How to Do an Instant e-PAN Download in 2026 (With or Without PAN Number)

According to a Business Standard report, approximately 780 million PAN cards have been issued in India, covering around 54% of the population. Under the government's PAN 2.0 initiative, new applicants can get an instant e-PAN download within minutes, and existing users can re-download their e-PAN anytime - no paperwork required.

Whether you are applying for the first time or retrieving a lost PAN, the process is faster and more accessible than ever. This guide covers everything: what an e-PAN card is, who is eligible, and exactly how to download it - with or without your PAN number.

What is an e-PAN Card?

The e-PAN card is a digitally signed PDF document issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It carries the same details as a physical PAN card — cardholder name, date of birth, and the 10-digit Permanent Account Number.

It is legally valid for all financial transactions that require a PAN, including:

• Opening a bank account
• Filing income tax returns
• High-value purchases or investments
• KYC verification for financial institutions

Since it exists as a secure PDF, there is no risk of losing or damaging it - making it a practical alternative to carrying a physical card.

Who is Eligible for an e-PAN Card?

Before you begin, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. The e-PAN service is available to:

• Individual taxpayers only - firms, companies, or other entities cannot use this service.
• Aadhaar cardholders - your Aadhaar must be linked to an active mobile number, since the service uses Aadhaar-based e-KYC for authentication.
• Indian citizens - NRIs can apply for a PAN, but through a slightly different process.
• First-time applicants - if you already have a PAN linked to your Aadhaar, you cannot apply for a new e-PAN through the instant service.

If you check all the boxes above, you are ready to proceed.

How to Do an Instant e-PAN Download Online in 3 Methods

There are three official portals through which you can apply for a new e-PAN or re-download an existing one. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of each.

Method 1: Instant e-PAN Download via the Income Tax e-Filing Portal

This is the fastest method for first-time applicants or anyone whose PAN is linked to Aadhaar.

Step 1: Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal.

Step 2: Under Quick Links, click on Instant e-PAN.

Step 3: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number. Tick the confirmation checkbox and click Continue.

Step 4: An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number. Enter the 6-digit code within 15 minutes and click Continue.

Step 5: Your e-PAN will be generated within 10 minutes. You will receive a confirmation via SMS or email. Download the PDF from the Check Status / Download PAN tab on the portal.

This method works even without a PAN number — your Aadhaar number is sufficient.

Method 2: e-PAN Download via NSDL

The NSDL portal is the most widely used option for downloading an existing e-PAN.

Step 1: Go to onlineservices.proteantech.in 

Step 2: Enter your PAN number, Aadhaar number, date of birth, and the captcha code. If you have your PAN application acknowledgement number, you can use that instead.

Step 3: Choose OTP delivery via mobile or email. Note that NSDL offers three free downloads within 30 days of PAN allotment or update. After that, a nominal fee of ₹8.26 applies to receive the PDF via email.

Step 4: Verify the OTP, and your e-PAN will be sent to your registered email as a PDF.

Method 3: e-PAN Download via UTIITSL

UTIITSL is another authorised portal for e-PAN download with Aadhaar and other details.

Step 1: Visit www.pan.utiitsl.com and click Download e-PAN.

Step 2: Enter your PAN number, date of birth, and GSTIN (if applicable). Solve the captcha and submit the form.

Step 3: A download link will be sent to your registered email or mobile number. Click the link, enter the OTP, and download your e-PAN.

Step 4: Like NSDL, UTIITSL provides three free downloads within 30 days of PAN allotment or update. A small fee applies after that.

What Is the e-PAN PDF Password?

The e-PAN PDF is password-protected for security. The password is your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format.

For example, if your date of birth is 15 May 1990, the password is 15051990.

If your PAN records only contain the year of birth (not the full date), you will need to update your information first. You can do this through the Income Tax e-Filing portal by selecting Update PAN and completing the Aadhaar-verified e-KYC process.

How to Download an e-PAN Card Without a PAN Number

Lost your PAN number? You can still do an e-PAN download with Aadhaar alone. Here is how:

1. Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal.
2. Click on Instant e-PAN.
3. Enter your Aadhaar number and complete OTP verification.

If your PAN is already linked to your Aadhaar and is active, the e-PAN will be available for download immediately - no PAN number needed.

How to Download an e-PAN Without an Email ID

An email ID is not mandatory. Follow these steps:

1. Go to the NSDL website.
2. Select the e-PAN Download option.
3. Enter your Aadhaar number or PAN number.
4. Choose OTP verification via your registered mobile number.
5. Once verified, download the e-PAN directly from the portal.

Manage Your Taxes and Finances Smarter with Munim

Downloading your e-PAN is just the first step. Once your PAN is in order, managing your business finances — from GST return filing to invoicing and expense tracking — becomes your next priority.

Munim is India's trusted accounting, billing, and GST return filing software built specifically for SMEs, traders, and CAs. From automated GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B filing to real-time financial reports and e-invoicing, Munim brings everything under one roof.

Explore Munim's pricing plans to find the right fit for your business - whether you are a solo trader or managing multiple clients. Ready to simplify your accounting? Start your free trial today and see why thousands of Indian businesses trust Munim

Related PAN Resources

How to Track PAN Card Status
PAN Card Fees
PAN Card Correction

Frequently Asked Questions on e-PAN Card Download

1. Can I download an e-PAN card by application number? 

Yes. On the NSDL portal, you can use your PAN application acknowledgement number in place of your PAN number to download your e-PAN.

2. Can I download my e-PAN card completely online? 

Yes. All three methods — the Income Tax e-Filing Portal, NSDL, and UTIITSL — allow you to download your e-PAN entirely online without visiting any office.

3. Is the e-PAN card legally valid? 

Yes. An e-PAN card issued by the Income Tax Department of India is legally valid for all purposes where a PAN is required.

4. Is the e-PAN download free? 

The first three downloads within 30 days of PAN allotment or update are free on NSDL and UTIITSL. After that, a small fee of ₹8.26 applies. The Income Tax portal's Instant e-PAN service is free for first-time applicants.

About the author

Mehul Jagwani

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Mehul is a seasoned content writer with a passion for simplifying complex accounting and GST topics. With a keen interest in entrepreneurship and business management, he specializes in creating informative and engaging content for themunim.com. His goal is to help businesses understand and implement accounting and GST software solutions effectively. When he's not crafting content, Mehul enjoys exploring new places and spending time with his Golden Retriever.