Procedure for obtaining Permanent Account Number (Pan card)

How do I apply for PAN?

You can apply for PAN by filling up Form 49A: Application for Allotment of Permanent Account Number (PAN application form). You can also apply for PAN online through NSDL-TIN website.

Can I make an application for PAN on plain paper?

No. Application for PAN can be made only in Form 49A notified by Central Board of Direct Taxes on 29.05.2003.

Where can I obtain application form for PAN (Form 49A)?

You can obtain the application form for PAN (Form 49A) in the format prescribed by Income Tax Department from TIN-Facilitation Centres (TIN-FCs), any other stationery vendors providing such forms or from NSDL-TIN website.

Are there any charges for obtaining Form 49A?

The form is freely downloadable from NSDL-TIN website. You can also obtain the form from TIN-FCs.

You can submit your duly filled and signed PAN application form alongwith the supporting documents to any of the TIN-FCs or PAN Centres managed by NSDL.

You have to pay Rs.85 (plus service tax, as applicable) to TIN-FCs as processing fees while submitting Form 49A. If address for communication is a foreign address, the fee payable is Rs. 744 (including service tax).

What will I receive on submission of the PAN application form to a TIN-FC?

You will receive an acknowledgment with a unique 15-digit acknowledgment number on submission of the PAN application form.

How can I enquire about the status of my application?

(i) You can inquire the status of your application by accessing NSDL-TIN website at the "Status track" option and quoting your unique 15-digit acknowledgement number after three days of your application.
(ii) You can also obtain status of your application through SMS (Short messaging service) using mobile phones. For this, you have to type the word "NSDLPAN" followed by your 15-digit acknowledgement number and send it to 57575. For example: SMS NSDLPAN 012345678901234 to 57575.

How do I fill the application form 49A?

You should fill the application form legibly in English capital letters with black ink. You should read all the instructions before filling up Form 49A.

Is a photograph compulsory for making an application for PAN?

'Individual' applicants should affix a recent colour photograph (size 3.5 cm x 2.5 cm) in the space provided on the form. The photograph should not be stapled or clipped to the form. The applicant should not sign across the photograph. The clarity of image on PAN card will depend on the quality and clarity of photograph affixed on the form.

What documents should I submit along with the application form?

You have to submit the following documents with the application form:
A] Proof of identity (POI)
B] Proof of address (POA)
The documents for POI and POA depend on the citizenship and the status of the applicant.

Which documents will serve as proof of identity in case of individual applicants and HUF applicants?

1. Individual and HUF Applicants who are citizens of India and located within India at the time of application for PAN:
Copy of any one of the following will serve as a proof of identity:

• School leaving certificate
• Matriculation certificate
• Degree of recognized educational institution
• Depository account statement
• Valid Credit card
• Bank account statement
• Water bill
• Ration card
• Property tax assessment order
• Passport
• Voter's identity card
• Driving license
• Certificate of identity signed by a Member of Parliament or Member of Legislative Assembly or Municipal Councilor or a Gazetted Officer.

Note: 

• Document being submitted should be in the full name of the applicant as mentioned in the PAN application.
• In case the PAN applicant is a minor, any of above documents of any of the parents or guardian of such minor shall serve as proof of identity.
• In case PAN application is made on behalf of a HUF, any of above documents in respect of karta of the HUF will serve as proof of identity.

2. Citizen of India located outside India at the time of application for PAN:
Copy of passport will serve as a proof of identity

3. Foreign Citizen located in India at the time of application for PAN
Copy of passport and Copy of Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card issued by Government of India will serve as a proof of identity

4. Foreign Citizen located outside India at the time of application for PAN
Copy of any one of the following will serve as a proof of identity:

• Passport
• Other National ID attested by Indian Embassy/Consulate/High Commission/Apostille
• Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card issued by Government of India

What documents should be submitted as proof of address for individual applicants and HUF applicants?

1. Individual and HUF Applicants who are citizens of India and located within India at the time of application for PAN:
Copy of any one of the following will serve as a proof of address:

1. Electricity bill*
2. Telephone bill*
3. Depository account statement*
4. Credit card statement*
5. Bank account statement*
6. Rent receipt*
7. Employer certificate*
8. Ration card
9. Passport
10. Voter's identity card
11. Property tax assessment order
12. Driving license
13. Certificate of address signed by a Member of Parliament or Member of Legislative Assembly or Municipal Councilor or a Gazetted Officer.

Note:

• *For serial numbers 1 to 7, proof of address should not be more than six months old from the date of application.
• Document being submitted should be in the full name of the applicant as mentioned in the PAN application.
• In case the PAN applicant is a minor, any of above documents of any of the parents or guardian of such minor shall serve as proof of address.
• In case PAN application is made on behalf of a HUF, any of above documents in respect of Karta of the HUF will serve as proof of address.
• It is mandatory for individuals and HUF to mention their residential address on the PAN application and to submit valid proof of the same.
• If office address is selected as communication address by Individual and HUF applicants, then POA for office address is also required.

2. Citizen of India located outside India at the time of application for PAN
Copy of any one of the following will serve as a proof of address:

• Passport
• Bank account statement in country of residence
• NRE bank account statement**

3. Foreign Citizen located in India at the time of application for PAN
Copy of any one of the following will serve as a proof of address:

• Passport
• Bank account statement in India
• Residential permit issued by the State Police Authorities
• Registration certificate issued by the Foreigner's Registration Officer
• Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card issued by Government of India
• NRE bank account statement**

In case ‘Office Address (of India)’ is mentioned in application made by foreign citizens , then it is mandatory to provide all five documents mentioned below as proof for office address.

Copy of Visa application to Indian authorities + Copy of Visa granted + Copy of appointment letter/contract from Indian Company + Certificate (in original) of address in India of applicant issued by authorized signatory of employer on employer’s letter head mentioning the PAN of the employer + copy of PAN card for the PAN mentioned in the employer’s certificate.

4. Foreign Citizen located outside India at the time of application for PAN
Copy of any one of the following will serve as a proof of address:

• Passport
• Other National ID attested by Indian Embassy/Consulate/High Commission/Apostille
• Bank account statement in country of residence, duly attested by Indian Embassy/High Commission / Consulate / Apostille in the country where applicant is located
• Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card issued by Government of India
• NRE bank account statement**

Note: 

** showing at least two customer induced transactions in last six months period and duly attested by Indian Embassy / Consular office / High commission or Apostille or by the manager of the bank in which the account is held. The applicant may be a joint holder.

What is the procedure for applicants who cannot sign?

In such cases, Left Hand Thumb Impression (preferably in black ink) of the applicant should be taken on Form 49A/change request form at the place meant for signature. This should be attested by a Magistrate or a Notary Public or a Gazetted Officer, under official seal and stamp.

Is father’s name compulsory for female applicants (including married/divorced/widow)?

Female applicants, irrespective of their marital status, should write only father’s name in the PAN application form. There is no provision to mention husband's name in the application.

Is it compulsory for me to mention telephone number/email id on application Form 49A?

Either the telephone number or the email should be mandatorily mentioned in the application.

• When the telephone number is mentioned, it is necessary to mention the STD code. In case of mobile number, country code should be mentioned as STD code. When the telephone is provided by WLL service providers, the STD code should be mentioned.
• If email id is mentioned, PAN will be communicated on email id when it is allotted by the Income Tax Department.

Source: 

http://www.tin-nsdl.com/faqPANprocedure.asp