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Trusted by 1L+ Indians

Want to Achieve any of the below Goals upto 80% faster?

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Dream Home

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Dream Wedding

Car Side View

Dream Car

Motorcycle Side View

Retirement

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Car Side View

Dream Home

Car Side View

Dream Wedding

Car Side View

Dream Car

Motorcycle Side View

Retirement

auto rikshaw

1st Crore

Trusted by 3 Crore+ Indians

Want to Achieve any of the below
Goals upto 80% faster?

Car Side View

Dream Home

Car Side View

Dream Wedding

Car Side View

Dream Car

Motorcycle Side View

Retirement

auto rikshaw

1st Crore

Trusted by 3 Crore+ Indians

Want to Achieve any of the below
Goals upto 80% faster?

Car Side View

Dream Home

Car Side View

Dream Wedding

Car Side View

Dream Car

Motorcycle Side View

Retirement

auto rikshaw

1st Crore

Trusted by 3 Crore+ Indians

Want to Achieve any of the below Goals upto 80% faster?

Car Side View

Dream Home

Car Side View

Dream Wedding

Car Side View

Dream Car

Motorcycle Side View

Retirement

auto rikshaw

1st Crore

Trusted by 3 Crore+ Indians

Want to Achieve any of the below Goals upto 80% faster?

Car Side View

Dream Home

Car Side View

Dream Wedding

Car Side View

Dream Car

Motorcycle Side View

Retirement

auto rikshaw

1st Crore

Changes in the PAN Card Design

Changes in the PAN Card Design

Aug 5, 2024

The Income Tax Department of India has revamped the design of the PAN card to make it more user-friendly and secure. These changes have been in effect since July 7, 2018. It's important to note that PAN cards issued before this date remain valid. However, if you wish to obtain the newly designed PAN card, you will need to apply for a reprint online.

Key Additions to the New PAN Card Design

The new design of the PAN card includes several enhancements aimed at improving its functionality and security. Here are the primary additions:

Enhanced QR Code

Repositioned Details

Availability in DigiLocker

Enhanced QR Code

One of the significant updates in the new PAN card design is the enhanced QR code. This QR code includes not only the existing details such as PAN, name, father's/mother's name, and date of birth (or date of incorporation for non-individuals) but also the cardholder's photograph and signature. These details are digitally signed and encoded within the QR code, making it more secure and tamper-proof.

To read this enhanced QR code, a specific mobile application called the "Enhanced PAN QR Code Reader" is required. It is recommended to use an auto-focus camera with a resolution of 12 megapixels or higher for optimal scanning.

This enhanced QR code is also included in the e-Permanent Account Number (e-PAN) for added convenience and security.

Repositioned Details on the PAN Card

The layout of the PAN card has been redesigned for better clarity and usability. The new positions of various details are as follows:

Photograph: The photograph of the cardholder has been moved from the lower end to the top-left corner, just below the Income Tax Department logo.

PAN Number: The PAN number is now prominently displayed at the top-center of the card, just below the national emblem, instead of the lower left corner.

Name and Father’s Name: These details are now placed just below the photograph on the left side.

Date of Birth: This has been shifted to the bottom left corner of the card.

Signature: The signature has been moved from the lower left corner to the lower center.

QR Code: Previously located elsewhere, the QR code now occupies the space where the hologram used to be.

Hologram: The hologram has been relocated to the rear side of the card.

PAN Card in DigiLocker

The PAN card can now be accessed through the DigiLocker app, a cloud-based platform provided by the Government of India. This allows you to store your PAN card digitally and access it from anywhere. The PAN card in DigiLocker contains the user’s name, gender, date of birth, and PAN number, along with a QR code for verification. Additionally, it features a “DigiLocker Verified” logo.

To add your PAN card to DigiLocker, follow these steps:

Login to your DigiLocker account.

Select the Income Tax Department’s PAN verification record.

Enter your PAN and name as per the PAN card.

Provide your consent and click on “Get Document.”

Your PAN card will be downloaded to your DigiLocker account.

New Design of e-PAN

The e-PAN is a digitally signed PAN card issued electronically by the Income Tax Department using Aadhaar e-KYC. The new e-PAN design includes several components:

Acknowledgement Number: A 15-digit acknowledgement number with a barcode to track the status of the PAN card application.

Name: The name of the PAN cardholder.

Father’s Name: The father’s name of the PAN cardholder.

Date of Birth and Gender: The date of birth and gender of the PAN cardholder.

Communication Address: The address provided for receiving the physical copy of the PAN card.

Image: The image of the PAN cardholder, automatically fetched from the Aadhaar database.

Signature: The applicant’s digital signature. To digitally sign the e-PAN, follow these steps:

Open the PDF file in a PDF converter.

Click on the digital signature field.

Select ‘Verify Signature’.

Click on ‘Properties’.

Click on ‘Verify Identity’.

Add ‘Contact information for certificate owner’.

Add to the list and click on ‘Close’.

Click on ‘Verify Signature’ again.

The status will show ‘Signature is valid’.

Click on ‘Close’. The digital signature will now appear with a green check mark indicating ‘Signature Valid’.

QR Code: The e-PAN contains a QR code with the cardholder's demographic details such as name, date of birth, and photograph.

Benefits of the New PAN Card Design

The redesigned PAN card comes with numerous benefits aimed at enhancing security and user experience:

Enhanced Security: The inclusion of a photograph and signature in the QR code adds an extra layer of security, making it difficult to forge the card.

Improved Usability: The repositioning of details makes the card more user-friendly and easier to read.

Digital Accessibility: The availability of the PAN card in DigiLocker ensures that you can access it anytime and anywhere, reducing the need to carry the physical card.

Environmentally Friendly: The e-PAN reduces the need for a physical card, contributing to environmental conservation.

How to Apply for the New PAN Card

If you wish to obtain the newly designed PAN card, you will need to apply for a reprint online. Here’s how you can do it:

Visit the NSDL or UTIITSL website.

Select the option to apply for a new PAN card or reprint of the existing PAN card.

Fill in the required details in the application form.

Submit the form along with the necessary documents.

Pay the applicable fees.

Your new PAN card will be processed and delivered to your address.

Conclusion

The changes in the PAN card design introduced by the Income Tax Department are a significant step towards enhancing the security and usability of this crucial document. The addition of an enhanced QR code, repositioning of important details, and the availability of the PAN card in DigiLocker are some of the key updates that make the new PAN card more user-friendly and secure. Whether you are a new applicant or an existing cardholder, understanding these changes and how to apply for the new PAN card can help you stay updated and ensure the security of your financial transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Are old PAN cards still valid?

A1: Yes, PAN cards issued before July 7, 2018, remain valid. However, you can apply for a reprint to get the new design.

Q2: How can I get my PAN card in DigiLocker?

A2: You can get your PAN card in DigiLocker by logging into your DigiLocker account, selecting the Income Tax Department’s PAN verification record, entering your PAN and name, and providing your consent to download the document.

Q3: What is the enhanced QR code on the new PAN card?

A3: The enhanced QR code on the new PAN card includes the cardholder’s photograph, signature, and other details, making it more secure and tamper-proof.

Q4: How can I apply for the new PAN card design?

A4: You can apply for the new PAN card design online through the NSDL or UTIITSL website by filling out the application form, submitting the necessary documents, and paying the applicable fees.

Q5: What are the benefits of the new PAN card design?

A5: The new PAN card design offers enhanced security, improved usability, digital accessibility, and is environmentally friendly.

By understanding and utilizing the new PAN card design, you can ensure that your financial transactions are secure and that you have easy access to your PAN details whenever needed.

The Income Tax Department of India has revamped the design of the PAN card to make it more user-friendly and secure. These changes have been in effect since July 7, 2018. It's important to note that PAN cards issued before this date remain valid. However, if you wish to obtain the newly designed PAN card, you will need to apply for a reprint online.

Key Additions to the New PAN Card Design

The new design of the PAN card includes several enhancements aimed at improving its functionality and security. Here are the primary additions:

Enhanced QR Code

Repositioned Details

Availability in DigiLocker

Enhanced QR Code

One of the significant updates in the new PAN card design is the enhanced QR code. This QR code includes not only the existing details such as PAN, name, father's/mother's name, and date of birth (or date of incorporation for non-individuals) but also the cardholder's photograph and signature. These details are digitally signed and encoded within the QR code, making it more secure and tamper-proof.

To read this enhanced QR code, a specific mobile application called the "Enhanced PAN QR Code Reader" is required. It is recommended to use an auto-focus camera with a resolution of 12 megapixels or higher for optimal scanning.

This enhanced QR code is also included in the e-Permanent Account Number (e-PAN) for added convenience and security.

Repositioned Details on the PAN Card

The layout of the PAN card has been redesigned for better clarity and usability. The new positions of various details are as follows:

Photograph: The photograph of the cardholder has been moved from the lower end to the top-left corner, just below the Income Tax Department logo.

PAN Number: The PAN number is now prominently displayed at the top-center of the card, just below the national emblem, instead of the lower left corner.

Name and Father’s Name: These details are now placed just below the photograph on the left side.

Date of Birth: This has been shifted to the bottom left corner of the card.

Signature: The signature has been moved from the lower left corner to the lower center.

QR Code: Previously located elsewhere, the QR code now occupies the space where the hologram used to be.

Hologram: The hologram has been relocated to the rear side of the card.

PAN Card in DigiLocker

The PAN card can now be accessed through the DigiLocker app, a cloud-based platform provided by the Government of India. This allows you to store your PAN card digitally and access it from anywhere. The PAN card in DigiLocker contains the user’s name, gender, date of birth, and PAN number, along with a QR code for verification. Additionally, it features a “DigiLocker Verified” logo.

To add your PAN card to DigiLocker, follow these steps:

Login to your DigiLocker account.

Select the Income Tax Department’s PAN verification record.

Enter your PAN and name as per the PAN card.

Provide your consent and click on “Get Document.”

Your PAN card will be downloaded to your DigiLocker account.

New Design of e-PAN

The e-PAN is a digitally signed PAN card issued electronically by the Income Tax Department using Aadhaar e-KYC. The new e-PAN design includes several components:

Acknowledgement Number: A 15-digit acknowledgement number with a barcode to track the status of the PAN card application.

Name: The name of the PAN cardholder.

Father’s Name: The father’s name of the PAN cardholder.

Date of Birth and Gender: The date of birth and gender of the PAN cardholder.

Communication Address: The address provided for receiving the physical copy of the PAN card.

Image: The image of the PAN cardholder, automatically fetched from the Aadhaar database.

Signature: The applicant’s digital signature. To digitally sign the e-PAN, follow these steps:

Open the PDF file in a PDF converter.

Click on the digital signature field.

Select ‘Verify Signature’.

Click on ‘Properties’.

Click on ‘Verify Identity’.

Add ‘Contact information for certificate owner’.

Add to the list and click on ‘Close’.

Click on ‘Verify Signature’ again.

The status will show ‘Signature is valid’.

Click on ‘Close’. The digital signature will now appear with a green check mark indicating ‘Signature Valid’.

QR Code: The e-PAN contains a QR code with the cardholder's demographic details such as name, date of birth, and photograph.

Benefits of the New PAN Card Design

The redesigned PAN card comes with numerous benefits aimed at enhancing security and user experience:

Enhanced Security: The inclusion of a photograph and signature in the QR code adds an extra layer of security, making it difficult to forge the card.

Improved Usability: The repositioning of details makes the card more user-friendly and easier to read.

Digital Accessibility: The availability of the PAN card in DigiLocker ensures that you can access it anytime and anywhere, reducing the need to carry the physical card.

Environmentally Friendly: The e-PAN reduces the need for a physical card, contributing to environmental conservation.

How to Apply for the New PAN Card

If you wish to obtain the newly designed PAN card, you will need to apply for a reprint online. Here’s how you can do it:

Visit the NSDL or UTIITSL website.

Select the option to apply for a new PAN card or reprint of the existing PAN card.

Fill in the required details in the application form.

Submit the form along with the necessary documents.

Pay the applicable fees.

Your new PAN card will be processed and delivered to your address.

Conclusion

The changes in the PAN card design introduced by the Income Tax Department are a significant step towards enhancing the security and usability of this crucial document. The addition of an enhanced QR code, repositioning of important details, and the availability of the PAN card in DigiLocker are some of the key updates that make the new PAN card more user-friendly and secure. Whether you are a new applicant or an existing cardholder, understanding these changes and how to apply for the new PAN card can help you stay updated and ensure the security of your financial transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Are old PAN cards still valid?

A1: Yes, PAN cards issued before July 7, 2018, remain valid. However, you can apply for a reprint to get the new design.

Q2: How can I get my PAN card in DigiLocker?

A2: You can get your PAN card in DigiLocker by logging into your DigiLocker account, selecting the Income Tax Department’s PAN verification record, entering your PAN and name, and providing your consent to download the document.

Q3: What is the enhanced QR code on the new PAN card?

A3: The enhanced QR code on the new PAN card includes the cardholder’s photograph, signature, and other details, making it more secure and tamper-proof.

Q4: How can I apply for the new PAN card design?

A4: You can apply for the new PAN card design online through the NSDL or UTIITSL website by filling out the application form, submitting the necessary documents, and paying the applicable fees.

Q5: What are the benefits of the new PAN card design?

A5: The new PAN card design offers enhanced security, improved usability, digital accessibility, and is environmentally friendly.

By understanding and utilizing the new PAN card design, you can ensure that your financial transactions are secure and that you have easy access to your PAN details whenever needed.

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