If your PAN card has a spelling error, wrong date of birth, or you simply lost the plastic card, you do not apply for a brand-new PAN. You file a Changes or Correction / Reprint request on the Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL portals so the same PAN number stays linked to your tax records.
Pick the right request
| Situation | Request type |
|---|---|
| Name / DOB / photo / signature / parent name wrong | Changes or Correction in PAN data |
| Details correct, card lost / damaged / not received | Reprint of PAN card |
| Never had a PAN | New PAN application (different form) |
IMPORTANT
Do not create a second PAN. Holding more than one PAN is illegal and creates linking problems with Aadhaar and banks.
Documents checklist
Documents for PAN correction or reprint
0 of 5 ready · saved on this device only
Step 1: Choose a portal
Use either:
Both are authorised. Stick to one application. Do not submit the same correction twice on both sites.
Step 2: Fill the online form
- Select Changes or Correction / Reprint.
- Enter existing PAN and personal details carefully.
- Tick only the fields that need change.
- For reprint with no data change, leave particulars as-is and choose reprint options.
Step 3: Upload and pay
- Upload clear JPG/PDF proofs within size limits.
- Pay the listed fee for e-PAN only or e-PAN plus physical card.
- Save the 15-digit acknowledgement number.
TIP
After Aadhaar linking, many name mismatches are easier to fix if Aadhaar already has the correct spelling. Align Aadhaar first when the error started there.
Step 4: Track and download e-PAN
- Track status on the same portal with acknowledgement number and DOB.
- When approved, download e-PAN PDF (password usually DOB in DDMMYYYY format).
- Store e-PAN in DigiLocker if offered.
- Physical card, if ordered, arrives by post to the address in the form.
Common rejection reasons
- Blurry supporting documents
- Name on proof does not support the requested spelling
- DOB proof conflict (marksheet vs Aadhaar)
- Application for "new PAN" instead of correction when PAN already exists
Reprint after loss or theft
If the card was stolen, lodge a police complaint when your bank or employer asks for one, then file reprint online. Update DigiLocker e-PAN immediately so you are not stuck for KYC while the plastic is in the post.
Tell your bank you are waiting for reprint if they insist on seeing physical PAN. Most banks accept e-PAN PDF with the password format based on date of birth.
After correction: cascade checklist
Once the new e-PAN shows the corrected spelling:
- Re-check PAN-Aadhaar link status on the income tax portal
- Share the new PDF with payroll for Form 16 generation
- Update demat and mutual fund KYC through KRA if the old name was seeded
- Update GST / Udyam records if you are a proprietor using that PAN
Skipping the cascade is how people end up with "name mismatch" errors months later at the worst time.
How long it usually takes
Many accepted correction or reprint requests finish in about 1-3 weeks. Track with the acknowledgement number on the same portal you used. e-PAN often arrives before the plastic card. If status sits on "documents under process" for longer, recheck that uploads were clear and that you did not file a second duplicate request.
Reprint after theft is still a reprint of the same PAN number. File a police complaint copy only if the portal or bank later asks for it. Do not apply for a brand-new PAN just because the card is missing; that creates duplicate-PAN trouble with income tax.
If the PAN portal is slow
Protean and UTIITSL get busy near filing season. Try early morning, another browser, and only the official links in this guide. If the fee debited without an acknowledgement, wait for reconciliation and contact that portal's helpline with the bank reference before you pay again. Keep the acknowledgement PDF and fee receipt together so payroll and banks can update KYC without another office visit.
Related Guides
- How to Apply for a New PAN Card Online
- How to Download e-PAN Card
- How to Change Name on PAN
- Link PAN with Aadhaar
Need more help?
For more information, check out our Identity & KYC guides or try our Income Tax Calculator.