A PAN card is important for any financial transaction in India. The PAN card in your pocket is no longer just a piece of plastic. It is the most important proof of your financial identity. The new PAN cards now come with a QR code. The PAN card with a QR code is smarter, more secure, and more useful than before. You can upgrade your old PAN card and get a new PAN card with a QR code. You need to apply online.

The Central Government approved the PAN 2.0 project in November 2024. This project aims to make digital services safer and easier by improving PAN and TAN services. Under this project, an e-PAN card with a QR code will be sent to your registered email for free. But you must apply to get it.

New PAN Card with QR Code

A physical PAN card will cost ₹50. This fee is only for people living in India. The government said that the QR code is not new. It was added to PAN cards in 2017-18. In PAN 2.0, the QR code will be stronger. A dynamic QR code will show the latest details from the PAN database. People with old PAN cards without a QR code can also get a new smart card online for free.

What is in the QR Code?

When you scan the QR code with the Income Tax Department’s app (PAN QR Code Reader), it will show all details. It will display your name, father’s name, date of birth, photo, and digital signature.

The biggest benefit is instant verification. Banks or companies can check your PAN card in seconds by scanning the code. The details will match with the government database. This will stop fake PAN cards.

Where to Get a PAN Card?

In India, two organizations issue PAN cards:

  • Protean e-Governance (earlier NSDL)
  • UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited (UTIITSL)
  • You can check on the back of your card to know who issued it. Then you can apply online on their website.

How to Apply Online (Protean Website)

  • Go to Protean’s website. Enter your PAN number, Aadhaar number (for personal PAN), and date of birth.
  • Confirm the details shown in the form.
  • You will get an OTP on your phone or email. Enter it and pay ₹50 online.
  • This is the cost for printing the new card. Within 24 hours, you will get an option to download your new PAN card by email.