The PAN card is your financial fingerprint. Whether you are filing taxes or making high-value transactions, PAN helps the system keep things transparent and on track. Now, the Income Tax Department has rolled out PAN 2.0, a smarter and safer upgrade to the old system. So, in this blog, we will walk you through how to apply for PAN 2.0 online.
What is PAN 2.0?
PAN 2.0 is not a new number- it is a smarter way to manage the one you already have. The Income Tax Department launched this upgraded version to make PAN services faster, safer, and more digital-friendly.
Under this new system, applicants receive an e-PAN with a secure QR code, sent straight to their registered email for free.
Prefer a physical card? No problem. You can still get one for a small fee. And don’t worry- your old PAN card is still valid, even if it doesn’t have the new QR code.
How To Apply For PAN 2.0?
You don’t need to reapply for a new PAN number just to enjoy the PAN 2.0 upgrade. If you already have a PAN, you are automatically eligible. All you need to do is request the updated version with the new QR code.
Here is how to get your PAN 2.0 online, using the official platforms – Protean (formerly NSDL) or UTIITSL. The process is quick, paperless, and takes just a few minutes.
Before you jump into the process, take a quick look at the back of your PAN card. You will find the issuer listed there – either NSDL (now Protean) or UTIITSL. Once you know which one it is, you are all set to follow the right steps. Let’s break it down based on your PAN provider.
Option 1: Apply via Protean (NSDL)
If your PAN card was originally issued by NSDL (now Protean), here is how you can request the upgraded PAN 2.0 in just a few quick steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Head over to the NSDL e-PAN service page:
https://www.onlineservices.nsdl.com/paam/requestAndDownloadEPAN.html
Step 2: Fill in Your Details
On the page, enter the following information:
- Your PAN (Permanent Account Number)
- Aadhaar Number (for individual applicants only)
- Date of Birth
Tick the required checkboxes to confirm your details, then submit the form. The system will now display your registered details as per the Income Tax Department’s records.
Step 3: Verify Using OTP
Choose how you want to receive your One-Time Password – via email or SMS. Once received, enter the 6-digit OTP on the site to validate your identity.
Step 4: Accept Terms and Make Payment
After OTP validation, read and agree to the terms and conditions shown on the screen.
Now, you will move to the payment section. Here’s how it works:
- Free if your PAN was issued or updated within the past 30 days (up to 3 downloads allowed)
- Otherwise, pay a small fee of ₹8.26 (including GST)
You can pay using a debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.
Step 5: Receive Your PAN 2.0
Once your payment goes through, your new e-PAN with a dynamic QR code will be sent directly to your registered email ID – usually within 30 minutes. It comes in a secure PDF format and is ready to download and use.
Option 2: Apply via UTIITSL
If your PAN card was issued through UTIITSL (UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited), here is how you can apply for the upgraded PAN 2.0 with QR code.
Step 1: Visit the UTIITSL Portal
Start by heading to the official UTIITSL PAN request page:
https://www.pan.utiitsl.com/PAN_ONLINE/ePANCard
Step 2: Enter Basic Information
On the page, fill in the required details:
- Your PAN
- Date of Birth
- Captcha Code
After entering everything correctly, click Submit to move to the next step.
Step 3: Check Your Registered Email
Once you submit your PAN details, the system will let you know whether your email ID is already registered with the Income Tax Department.
If your email is already linked to your PAN, you can go ahead and request your e-PAN. If not, you must update your email ID under the PAN 2.0 framework.
Step 4: Request Your e-PAN
Now it is time to place the request. If your PAN was issued or updated in the last 30 days, you can download your e-PAN up to 3 times for free.
If it has been more than 30 days, you will be asked to pay a small fee of ₹8.26 (including GST).
Step 5: Receive PAN 2.0 by Email
Once your request is processed and payment is made, your upgraded e-PAN with QR code will be sent to your registered email ID.
Delivery usually takes just a few minutes, and the file arrives as a secure PDF. So it is easy to download and ready to use.
Key Features and Benefits of PAN 2.0
Why is PAN 2.0 a big upgrade? PAN 2.0 makes the process easier, faster, and more secure for every taxpayer. Here is why it is a game-changer:
1) Smart QR Code for Hassle-Free Verification
Gone are the days of digging through paperwork. PAN 2.0 comes with a dynamic QR code that stores your key details in an encrypted format. So, this makes verification quick and secure.
2) 100% Online, 0% Paperwork
No forms, no queues, no delays. From applying to receiving your PAN, the entire process happens online. Therefore, you can do it all from your phone or laptop easily.
3) Fast Delivery
Once you complete the verification and payment steps, the system sends your e-PAN to your email, usually within just 30 minutes. It is one of the fastest ID services out there.
4) Free First-Time Access
If you got your PAN issued or updated in the past 30 days, you can download it up to three times for free. If you need it again later, no worries- the fee is just ₹8.26.
5) No Reapplication Needed
If you already have a PAN, then you don’t need to reapply. Just request the upgraded version with a QR code through the portal and you are good to go.
Final Words: The Future of PAN Is Here
PAN 2.0 is a full upgrade in how you access and manage one of your most essential financial documents. Refreshing your existing PAN, the journey is now quicker, smoother, and completely online. So if you haven’t tried it yet, this is the perfect time. Experience the ease of PAN 2.0 and keep your financial identity future-ready.
