Independent guide · Not the Income Tax Department, Protean or UTIITSL · We never ask for your PAN, Aadhaar number or OTP.
How to Check PAN Card Status (2026): Protean, UTIITSL, Instant e-PAN
Check your PAN status on the same site you applied through. On Protean, enter your 15-digit acknowledgement number on the Track Status page. On UTIITSL, enter your application coupon number, or your PAN with date of birth. For Instant e-PAN, use your Aadhaar number and OTP on the e-Filing portal. Checking is free.
- Fee to check
- ₹0
- Protean
- 15-digit acknowledgement number
- UTIITSL
- Coupon number, or PAN + date of birth
- Instant e-PAN
- Aadhaar number + OTP
- Shows up
- Usually after a few working days
On this page
Where did you apply for your PAN?
PAN applications are handled by two agencies, Protean and UTIITSL, plus the Income Tax e-Filing portal for Instant e-PAN. You must check status where you applied. Pick your answer below.
| Where you applied | Where to check |
|---|---|
| Protean website, or a receipt with a 15-digit number | Protean Track Status |
| UTIITSL website, or a receipt with a coupon number | UTIITSL Track PAN Card |
| Instant e-PAN with Aadhaar OTP | e-Filing portal: Check Status / Download e-PAN |
| PAN allotted, card not yet received | India Post tracking |
| Don't know, no papers | Find your number first |
This page tracks a PAN application. To see whether an existing PAN is active, use verify a PAN online. For the Aadhaar link, see PAN–Aadhaar link status. Words like "inoperative" are explained in inoperative vs deactivated PAN. Not sure what you need? Try the PAN wizard.
Which number do you need, and where do you find it?
The number on your acknowledgement is the key. It also tells you which agency has your application.
| Applied through | Number you get | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Protean | 15-digit acknowledgement number (numbers only). The status page shows it with an "N-" in front. | Acknowledgement PDF and payment receipt sent by email; printed acknowledgement; slip from the centre |
| UTIITSL | Application coupon number, given after the application is filed | UTIITSL acknowledgement or receipt; slip from the centre |
| Instant e-PAN (e-Filing portal) | Acknowledgement number shown on screen after you submit | Screen at the end of the request; confirmation message on your Aadhaar-linked mobile |
Can't find the slip? Search your email for "acknowledgement", "PAN" and "Protean" or "UTIITSL". The agency usually emails the acknowledgement to the address on your form. If a centre applied for you, ask them for a copy.
How do you check PAN status on Protean?
Use this if you applied on Protean's website or at a Protean (formerly NSDL) centre. The same page tracks new PAN and correction requests.
- Find your 15-digit acknowledgement number
- Open Protean's Track Status page
- Choose "PAN - New / Change Request" and enter the 15 digits
- Does a status appear? No: recheck the digits and try again after 24–48 hours (fixes)
- Status shown: under process, allotted and dispatched, or a problem to fix
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Find your acknowledgement number
It's the 15-digit number on your acknowledgement PDF or printed slip. Protean emails the acknowledgement after you pay.
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Open the Track Status pageGo to tin.tin.proteantech.in/
pantan/ . The Income Tax Department's website also points to Protean's track status facility. Check the address bar before typing anything.StatusTrack.html -
Choose the application type and enter the numberIn Application Type, choose PAN - New / Change Request. Type the 15 digits after the fixed "N-". Fill the captcha if shown, then click Verify Status of Application.
If it says the number is invalid: count the digits again. Don't type the "N-". Also make sure you applied on Protean, not UTIITSL.
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Read the status and note any tracking numberThe page shows where your application is. Once the card is posted, Protean says the status should include a Speed Post or courier tracking number. See what each status means.
You'll know it worked when the page shows a status line for your acknowledgement number.
Prefer to ask a person? Call Protean on 020-27218080 (7am–11pm). Keep the acknowledgement number, your full name and date of birth ready, as on the form.
How do you check PAN status on UTIITSL?
Use this if you applied on UTIITSL's website or at a UTIITSL PAN centre. UTIITSL lets you search by the coupon number, or by PAN once one is allotted.
- Open Track PAN Card on UTIITSL
- Do you have the application coupon number? No: use your PAN and date of birth instead, if the PAN is allotted
- Enter the number, or PAN + date of birth
- Fill the captcha and click Search
- UTIITSL shows the current status of your application
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Open the Track PAN Card page
On pan.utiitsl.com, find Track PAN Card and click Click to Track Status. This opens the tracking page on trackpan.utiitsl.com.
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Enter your coupon number, or PAN with date
Type your Application / Coupon Number. Or type your 10-character PAN Number with your date of birth. Companies, firms and trusts use their date of incorporation, deed or formation. The page may also ask you to pick an application type.
If you don't have either: look for the UTIITSL email, or ask the centre that applied for you. Call UTIITSL on 033-40802999 (9am–8pm, all days).
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Fill the captcha and search
Type the captcha exactly as shown and click Search.
You'll know it worked when the page shows the status of your application instead of an error.
How do you check Instant e-PAN status?
Instant e-PAN is the free Aadhaar-based PAN from the Income Tax e-Filing portal. Its status check uses your Aadhaar number and OTP. The acknowledgement number isn't asked for here, but keep it for your records.
- Open the e-Filing portal and click Instant e-PAN
- Click Continue on Check Status / Download e-PAN
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number
- Did the OTP reach your Aadhaar-linked mobile? No: use Resend OTP, or check which mobile is linked to Aadhaar
- "Current status of your e-PAN request" shows; View or Download e-PAN if allotted
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Open Instant e-PAN on the e-Filing portal
Go to incometax.gov.in. Under Quick Links, click Instant e-PAN. On the e-PAN page, click Continue on the Check Status / Download e-PAN tile.
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Enter your Aadhaar number and the OTPType your 12-digit Aadhaar number and click Continue. Enter the 6-digit OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile, then click Validate Aadhaar OTP and Continue. The OTP is valid for 15 minutes, and you get 3 tries.
If no OTP comes: wait for the countdown and click Resend OTP. If your mobile isn't linked to Aadhaar, you'll need to update it at an Aadhaar centre first. See update mobile number in Aadhaar.
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Read the status and download the e-PANThe Current status of your e-PAN request page appears. If the PAN is allotted, you'll see View e-PAN and Download e-PAN. You can also click Create e-Filing Account.
You'll know it worked when the page shows your request status, or the e-PAN buttons.
Already registered on the e-Filing portal? After logging in, use Services → View / Download e-PAN. More help: Instant e-PAN guide.
How do you track the PAN card in the post?
If you asked for a printed card, it's posted to your communication address after the PAN is allotted. The e-PAN usually arrives by email first, if you gave an email address.
- PAN allotted and card printed and dispatched
- Find the tracking number in your status, email or SMS
- Track it on the India Post website
- Did the card reach you? No: check with family and the post office, then call the helpline (fixes)
- Card received. Keep the e-PAN PDF as a backup
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Find the tracking number
For Protean applications, Protean says the "dispatched" status should show a Speed Post or courier tracking number. It also says you get the number by email or SMS. For UTIITSL, check the status page and your email; the details shown may differ.
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Track it on India PostOpen indiapost.gov.in, go to tracking, enter the consignment number and submit. It shows where the card is now.
You'll know it worked when you see the latest tracking updates for your article.
If it shows "delivered" but you have nothing: ask family, neighbours or building security first. Then visit your local post office with the tracking number.
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Download the e-PAN while you wait
The e-PAN is valid like the card for most uses. Downloading it is free for about 30 days from Protean, or one month from UTIITSL, after allotment. After that it costs ₹8.26. How to download e-PAN. The PDF is password-protected; our e-PAN password helper shows the format.
What do the common status messages mean?
Protean's own help article describes messages like the ones below. The exact wording on your screen may differ, and UTIITSL and the e-Filing portal use their own wording. Read the meaning, not just the words.
| The status says something like… | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Acknowledgement number not found, or invalid | A typing mistake, or the application isn't registered in the system yet | Check the number against your receipt. If it's right, try again after 24–48 hours. |
| Application under process, or under scrutiny | The Income Tax Department or the agency is checking your details | Nothing to do. Watch your email and phone for any request. |
| PAN allotted and dispatched | Your PAN is issued and the card is posted | Note the tracking number. Track the card and download the e-PAN. |
| PAN card delivered | The card reached your registered address | Check with family or security if you haven't seen it, then contact the post office or helpline. |
| No record found for the details | The application may not have been submitted, or the details are wrong | Recheck the details. If it continues, call the agency. You may need to apply again. |
| Application rejected | Details or documents didn't match, were unclear, or you already have a PAN | Read the reason given, fix it and apply again. Rejected or not received? |
On the Instant e-PAN status page, look for the View e-PAN and Download e-PAN buttons. If they appear, your PAN is allotted.
How long does it take for status to change?
Neither Protean nor UTIITSL promises a fixed number of days for allotment. Here is what the official pages and articles do say.
- Day 0You apply and payYou get the acknowledgement or coupon number
- Within 15 daysPosted papers must reach ProteanOnly if you chose physical documents
- After a few working daysStatus shows up onlineProtean's article says about 3–5 working days
- NextDetails checked, PAN allottedMismatches cause delay or rejection
- After allotmente-PAN by email, card by postThe card takes longer than the e-PAN
Blue = your action · Amber = waiting · Green = government side. Times vary; these are not promises.
- Paperless applications (Aadhaar e-KYC and e-Sign) skip the postal step, so there is no wait for papers to reach the agency.
- Instant e-PAN is usually quick, but the portal doesn't promise a time. Check the status page.
- Card dispatched but not received after 15–20 days? Protean suggests tracking the Speed Post number and then calling the helpline.
What can go wrong, and how do you fix it?
| Your situation | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| "Not found" on the day you applied | The application isn't in the tracking system yet | Wait 24–48 hours and try again. Check you're on the right agency's site. |
| Lost the acknowledgement number | The slip or PDF is misplaced | Search your email for the PDF. Ask the centre for a copy. Protean's application page has a link to regenerate the acknowledgement. Don't apply again. |
| Status says documents not received | Posted papers are late or missing (physical mode) | Check your courier tracking. Papers must reach Protean within 15 days of applying. Call the helpline with the courier details. |
| Status shows a discrepancy or rejection | A name, date, photo, signature or document didn't match | Read the reason in the status or email. Fix it and apply again. Fees for rejected applications are generally not refunded. What to do next. |
| "Under process" for a long time | Your file is waiting for checks, or a query is pending | Check your email and SMS for any request. Call Protean 020-27218080 or UTIITSL 033-40802999 with your number. |
| PAN allotted, but no card after 15–20 days | The card is in the post, or stuck | Track the Speed Post number. Visit the post office. Download the e-PAN meanwhile. |
| Card returned or lost in the post | Wrong or incomplete address, or nobody was home | Call the helpline. If the address on your PAN record is wrong, fix it through PAN correction. A reprint costs ₹50 in India. |
| Instant e-PAN: OTP not coming | Mobile not linked to Aadhaar, or a network delay | Use Resend OTP after the countdown. Update your Aadhaar mobile at an Aadhaar centre if needed. |
| Forgot the PAN after allotment | You have the PAN but lost the card and email | If your PAN is linked to Aadhaar, log in to the e-Filing portal and check My Profile. Or look in old records. Find your PAN number. |
Don't apply for a second PAN because status is slow. Holding two PANs is not allowed, and the second application can be rejected anyway. Already ended up with two? Surrender the duplicate PAN.
Checking PAN status from abroad
- Protean and UTIITSL status pages are online, so they usually open from abroad too. You only need the acknowledgement or coupon number.
- Instant e-PAN needs an OTP on your Aadhaar-linked mobile. If that Indian number isn't active abroad, the OTP won't reach you.
- Calling from abroad: Protean +91 20 27218080, UTIITSL +91 33 40802999. International call charges may apply.
- If you chose a foreign address, the card is posted abroad. That option costs ₹1,017 (₹1,011 paperless). The e-PAN by email reaches you much sooner.
- More on applying from abroad: PAN for NRIs and foreign citizens.
Region not right?
Fake "PAN status" sites and messages
- Checking PAN status is free. Any site asking for money to "check" or "speed up" your PAN status is not an official service.
- Check status only on proteantech.in, utiitsl.com or incometax.gov.in. Look at the address bar before you type.
- Never share your Aadhaar OTP with a caller who says they'll "check your PAN status". The OTP is only for you to type on the official site.
- Ignore SMS or WhatsApp messages saying your "PAN application is on hold, click here". Never share your OTP, PIN or bank password with anyone who contacts you.
- Lost money or shared an OTP? Call the cybercrime helpline 1930 quickly. PAN fraud guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I check PAN status by name and date of birth?
Not on Protean's tracking page, which asks only for the 15-digit acknowledgement number. On UTIITSL you can search by PAN and date of birth once the PAN is allotted. Instant e-PAN status uses your Aadhaar number and OTP.
How soon after applying can I check status?
Usually after a few working days. A Protean article says it takes about 3–5 working days from applying before you can get updates. A "not found" message on the first day is normal.
Is there a fee to check PAN status?
No. Checking status on Protean, UTIITSL or the e-Filing portal is free. Don't pay any website or agent just to check.
I applied at a shop. Where do I check?
Look at the receipt they gave you. A 15-digit acknowledgement number means Protean; a UTIITSL coupon number means UTIITSL. If you got no receipt, ask the shop which agency they used.
Can I check a Protean application on the UTIITSL site?
No. Each agency tracks only its own applications. Use the site where the application was filed.
My status says allotted. Where is my e-PAN?
Protean says the e-PAN PDF is sent to the email address on your form, if you gave one. If it hasn't arrived, download it from the same agency's site. It is free for about 30 days (Protean) or one month (UTIITSL), then ₹8.26.
Can I check status without the acknowledgement number?
For Instant e-PAN, yes: you only need Aadhaar and an OTP. For UTIITSL, yes, if you know the allotted PAN and date of birth. For Protean, you need the number, so search your email or call the helpline.
How do I track my PAN card in the post?
Find the Speed Post or courier number in your status, email or SMS. Enter it on the India Post website. If it shows delivered but you don't have it, visit your post office.
My application was rejected. Will I get the fee back?
Usually not. Protean says fees for rejected applications are generally not refunded. Fix the reason given and apply again.
Do I need the acknowledgement number for Instant e-PAN status?
No. The check uses your 12-digit Aadhaar number and an OTP on your Aadhaar-linked mobile. Keep the acknowledgement number anyway, in case you need help later.
Bottom line
First work out where you applied, then check there. Use the 15-digit acknowledgement number on Protean, the coupon number or PAN on UTIITSL, and Aadhaar with OTP for Instant e-PAN. Give it a few working days before worrying, and never apply twice. For help, call Protean on 020-27218080, UTIITSL on 033-40802999, or e-Filing on 1800 103 0025.
Sources
- Income Tax Department – PAN (FAQ on tracking status) (accessed 16 Oct 2026)
- Income Tax Department – Status of PAN (Protean) (accessed 16 Oct 2026)
- Income Tax Department – Status of PAN (UTIITSL) (accessed 16 Oct 2026)
- Protean – Track PAN/TAN application status (accessed 16 Oct 2026)
- Protean – Online Form 93/94: e-PAN by email, card dispatch, 15-day rule, regenerate acknowledgement (accessed 16 Oct 2026)
- Protean – PAN application status FAQs (status messages) (accessed 16 Oct 2026)
- Protean – Easy ways to track your PAN card status (Nov 2024; timing, India Post tracking) (accessed 16 Oct 2026)
- UTIITSL – Track PAN Card and UTIITSL PAN home (helpline, hours) (accessed 16 Oct 2026)
- Income Tax e-Filing – Instant e-PAN user manual (Check Status / Download e-PAN) (accessed 16 Oct 2026)
- Income Tax Department – Instant e-PAN (accessed 16 Oct 2026)
Page history: 16 Oct 2026, first version. 16 Oct 2026, final review: Protean Track Status labels re-checked; "find your PAN" advice aligned with our Find PAN guide; links to related status checks added.