How to Verify PAN Card: Easy Online and Offline Steps

Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a 10-digit unique alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department of India, and it plays a vital role in an individual’s financial life. From filing income tax returns and opening bank accounts to high-value transactions and investments, PAN serves as both a tax reference number and an important proof of identity. Because of its widespread use across financial and regulatory systems, the authenticity of a PAN card and its correct link to the holder remain essential to avoid compliance issues and financial risks.

In recent years, cases of PAN misuse, identity theft, and fraudulent financial activities have increased, making verification more important than ever for individuals and organisations. In this blog, we will explain how to verify PAN card, so you stay informed and financially secure.

What is PAN card verification?

PAN card verification is the process used to confirm the authenticity and validity of a Permanent Account Number (PAN). It involves comparing key details, such as the PAN holder’s name, date of birth, and PAN status, with the official database maintained by the Income Tax Department. This verification helps determine whether a PAN is valid and active, deactivated or deleted, or invalid and not present in the database.

The Income Tax e-Filing portal offers a ‘Verify Your PAN’ facility that allows users to easily check their PAN details. This is a pre-login service, meaning most users can access it without logging into the portal, while external agencies can use it after logging in.

Types of PAN card verification

1. Screen-based verification : It is ideal for verifying a small number of PANs. Users can enter up to five PAN numbers directly on the screen and receive instant results.
2. File and screen-based verification: This method is for bulk verification. Users can upload a file containing up to 1,000 PANs. Results are typically available within 24 hours, and the response file can be downloaded within 15 days.
3. Software (API)-based verification: An API-based verification enables a business to verify PAN details automatically. It connects their internal systems directly to the official PAN verification website services for real-time authentication.

How to verify PAN card online

1. Income tax e-filing portal (for general users)

   • Visit the Income Tax Department e-filing portal
   • Under the ‘Quick Links’ section, select the ‘Verify PAN Status’ option
   • Provide your 10-digit PAN, full name, date of birth, and mobile number
   • Select ‘Continue’
   • Enter the OTP
   • Select ‘Validate’
   • On successful validation, the screen will display the status of the PAN card

2. UTIITSL portal (for bulk users)

   • Visit the official UTIITSL portal
   • Click on the ‘PAN Bulk Verification’ option under the ‘PAN Card Services’ section
   • Enter your username and password
   • Input the captcha code to sign in safely
   • Follow the prompted instructions thereafter
   • The system will reflect whether your PAN is legitimate or not

3. Protean portal (NSDL)

   • Visit the Income Tax Department e-filing portal
   • Under the ‘Quick Links’ section, select the ‘Verify PAN Status’ option
   • Provide your 10-digit PAN, full name, date of birth, and mobile number, then select ‘Continue’
   • Enter the OTP, then select ‘Validate’
   • On successful validation, the status of the PAN card will show on your screen

4. Verification with the Aadhaar card

   • Visit the official website for e-filing income tax returns
   • Under the ‘Quick Links’ section, click the ‘Link Aadhaar’ option
   • Enter your PAN number and Aadhaar number in the required fields
   • Review and validate the details
   • Again, go to the ‘Quick Links’ section on the main page of the website
   • Click the ‘Link Aadhaar Status’ option
   • Enter your PAN number and Aadhaar number in the required fields
   • Review and click the ‘View Link Aadhaar Status’ to check the verification status of your PAN card linked to your Aadhaar

How to verify PAN card offline

Bank visit

• Visit the nearest bank’s branch
• Provide a physical copy of your PAN card to the bank representative
• The bank will check your PAN details against the official records of the Income Tax Department

Learning how to verify PAN card is just as important as having one. The verification process provides an added layer of protection against fraud and ensures your financial dealings are conducted with a valid identity.

As an individual, you can check your PAN status directly on the official Income Tax Department e-filing portal. Businesses, on the other hand, have dedicated, government-approved services such as Protean and UTIITSL for the specific purpose of verifying multiple PANs at once. These easy-to-use methods help you confirm your PAN is legitimate and protect you from potential scams.

Read on: PAN Card 2.0 Project: What’s New?

Frequently asked questions

1. How to verify PAN card details are genuine or not?

   You can check if your PAN card is legitimate by verifying on the ITD e-filing portal. Enter your PAN details and validate the information using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number. This will confirm the authenticity of your PAN card.

2. How to verify PAN card number other than the official Income Tax Department?

   Other than the Income Tax Department, you can verify on government-approved websites such as UTIISL and Protean (formerly NSDL). In addition to Aadhaar, you can also contact your bank and request PAN verification if the offline facility is available.

3. Is PAN card verification mandatory?

   Yes, PAN card verification is mandatory when filing taxes, conducting large financial transactions, or completing KYC processes with banks and financial institutions. It ensures the authenticity of the PAN holder.

4. How many days does it take for PAN verification?

   The result is displayed instantly on the screen. However, bulk verification may take up to 24 hours to complete.

5. Is there any limit on how many PANs an individual taxpayer can verify with a single mobile number?

   Yes. You can verify up to 5 different PANs with a single mobile number in a day.