Of so many instances that happen in routine, losing one’s documents is quite common. PAN card is one essential card every earning citizen of India needs to possess to pay taxes and bear it as a proof of identity (POI).
The PAN card is valid for lifetime and hence in case you apply for a duplicate PAN card, you are allotted the same PAN number. In case you lose it accidentally or your PAN card gets stolen, you can apply for a new card which is the duplicate of your original. The income tax department issues these cards.

DUPLICATE PAN CARD
A duplicate pan card is the copy of the original pan card issued against a member. Since it’s a document with lifetime validity, the number issued on the duplicate card is the same as the original. In case of theft, lost or damaged card, the user needs to apply for a duplicate card issued by the income tax department. The process to apply for a duplicate card has been simplified by the IT department.

PROCESS TO GET A DUPLICATE PAN CARD
The process to apply for a duplicate pan card is quite simple. The application can be made both online and offline. Applying online is much simpler and cheaper.

ONLINE APPLICATION
Step 1: go to the official TIN-NSDL website
Step 2: under the ‘Apply Online’ tab go to ‘Application Type’ and select the third option from drop-down menu ‘Changes or Correction in existing PAN data/ Reprint of PAN card (No changes in existing PAN data)’. This option is in case your PAN is stolen or lost or damaged.
Step 3: fill in the desired information marked with an asterisk as mandatory like your name, surname, Date of Birth, Email ID, mobile number etc.
Step 4: once you submit all the necessary information, an email containing a token number will be sent to your email id
Step 5: keep the token number in records for future reference and continue filing the application form.
Step 6: enter the personal details and select your mode of submission out of the three options i.e.
1. Physically forward the application documents
2. Go for paperless option and submit digitally (using e-KYC and e-Sign)
3. Use e-Sign and submit scanned copies

Physically submitting the application
Along with all the desired documents tag along with the acknowledgment form generated post payment and send by registered post the NSDL’s PAN services unit.

Submitting through paperless option
To go for this option, you need an Aadhar card. This option is linked with you Aadhar account and all the details furnished in your Aadhar would be used in your duplicate PAN card. On your registered mobile number, an OTP would be sent asking for authentication of the provided details. Once the details are authenticated, complete the submission by digitally signing the application form.
Note: You need not upload any copies or images.

Using e-sign and submitting scanned copies
For this option as well, the Aadhar is mandatory but a set of scanned documents and images would be required. You will need to e-sign the application form here as well. Authenticate your details with the OTP provided on your registered mobile number.
Step 7: select the option which asks if you need a physical copy of your PAN card or an e-PAN card. For an e-PAN card, you need to provide with an active email address where the e-PAN card would be sent. For physical PAN card, the address provided in the ‘Personal Details’ section would be picked.
Step 8: fill in the other required details under the tabs ‘Contact & Other Details’ and ‘Document Details’.
Step 9: Once the desired information is filled, click Submit after checking the declaration form declaring the authenticity of the provided information.
Step 10: on successful submission, you will be directed to payments page and would be provided with an acknowledgment number on successful payment.
Note: keep the acknowledgment number handy to check the Pan card status. Generally, the card is dispatched within 2 weeks of receiving the application.

OFFLINE PAN CARD APPLICATION
Another way of applying for a PAN card is through the offline mode. Follow these steps to do so;
Step 1: print the application form for ‘Request for new PAN card or/and changes or correction in Pan data’. You may also collect the form from NSDL office.
Step 2: fill in the details using only BLOCK Letters.
Step 3: at the top of the form, there is space to fill in your PAN number which has been lost or damaged or needs to be updated.
Step 4: for an individual applicant, 2 passport size photographs would be needed crossed-signed sparing the face of the applicant.
Step 5: once the details are furnished in the form, this form along with required documents like POI, POA, and proof of PAN need to be sent to the NSDL office or facilitation center.
Step 6: the NSDL then sends your application to the Income Tax Department’s Pan services unit on receiving the payment for the same and generating an acknowledgment number.
Step 7: use the acknowledgment number to track your card status.

REQUIREMENT OF A DUPLICATE PAN CARD
You might need a duplicate card in case of theft, loss, card damage, misplaced card or change in information.
While all other options are involuntary, change in information can be due to marital status or a change in sign etc.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND BEFORE APPLYING FOR A DUPLICATE PAN CARD
1. In case your card has been stolen, an FIR is mandatory. You can file an FIR at your nearest police station and attach a copy of the same along with other documents.
2. While sending the PAN acknowledgment by post, please mention on the envelope your acknowledgment number in the format ‘ACKNOWLEDGMENT NUMBER- (###############)- Application for Reprint of PAN or Application for changes or correction in PAN data’.
3. If you are a resident Indian, you must pay Rs. 110 and if you are an NRI, your fee is Rs. 1020.

Image credits: HelpForum