How to Find Your PAN Card Number Online and Offline

How to Find Your PAN Card Number
Table of Contents

If you are wondering how to find your PAN card number, there are several easy online and offline methods available even if you don’t have your physical PAN card. Whether you have misplaced it or simply need the number urgently, this guide explains reliable ways to retrieve your PAN card number using official sources.

What Is a PAN Card?

A PAN card is a 10 character alphanumeric code issued to individuals, companies, trusts, and other entities. It is unique to each holder and remains valid for life.

Example: ABCDE1234F

The PAN card contains:

  • PAN number
  • Name of the holder
  • Date of birth or incorporation
  • Photograph (for individuals)
  • Signature

Because PAN links all tax-related information, it is mandatory for most financial and legal activities in India.

How to Find Your PAN Card Number Online

If you have access to the internet and basic personal details, online methods are the fastest and most convenient way to retrieve your PAN number.

1. How to Find Your PAN Card Number Online Using Aadhaar

If your PAN is linked with Aadhaar, this is the easiest method.

Steps:

  1. Visit the Income Tax Department’s e filing website.
  2. Click on “Instant PAN through Aadhaar” or “Know Your PAN”
  3. Enter your Aadhaar number
  4. Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
  5. Verify the details

Once verified, your PAN number will be displayed on the screen.

Who can use this method?

  • Individuals whose PAN is linked with Aadhaar
  • Users with access to the Aadhaar registered mobile number

2. How to Find Your PAN Card Number Through Income Tax Portal

If you have registered on the income tax e filing portal before, you can retrieve your PAN easily.

Steps:

  1. Go to the Income Tax e Filing website
  2. Click on “Login”
  3. Enter your user ID (email ID or PAN, if remembered)
  4. Use the “Forgot PAN” or “Know Your PAN” option
  5. Provide required personal details (name, date of birth, mobile number)

After successful verification, your PAN number will be shown or sent to your registered email.

3. Check PAN Through Bank Records

Many banks store PAN details as part of KYC compliance.

You can:

  • Log in to your net banking account
  • Check your account profile or KYC section
  • Download your bank statement, where PAN is often mentioned

This method works well if your PAN was used while opening the bank account.

4. Retrieve PAN from Demat or Mutual Fund Accounts

If you have investments:

  • Demat account statements
  • Mutual fund account statements
  • Investment confirmation emails

These documents often display your PAN number clearly.

5. Use DigiLocker

If you have uploaded your PAN card to DigiLocker, you can retrieve it anytime.

Steps:

  1. Log in to DigiLocker
  2. Go to Issued Documents
  3. Open your PAN card document

Your PAN number will be visible on the digital copy.

How to Find Your PAN Card Number Offline

If you don’t have internet access or prefer offline methods, there are several options available.

1. Documents That Contain Your PAN Card Number

Look for PAN details in:

  • Old income tax returns
  • Salary slips
  • Form 16 issued by employer
  • Bank account opening forms
  • Loan or credit card documents

PAN is often printed on these records.

2. Visit an Income Tax Office

You can personally visit your nearest Income Tax Department office.

What to carry:

  • Valid ID proof (Aadhaar, voter ID, passport, etc.)
  • Date of birth
  • Address proof (if available)

The officials may help you retrieve your PAN after verification.

3. Contact PAN Service Centers (NSDL or UTIITSL)

Authorized PAN service centers can help you retrieve your PAN number.

Steps:

  1. Visit the nearest NSDL or UTIITSL PAN center
  2. Fill out a PAN retrieval request
  3. Submit identity proof
  4. Pay a nominal service charge (if applicable)

They will provide your PAN details after verification.

4. Ask Your Employer

If you are salaried:

  • Contact your HR or payroll department
  • PAN details are usually stored for tax deduction purposes

Your PAN may be available in their records.

5. Check Old PAN Card Acknowledgment Slip

If you applied for PAN earlier and kept the acknowledgment receipt, it may contain:

  • Application number
  • PAN details

This slip is useful for both retrieval and reprint purposes.

What to Do After Finding Your PAN Number?

Once you retrieve your PAN number, consider the following steps:

  • Save it securely (digital note, password manager, or document folder)
  • Link PAN with Aadhaar (if not already linked)
  • Apply for a duplicate PAN card if the original is lost or damaged
  • Update PAN details if there are errors in name or date of birth

Tips to Keep Your PAN Card Number Safe

  • Store a scanned copy in DigiLocker or cloud storage
  • Note PAN number in a secure password manager
  • Avoid sharing PAN on unsecured websites
  • Carry only a photocopy when physical proof is required

Since PAN is directly linked to your credit history, it’s important to understand how your credit score works.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I find my PAN number using only my name and date of birth?

Yes, you can retrieve your PAN using your name, date of birth, and registered mobile number through the Income Tax Department’s online services.

Q2. Is Aadhaar mandatory to retrieve PAN online?

No, Aadhaar is not mandatory in all cases. However, if your PAN is linked with Aadhaar, retrieval becomes faster and easier.

Q3. What if my mobile number is not linked with PAN?

You may need to visit a PAN service center or Income Tax office offline to retrieve your PAN after identity verification.

Q4. Can I have more than one PAN card?

No. Having more than one PAN is illegal under Indian law and can lead to penalties. If you have duplicate PANs, you should surrender the extra one.

Q5. How long does it take to retrieve a lost PAN number?

Online methods provide instant results, while offline methods may take a few days depending on verification and service center procedures.

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