PAN 2.0 Update: The PAN card in your pocket is no longer just a simple piece of plastic for identification. It has become the most important document for your financial identity. But the old PAN card is gradually becoming a thing of the past because PAN 2.0, the new QR code-enabled PAN card, has arrived in India. This card is more secure, smarter, and more reliable than before.
PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric number issued by the Income Tax Department. It is mandatory not only for filing taxes but also for every major financial activity, such as opening a bank account, buying and selling property, investing in the stock market, taking out loans, and vehicle transactions. The PAN card is a permanent record of your financial activities.
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New Update of PAN 2.0
The old PAN card had several shortcomings. It was easy to commit fraud, the verification process was complex, and the card only contained limited information, such as name, father’s name, and date of birth. To overcome these shortcomings, a new QR code-enabled PAN card has been issued, which has a dynamic QR code that makes the card virtually foolproof.
How the QR Code PAN Card Works
The QR code printed on this new PAN card contains all your information in an encrypted form. When you scan it with the PAN QR Code Reader app, your name, father’s name, date of birth, photo, and digital signature appear instantly on the screen. The biggest advantage of this is that banks or any financial institution can verify the authenticity of your PAN card in seconds.
How to Get a QR Code PAN Card
Those applying for a PAN card for the first time will now only receive the QR code-enabled PAN card. You can fill out the form online on the NSDL (Protean) or UTIITSL website. Required documents, such as Aadhaar card, birth certificate, 10th mark sheet, and proof of address, need to be uploaded. The fee is ₹107 in India and ₹1017 for overseas applications. After applying online, your e-PAN will be sent to your email, and the physical card will be sent to your address.
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How to get a new card for your old PAN card
If your PAN card was issued before July 2018, it is still valid. However, for security and convenience, you can order a new PAN card with a QR code. To do this, go to the ‘Reprint of PAN Card’ option on the NSDL or UTIITSL website, fill in the required information, and pay a fee of ₹50. Along with the new card, you will also receive an e-PAN via email.
e-PAN: The digital option
The e-PAN is a password-protected digital copy of your physical PAN card and is valid everywhere. You can also download it for free. This digital wallet makes your financial transactions even easier.