How to Check and Understand the Activation Time of Your PAN Card in India

After the delivery of a PAN (Permanent Account Number) card in India, it typically takes about 2 to 10 days for the card to be activated. However, in some rare cases, the activation process might take longer. To ensure your card is activated, you can follow the steps outlined in this article.

Understanding PAN Card Activation Time

After submitting a PAN card application, it usually takes around 15-20 working days for the card to be processed and activated. The time can vary based on the speed of the issuing authority and the need for any additional verification. Keeping track of your application status online through the official Income Tax Department portal is recommended to stay updated.

How to Verify Your PAN Card Activation

There are several ways to check whether your PAN card is activated:

1. Visit the Official NSDL or UTIITSL Website

1.1 NSDL: This is one of the official portals for PAN services. You can visit the website and navigate to the PAN verification section. Here are the steps:

1.1.1 On the NSDL website, look for options related to PAN Verification. 1.1.2 Enter the necessary details such as your PAN number and date of birth. 1.1.3 Submit the form to check the activation status of your PAN card.

1.2 UTIITSL: Another official portal for PAN services. To check your PAN card activation, follow these steps:

1.2.1 Visit the UTIITSL website. 1.2.2 Navigate to the PAN Verification section. 1.2.3 Enter your required details and submit the form to check the activation status.

2. Check Through the Income Tax Department’s e-filing Portal

Alternatively, you can check the status of your PAN card application through the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal. To do this, log in with your credentials and navigate to the PAN verification section. If your PAN is not activated, you may need to contact the issuing authority for further assistance.

3. Use the Pre-login Area for PAN Verification

If your PAN is newly allocated, you can check the status within 72 hours by visiting the following link: /pre-login/verifyYourPAN.

4. Direct Verification if PAN Number is Allotted

Once your PAN card is allotted, you can start quoting it for financial transactions. If a copy of the PAN card is requested as proof, you can submit it as soon as you receive the card. However, you don't need to wait for the actual card to quote the PAN number, provided you have it.

For detailed steps to check the activation status, visit the e-Filing Home Page of the Income Tax Department Government of India. Fill in the necessary details and after a successful submission of the OTP number sent to your mobile number, you can check the status. The status will be mentioned as 'Active'.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your PAN card is activated and ready for use in your financial transactions.

For more information, please refer to the official Income Tax Department website or contact their customer support.