Will your old PAN card no longer be valid? Know what is the new PAN 2.0 with QR code, why it was introduced and how you can apply or download it online. Understand every small and big information related to PAN card and the complete process here.
The PAN card in your pocket is no longer just a piece of plastic, it is the biggest proof of your financial identity. But do you know that your old PAN card is slowly becoming a thing of the past? Yes, now PAN 2.0 has arrived – that is, the new PAN card with enhanced QR code, which is smarter, safer and more powerful than ever before.
Now you don’t have to wait for weeks for a plastic card. This new digital avatar of the PAN card comes directly to your email and the QR code in it makes it almost foolproof.
But why did this change happen? What is its purpose? What will happen to the old PAN card? And the most important question, how can you get this new PAN card with QR code? Let us decode every aspect of the PAN card world today and answer every question of yours.
First of all understand: What is a PAN card?
PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a 10-digit unique alphanumeric number issued by the Income Tax Department. It is mandatory not only for paying taxes but also for many other purposes.
- To open a bank account.
- For transactions above Rs 50,000.
- To buy or sell property.
- To invest in the stock market.
- To take a loan.
- To buy or sell a vehicle.
Overall, it is a permanent record of your every major financial activity.
Why did PAN 2.0 come? What was the problem with the old card?
Over time, some major problems started arising in the old PAN card.
1. Risk of fraud: It was easy to copy and misuse the old card.
2. Difficulty in verification: There was no easy way to quickly verify a person’s PAN details.
3. Lack of information: The old card only had the name, father’s name and date of birth. It did not have your address or signature.
To eliminate these problems, the Income Tax Department decided to issue new PAN cards with enhanced QR code. This change came into effect from July 2018.
What is the ‘great mantra’ of PAN card with QR code?
The biggest strength of this new PAN card is the dynamic QR code printed on it. This is not an ordinary QR code.
-
What is in this QR code?
When you scan this QR code with the Income Tax Department’s special app (PAN QR Code Reader), it instantly shows all your details – your name, father’s name, date of birth, your photo and your digital signature – on the screen.
-
The biggest advantage is instant verification
Now any institution, such as a bank or a financial company, can check the authenticity of your PAN card in seconds. Just scan the QR code and match it with the information received from the government database. This has made the use of fake PAN cards almost impossible.
How to get your first PAN card with QR code?
If you are getting a PAN card for the first time, then now you will get a PAN card with QR code only. There are two ways to apply.
1. Online method (Easiest)
- You can fill the form online by visiting the Income Tax e-filing website, NSDL (now Protean) or UTIITSL website.
- Required Documents: You need to upload scanned copy of Aadhaar Card, Address Proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport), and Date of Birth Proof (Birth Certificate, 10th Marksheet).
- Fee: Fee is around ₹107 for Indian address and around ₹1017 for foreign address.
- Process: After filling the form, uploading documents and paying the fees, you will get an acknowledgement number. After a few days of verification, your e-PAN (digital PAN card with QR code) will be sent to your registered email and the physical card will be sent to your address.
2. Offline method
– You can visit any nearest centre of NSDL or UTIITSL and fill Form 49A and submit it along with the required documents.
Most important question: If you have an old PAN card, how to get a new one?
If your PAN card was made before July 2018 and does not have a QR code on it, then there is no need to panic. Your old card is still completely valid. But for security and convenience, you can easily order a new card with a QR code.
Process: How to reprint your PAN card
1. Visit the NSDL (Protean) or UTIITSL website.
2. Click on the option ‘Reprint of PAN Card’ or ‘Request for PAN Card Changes/Correction’.
3. Enter your PAN number, Aadhaar number and date of birth.
4. You will have to pay a nominal fee of ₹50 (for addresses within India).
5. After payment, your new, physical PAN card with QR code will be printed and sent to your address. Also, a digital copy (e-PAN) will be sent to your email.
e-PAN: Your digital wallet
e-PAN is a password-protected digital (PDF) copy of your physical PAN card. It is as valid everywhere as your plastic card. You can also download it for free from the Income Tax website if your PAN is newly generated or you have linked it to Aadhaar.
What is the conclusion of the whole news
PAN 2.0 is not just a design change, it is a big step towards making India’s financial ecosystem more secure and transparent. This new PAN card with QR code curbs fraud and makes the verification process lightning fast. Though your old card is still valid, it is a wise decision to adopt this new-age smart card at a nominal cost of ₹50. It will not only give you peace of mind but will also make every future financial transaction more smooth and secure.