Theme: Identity Documents

Procedure for New PAN Number

You can apply for a PAN Number either online or in person.

Applying for a PAN Number (Online)

The process is as follows:

Step 1: You may visit the Income Tax Department (ITD) website here to find out whether you already have a PAN Number or not.

Step 2: An applicant can make an online application for a PAN Number through the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) website.

Step 3: For submitting applications for new PAN Number, Indian citizens including those living outside India have to select Form 49A(( Rule 114(1), Income-tax Rules, 1962)) on the NSDL website here. Download the form here. Read detailed instructions for filling Form 49A here. A token number will be generated and sent to your email address, that you can use to save the entered details, and edit later.

Step 4: The applicant should ensure that the necessary supporting documents are submitted along with the application. It is necessary to submit one Proof of Identity (PoI) bearing the name of the applicant, one Proof of Address (PoA), and Proof of date of birth.(( Rule 114(4), Income-tax Rules, 1962)) Please note that it is mandatory to quote Aadhaar/Aadhaar Enrolment ID for making an application for PAN Number.(( Section 139AA, Income-tax Act, 1961 inserted by the Finance Act, 2017)) View the consolidated list of documents here. The Name mentioned in the Application Form and the Name in the PoI/PoA should match exactly.

If the applicant is a minor (i.e. below 18 years of age at the time of application), any of the documents of any of the parents/ guardian of such minor shall be deemed to be the proof of identity and address of the applicant.

Step 5: The applicant can fill in the online application for a PAN Number by:

  1. i) Submission of physical form and documents after online data entry
  2. ii) Aadhaar based e-KYC

iii) Scanned based – Aadhaar based e-Sign

  1. iv) Scanned based – Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

For more information, read here.

Step 6: The processing fee charges for applying for PAN Number vary depending on whether or not you require a physical PAN Card. Find your applicable fee details here.(( Tax Information Network of Income Tax Department, PAN, https://www.tin-nsdl.com/services/pan/form49A.html)) Payment of online application fee can be made through credit/debit card, or net-banking. You can check the status of your financial transaction for online application here.

Step 7: On successful payment, an acknowledgement slip will be generated, which you will also receive via email. You are required to save and print it in order to send it to the NSDL. You can regenerate your acknowledgement receipt here (application after July 16, 2016), or here (application on or before July 15, 2016).

Step 8: In your online application for PAN Number, you can choose a Physical mode of submission where you send physical documents to the NSDL address. For Paperless modes of application such as e-KYC, e-Sign based or DSC based application, there is no need to send physical documents to NSDL. For more information, read here.

Step 9: Applicants may track the status of their PAN Number application using the unique Acknowledgement Number here. Alternatively, you may send an SMS – NSDLPAN <space> 15-digit Acknowledgement number to 57575.

Step 10: A new PAN Number is allotted by the ITD and a printed PAN Card along with an allotment letter is dispatched by the NSDL, to the applicant. Normally, around 2 weeks are required to complete the process. You can also download your e-PAN Card here.

You can also apply for a PAN Number if you are a corporate applicant like a company, or a foreign citizen.

If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Applying for a PAN Number (in Person)

Step 1: Submit a physical application for a PAN Number to any TIN Facilitation Centre (TIN-FC) or PAN Centre of NSDL. Locate TIN-FCs cum PAN Centres near you here. You can also locate the nearest exclusive PAN Centre here.

Step 2: Fill in Form 49A, which can be downloaded here. Ensure that the necessary supporting documents are submitted along with the application for PAN Number. Refer to Step 4 given above in the Online application section for further details.

Step 3: Your fee details(( Tax Information Network of Income Tax Department, PAN, FAQ’s, https://www.tin-nsdl.com/faqs/pan/faq-pan-procedure.html)) vary depending on whether you require a physical PAN Card.

If a physical PAN Card is required to be dispatched to an Indian address, your fees (inclusive of applicable taxes) is Rs. 107. If a physical PAN Card is required to be dispatched to an foreign address, your fees (inclusive of applicable taxes) is Rs. 1,017.

The fees (inclusive of applicable taxes) for an e-PAN Card which is dispatched to your email ID is Rs. 72.

Step 4: Collect your acknowledgement slip.

Step 5: Track the status of your PAN Number application using the unique Acknowledgement Number here. Refer to Step 9 given above in the Online application section for further details.

Step 6: A printed PAN Card along with an allotment letter is dispatched by the NSDL, to the applicant. Normally, around 2 weeks are required to complete the process.

If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Read this Government resource for more information on this

PAN Card

A PAN card represents your Permanent Account Number (PAN) which is a 10-digit alphanumeric identifier, issued by the Income Tax Department. Each assessee (e.g. individual, firm, company, etc.) is issued a unique PAN Number. No person who has already been allotted a PAN Number shall apply, obtain or possess another PAN Number.(( Section 139A(7), Income-tax Act, 1961))

For representative purposes only.

Initially, you will have to apply for a PAN Number. When your PAN Number is ready, you will be given a PAN Card with the details of your PAN Number on the card. A PAN Card is accepted as a valid proof of identity anywhere in the country. It can also be used as proof of identity when making an application for a passport, voter ID card, driving licence, electricity connection etc.

You can also download an e-PAN, which is a digitally signed PAN Card issued in electronic format by the Income Tax Department using Aadhaar e-KYC.

PAN Number is a permanent number and once you get a new PAN number, it does not require renewal. However, the details on your PAN Card can be updated.

Hence, you may make an application for:

  • A new PAN Card when you already have a PAN Number
  • Changes or corrections in your existing PAN Card details. In this case, the new PAN Card issued to you will bear the same PAN Number but with updated information.

You(( Section 139A(3), Income-tax Act, 1961)) have the option of applying for a PAN Number as it is useful while filing taxes, setting up a bank account, etc. However, applying for a PAN Number is not always optional. It is mandatory for all existing assessees or taxpayers or persons who are required to file income returns, even on behalf of others, to have a PAN Number. It is compulsory to quote your PAN Number on return of income tax.

Further, if you intend to enter into economic or financial transactions where quoting PAN Number is mandatory, then you must have a PAN Number. These include:(( Rule 114B, Income-tax Rules, 1962))

  • Payment in cash to a hotel or restaurant against a bill/bills at any one time exceeding fifty thousand rupees.
  • Payment in cash in connection with travel to any foreign country or payment for purchase of any foreign currency at any one time exceeding fifty thousand rupees.
  • Sale or purchase of any immovable property exceeding ten lakh rupees.
  • Sale or purchase of goods or services of any nature exceeding two lakh rupees per transaction.

If you are mandatorily required to apply for a PAN Number and you fail to do so, the Assessing Officer may direct you to pay a penalty of Rs. 10,000.(( Section 272B, Income-tax Act, 1961))

If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Read this government resource to know more.

Applying for New PAN Card

You may make an application for a new PAN Card when you already have a PAN Number.

Step 1: For an applicant who has already obtained a PAN Number and wishes to obtain a new PAN Card, download the form here. The form is also available at any TIN-FC or PAN Centre of National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL). The same form is applicable for both Indian citizens as well as non-citizens. Select appropriate check boxes in front of the relevant field (i.e., name, father’s name, date of birth) to update details.

Step 2: You will have to submit the form and the supporting documents at any such centre, with the required fee. The documents to be submitted along with the application are:

The consolidated list of documents and the applicable charges can be found here.

Step 3: The application request is forwarded to the ITD and a new PAN Card is printed and dispatched to the applicant.

For a new PAN Card, you can also apply online for Reprint of PAN Card (only when there is no updation required in data) by clicking here. This facility is only available for those PAN Number holders whose latest PAN Number application was processed through NSDL e-Gov and/or e-Filing portal of Income Tax Department. There is no requirement of submitting any application form along with supporting documents for processing the PAN Card Reprint request. To know more, read the guidelines here.

If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Read this government resource to know more.

Updating PAN Card

You may make an application for updating changes/corrections in existing PAN Card details. When you apply for updating of details, you will receive a newly issued PAN Card which will bear the same PAN Number but with updated information.

The process for applying for a change/correction of PAN Card data is more or less the same as the application process for allotment of new PAN Number.

Step 1: For an applicant who has already obtained a PAN Number and wishes to obtain a new PAN Card or make changes/corrections in the existing PAN data, download the form here. The form is also available at any TIN-FC or PAN Centre of NSDL. The same form is applicable for both Indian citizens as well as non-citizens. Select appropriate check boxes in front of the relevant field (i.e., name, father’s name, date of birth) to update details.

Step 2: You will have to submit the form and the supporting documents at any such centre, with the required fee. The documents to be submitted along with the application are:

  • Proof of Identity, Address and Date of Birth
  • Proof of PAN Number (copy of existing PAN Card, or PAN allotment letter)
  • Proof for Change Requested to support change in PAN Card data

The consolidated list of documents and the applicable charges can be found here.

Step 3: The application request is forwarded to the ITD(Income Tax Department) for update of the database and upon confirmation, a new PAN Card is printed and dispatched to the applicant.

If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Read this government resource to know more

Ration Card

Ration card is an official document issued to households that are eligible to purchase essential commodities, such as food grain, at  subsidized prices from the Public Distribution System, and also serves as a proof of identification.

Ration cards are issued by the Department of Food Supplies and Consumer Affairs of state governments, under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and the eldest woman of the house, above the age of 18, is the head of the household for the purposes of issue of Ration Cards.(( Section 13(1), National Food Security Act, 2013)) As the issue of Ration Cards is governed by the state, there may be variations in the procedure, documents required, etc. depending on which state you live in.

There are two primary types of Ration Cards:

  • Priority Ration Card – Priority Ration Cards are issued to households that meet the eligibility criteria set by their state government. Each priority household is entitled to 5 kilograms of food grain per member.(( Section 3(1), National Food Security Act, 2013))
  • Antyodaya (AAY) Ration Cards – AAY Ration Cards are issued to “poorest of poor” households.(( Press Information Bureau, Antyodaya Anna Yojana, https://pib.gov.in/newsite/mbErel.aspx?relid=95141)) Each AAY household is entitled to 35 kilograms of food grain.(( Section 3(1), National Food Security Act, 2013))

 

Source: Karnataka.com. For representational purposes only.

Electronic Ration Card

The governments of some states, like Delhi, have launched an e-Ration service, which are just as valid as physical Ration Cards.This service will enable you to obtain Ration Cards, and check the costs and food grain availability online. For example, for Delhi, you can download your e-Ration Card here.

You can get a new Ration Card, get it updated or get a duplicate. If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Read this government resource to know more.

Updating Ration Card

When you update your Ration Card, you get a new card with the details changed, as indicated by you. Please read below for information on the details that can be updated, and the procedure for updation.

You can update the following details:

  • The number of family members covered
  • Your personal details, like the name, etc.
  • The details of the head of the household.
  • Change in address
  • Your photograph and biometric details
  • Any other details of the family members covered in the Ration Card(( Process flow for existing Ration Card modifications, https://ahara.kar.nic.in/status2/docs/Direction_RC_english%20pdf.pdf))

To update your Ration Card, follow the steps given below:

Step 1 –You should go to the Circle Office, and tell them what you need to update, on the basis of which, you will be provided with the relevant application form.

Step 2 – You should fill out the application form.

Step 3 – You should submit the relevant documents. The documents required vary from state to state, and also with respect to the details you need to update. For example, if you need to add a family member to be covered under the Card, you must provide his/her birth certificate.

Step 4 – You should get your documents verified.

Step 5 –  You should collect your acknowledgement slip.

Step 6 – You can then collect your Ration Card/get it delivered. Some states have the facility to download it online. For example, in Delhi, you must download it online.

If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Read this government resource to know more

Applying for New Ration Card

You may require a Ration Card for purposes like getting ID proof, purchasing grains at subsidized prices, etc. To get a new Ration Card, please follow the steps given below. Both the online procedure and the procedure for applying physically is given.

Procedure for Applying In-Person

Follow the steps given below to get a new Ration Card(( IndiaGov Archive, Apply for Ration Card, https://archive.india.gov.in/howdo/howdoi.php?service=7)):

Step 1 – You should fill out the application form, which you can obtain from any Circle Office, or download it from your state government’s website. You can access the portals to the relevant website for all the states here.

Step 2 – You should submit the relevant documents. Though the documents required vary across states, you will commonly be required to submit the following:

  • Proof of identification
  • Passport-sized photographs of the female head of your family attested by a gazetted officer/MLA/MP/Municipal Councillor
  • The specified proof of residence (If you cannot provide proof of residence, the office will conduct record the statements of two witnesses in your neighbourhood)
  • Income certificate, if applicable
  • The Surrender/Deletion Certificate of the previous Ration Card, if any
  • The prescribed fee. This varies across states.

Step 3 – You should get your documents verified by the officers at the Circle Office.

Step 4 – You should collect your acknowledgement receipt from the authorities.

Step 5 – You can then collect your Ration Card from the Circle Office/get it delivered.  For example, in Delhi, the Ration Card is uploaded online. The time limit varies across states. For example, in Delhi, it can take up to 2 months.

Online Procedure

You can also apply for a Ration Card online, depending on whether your state has that facility available. You can also check the status of your Ration Card in some states here.

Once you have your Ration card, you can also download it online through your state government’s website. For example, for Delhi, you should go to the website, and fill in the relevant details, such as Ration Card number, Aadhar number, etc., and you will be able to download your Card online.

If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Read this government resource for more information.

Duplicate/Lost Ration Card

If your Ration Card is damaged or lost, you can approach the Circle Office, and ask them for a duplicate Ration Card. You will be given a new Ration Card, with the same details as your original.  To get a duplicate Ration Card, follow the steps given below:

Step 1 –  You should go to the Circle Office, and tell them that you need a duplicate Ration Card, on the basis of which, you will be provided with the relevant application form.

Step 2 – You should fill out the application form.

Step 3 – You should submit the relevant documents. Generally, you will have to submit an FIR for the Ration Card, if it is lost.

Step 4 – You should get your documents verified.

Step 5 –   You should collect your acknowledgement slip.

Step 6 – You can then collect your Ration Card/get it delivered. Some states have the facility to download it online. For example, in Delhi, you must download it.

If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Check this resource on the National Government Service Portal

Voter ID Card

A Voter ID Card, also known as the Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) is a photo identity card that is issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to all individuals who are eligible to vote.(( Section 61(b), Representation of the People Act, 1951; Rule 28(2), Registration of Electors Rules, 1960)) This card is commonly known by other names such as an election card, voter’s card, Voter ID, etc.

The primary purpose of this card is to improve the accuracy of the electoral roll and to help prevent cases of electoral fraud. It serves as an identification proof when individuals cast their vote and prevents the impersonation of voters.(( Rule 28(1), Registration of Electors Rules, 1960)) Know more about voting without Voter ID Card here.

The Voter ID Card also acts as a valid photo ID proof for several official purposes such as obtaining Aadhaar, PAN Card etc.

The Voter ID Card contains the elector’s name, age and residence (among other particulars), and must have elector’s photograph affixed to it. It bears the signature of the Registration Officer i.e., the electoral registration officer of your constituency.(( Rule 2(d), Registration of Electors Rules, 1960)) The voter’s card is prepared in duplicate, and one copy is retained with the registration officer while the other is delivered to the voter.(( Rule 28(3), Registration of Electors Rules, 1960))

Voter ID card.

For representational purposes only.

You can enroll as a voter if you:(( Article 326, Constitution of India))

  1. Are an Indian citizen
  2. Have attained the age of 18 years
  3. Are ordinarily resident of the polling area of the constituency where you want to be enrolled
  4. Are not disqualified to be enrolled as an elector. The disqualification may happen if you are convicted for an offence or you carry out corrupt practices.(( Section 11A, Representation of the People Act, 1951))

Know more about who can vote here.

A Voter ID Card does not require any renewal. You can obtain a new Voter ID Card and also update your Voter’s ID. If you require any additional help and support, please see here.  

Read this government resource to know more.