proof that the extra PAN card has been canceled.