How to Reprint PAN Card - Step-by-Step Guide for NRIs

Last month, Rashid from Dubai called his bank to open an NRE fixed deposit. Everything was going smoothly until the relationship manager asked for a physical PAN card. 

Rashid had the number memorized. He even had a photo saved on his phone. But the bank wanted the original laminated card. 

The problem? It was sitting in a drawer somewhere in his parents' house in Kerala. 

Faded. Damaged. Unusable.

Sound familiar?

At Belong, we hear this story almost daily from NRIs in the UAE and UK. Your PAN card is your financial identity in India. 

Without it, you can't open investment accounts, sell property, or file taxes properly. The good news? Reprinting it is now entirely online. 

The process takes 15-20 working days and costs as little as ₹50.

This guide walks you through every step. We'll also cover the mistakes that get applications rejected, so you don't waste time or money.

When Do You Actually Need a PAN Reprint?

Before jumping into the process, let's be clear about what "reprint" means.

A PAN reprint is for situations where your existing PAN card is lost, damaged, or simply too faded to use. 

Your PAN number stays the same. You're just getting a fresh physical card with the same details.

You need a reprint when:

• Your PAN card is physically damaged or worn out

• You've lost your PAN card and need a replacement

• The lamination has peeled off

• The card details are no longer legible

• You never received the physical card after original allotment

You do NOT need a reprint when:

• Your name, address, or date of birth is wrong (you need a correction instead)

• You've never applied for PAN before (you need a new application)

• You want to change your photo or signature (you need a correction request)

👉 Tip: If you're unsure whether you have a PAN number, use the "Know Your PAN" feature on the Income Tax e-Filing portal before applying. This prevents duplicate applications, which carry a ₹10,000 penalty.

Reprint vs Duplicate vs Correction: What's the Difference?

These terms confuse many NRIs. Here's the clear distinction:

The terms "reprint" and "duplicate" mean the same thing. The Income Tax Department uses them interchangeably. Don't get confused if different portals use different terms.

If your details are incorrect, a simple reprint won't help. You'll need to apply for a correction. We have a detailed guide on lost PAN card recovery that covers edge cases.

Which Portal Should You Use: Protean or UTIITSL?

The Income Tax Department has authorized only two agencies to process PAN applications:

1. Protean eGov Technologies Limited (formerly NSDL)

2. UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited (UTIITSL)

Here's the important rule: You must apply through the same agency that originally processed your PAN.

If your original PAN was issued through NSDL (now Protean), use Protean's portal. If it came through UTIITSL, use their portal. Using the wrong portal will delay or reject your application.

Don't remember which agency issued your PAN? Check your original allotment letter. You can also try logging into both portals with your PAN number. The correct one will have your records.

👉 Tip: Both portals now offer e-PAN downloads free for 30 days after allotment. If you recently got your PAN, check if you can download the e-PAN before paying for a reprint.

Step-by-Step Process via Protean (NSDL)

If your original PAN was processed through NSDL/Protean, follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to onlineservices.proteantech.in/paam/ReprintEPan.html

Do not use any third-party websites. Many sites charge inflated fees for the same service. Stick to official government portals.

Step 2: Enter Your PAN Details

Fill in your:

• Existing PAN number (10 characters)

• Aadhaar number (if linked)

• Date of birth

• GSTN (only for businesses, skip if individual)

Step 3: Verify Your Information

The portal will display your registered details in masked format. Check if the address shown is correct. This is where your PAN card will be delivered.

If the address is outdated, you'll need to file a correction request instead of a simple reprint.

Step 4: Complete OTP Verification

Click "Get OTP." The code will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter it within the time limit.

This is where many UAE-based NRIs face problems. If your Indian mobile number is inactive, the OTP won't reach you. See the troubleshooting section below.

Step 5: Make Payment

Pay ₹50 (for Indian address) or ₹959 (for overseas address) through:

• Net banking

• Debit/credit card

• UPI

• Digital wallets

Step 6: Download Acknowledgment

Save the acknowledgment receipt immediately. It contains your tracking number. You'll need this to check application status.

👉 Tip: If your PAN was allotted within the last 30 days, you can download the e-PAN free of charge. No need to pay for a reprint just yet.

Step-by-Step Process via UTIITSL

If your PAN was originally processed through UTIITSL:

Step 1: Visit the Portal

Go to pan.utiitsl.com and click on "Reprint PAN"

Step 2: Enter Application Details

Provide your:

• PAN number

• Aadhaar number

• Date of birth

Step 3: Review Masked Details

The system displays partial details from your existing records. Confirm they're accurate before proceeding.

Step 4: OTP Authentication

Receive and enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.

Step 5: Payment

Complete payment for ₹50 (India) or ₹994 (overseas address). International credit cards are accepted.

Step 6: Download Receipt

Save the receipt with your coupon number for tracking.

Documents Required for PAN Reprint

Here's what surprises most NRIs: for a simple reprint with no changes, you often don't need to submit any physical documents.

The online reprint process through both Protean and UTIITSL uses e-KYC verification. Your existing details are already on file. The system simply reprints a card with those same details.

However, you will need:

• Your existing PAN number (mandatory)

• Access to your registered mobile number for OTP

• Valid payment method (international cards accepted)

If you're applying offline or if the system cannot verify your details electronically, you may need:

👉 Tip: NRIs don't need Aadhaar for PAN services. If the system asks for Aadhaar and you don't have one, select the non-Aadhaar verification option.

Fees and Charges Breakdown

Let's be clear about the exact costs:

The overseas dispatch fee covers international courier charges. This is why the foreign address fee is significantly higher.

Some third-party services charge ₹2,000-5,000 for the same service. They're essentially applying through the same government portals and adding their margin. Unless you face language barriers or have complex situations, apply directly.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Typical timeline for NRIs:

Total: 15-20 working days for physical card

If you need PAN urgently, the e-PAN option is faster. Most banks and financial institutions now accept e-PAN for NRI investment accounts and KYC verification. Check with your specific institution before waiting for the physical card.

👉 Tip: The e-PAN PDF is password-protected. The password is your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format.

e-PAN vs Physical PAN: Which Do You Really Need?

This is an important decision for NRIs who don't visit India frequently.

e-PAN Benefits:

• Legally valid for all purposes

• Delivered via email within 2-3 days

• Can be stored securely in cloud storage

• Accepted by most banks and financial institutions

• Multiple copies available (just print again)

Physical PAN Benefits:

• Required by some traditional banks

• Easier to present at physical offices

• Some government offices still prefer physical copies

• More universally recognized by older institutions

Our recommendation: Apply for the physical card but use e-PAN for immediate needs. This way, you're covered for both scenarios.

For GIFT City investments and modern digital platforms, e-PAN works perfectly. Traditional banks with older systems might still ask for physical cards.

You can explore NRI FD rates across different banks, and many now accept e-PAN for account opening.

Common Mistakes That Cause Rejection

Based on what we see from the NRI community, these are the top reasons applications fail:

1. Using the Wrong Portal

If Protean processed your original PAN, UTIITSL won't have your records (and vice versa). The application will fail or get stuck.

2. Inactive Mobile Number

The OTP goes to your registered Indian mobile. If you've changed numbers or your SIM is inactive, you won't receive it. Update your mobile number first through the correction process.

3. Mismatched Information

The details you enter must exactly match what's on record. Even small spelling variations can cause issues.

4. Applying When Correction is Needed

A reprint only works when your existing details are correct. If your name is spelled wrong or your address is outdated in their system, the reprinted card will have the same errors. Apply for correction instead.

5. Duplicate Applications

Submitting multiple applications doesn't speed things up. It creates confusion and can flag your account for review.

👉 Tip: Before applying, download your e-PAN to check the current details on record. If anything is wrong, file a correction request first.

What If You Don't Know Your PAN Number?

You need your PAN number to apply for a reprint. If you've genuinely forgotten it:

Method 1: Know Your PAN (Income Tax Portal)

Visit eportal.incometax.gov.in/iec/foservices/#/pre-login/knowYourPan

Enter your:

• Full name (as on PAN)

• Date of birth

• Registered mobile number

The system will send your PAN to your registered email.

Method 2: Instant PAN Through Aadhaar

If your PAN is linked to Aadhaar, use the Instant e-PAN facility on the same portal. You can download it immediately after authentication.

Method 3: Bank Statements

Your PAN often appears on:

• Bank account statements

• Investment account documents

• Old tax returns

• Insurance policies

Check your paperwork before starting the recovery process.

What If Your Details Need Correction?

If you discover errors while checking your PAN details, here's what to do:

For Name/DOB/Photo Changes:

1. Visit Protean or UTIITSL portal

2. Select "Changes or Correction in PAN Data"

3. Choose "Individual" category

4. Enter your current PAN number

5. Fill only the fields you want to update

6. Upload supporting documents

7. Pay the correction fee

Documents Needed for Correction:

For NRIs, all documents must be either:

• Self-attested, OR

• Attested by Indian Embassy/Consulate, OR

• Notarized by authorized officials

How to Track Your Application Status

Once you've submitted your application:

Protean Applications:

Visit tin.tin.nsdl.com/pantan/StatusTrack.html

Enter your 15-digit acknowledgment number and your date of birth.

UTIITSL Applications:

Visit pan.utiitsl.com/PANOnline/forms/pan2.html

Enter your coupon number.

Status Meanings:

If your card shows "returned," contact customer support immediately. You may need to provide a corrected address.

PAN Card Delivery to Overseas Address

Yes, the Income Tax Department can dispatch PAN cards to foreign addresses. But there are some things to know:

What Works:

• International courier delivery to UAE, UK, USA, and most countries

• Tracking number provided

• Delivery within 10-15 working days

What Doesn't Work:

• P.O. Box addresses may face issues

• Some remote locations have limited courier reach

• Apartment buildings without clear unit numbers cause problems

Alternative Approach:

Many NRIs prefer using an Indian address (parents' or relatives' home). The card is then safely forwarded through reliable means.

This is especially practical if you visit India periodically or have family who can courier it to you.

👉 Tip: If you choose overseas delivery, ensure your address includes your full name exactly as it appears on your passport. Courier companies reject deliveries when names don't match.

Tax and Banking Implications

Why does all this matter? Because without a valid PAN, your NRI tax filing becomes complicated, and you face higher TDS.

TDS Without PAN:

When you don't provide PAN for financial transactions, the payer must deduct TDS at a higher rate:

• Interest income: 30% TDS (instead of applicable rate)

• Property sale: 30% TDS (instead of 20%)

• Rent income: 30% TDS (instead of 10%)

This extra TDS is recoverable when you file your tax return. But it locks up your money for months.

Banking Without Physical PAN:

While e-PAN works for most purposes, some situations still require physical cards:

• Opening accounts at traditional nationalized banks

• Property registration in certain states

• Some gold loan applications

• Specific government office procedures

For modern digital banking and NRI account services, e-PAN is typically sufficient.

What Most Blogs Miss: The PAN 2.0 Project

The government launched the PAN 2.0 project to modernize PAN services. Here's what NRIs should know:

Key Changes:

• QR code on all new PAN cards for instant verification

• Enhanced security features to prevent fraud

• Better integration with Income Tax systems

• Faster processing through automation

If you're reprinting your PAN now, you'll receive the updated PAN 2.0 card with these features.

For NRIs Specifically:

The Income Tax Department is making it easier for NRIs to update their residential status on PAN. If your PAN still shows "Resident" when you're actually an NRI, you should update it.

Understanding your NRI status correctly affects your tax treatment in India.

Planning to Return to India?

If you're an NRI considering returning to India, your PAN card becomes even more important.

Before Returning:

• Ensure your PAN has current address

• Update your residential status when applicable

• Keep records of your NRI period (useful for RNOR status)

Your PAN links to your entire financial history in India. Having accurate, updated records makes the transition smoother.

RNOR Tax Benefits:

When you return, you may qualify as "Resident but Not Ordinarily Resident" (RNOR) for up to 3 years. During this period, your foreign income remains tax-free in India. Your PAN records help establish this status.

GIFT City: A Better Way to Invest

While we're discussing PAN and NRI finances, it's worth knowing about GIFT City.

GIFT City is India's International Financial Services Centre in Gujarat. It offers NRIs:

• Tax-free USD fixed deposits

• Protection from rupee depreciation

• Simplified repatriation

• SEBI-regulated investments

You can explore GIFT City mutual funds and GIFT City Alternative Investment Funds for diversified options.

The Belong app makes investing through GIFT City simple. Our digital KYC process works with your PAN and passport. No physical card required.

👉 Tip: Track your investments using our Gift Nifty tracker to stay updated on market movements.

Sources:

• Income Tax Department - PAN Services
• NSDL PAN Portal
• UTI Infrastructure PAN Services