How to Check PAN Card Status Online (2026)

Last updated: July 2026

Quick Answer: To check your PAN card status online, visit the Protean (formerly NSDL) or UTIITSL portal, choose "PAN – New/Change Request", enter your 15-digit acknowledgement number or coupon number, add the captcha, and submit. The current status appears on screen within seconds. The service is completely free.

After filing your application, you can easily check the status of your PAN (Permanent Account Number) card online after waiting for a day or two. You can visit the same portal where you submitted your application and track your application with the reference number received during application filing. This article explains the step-by-step instructions on how to check and verify both portals, including the way to check the PAN–Aadhaar linking status.

What you need to check PAN status

How can you check your PAN card status online?

The status of your PAN card can be checked through the portal you applied from, namely Protean or UTIITSL. You can check the status in both the portals by referring to the reference number mentioned in the acknowledgement receipt or the reference number sent to the registered email or phone number.

What reference number does each portal use?

Protean (formerly known as NSDL e-Governance) uses a 15-digit acknowledgment number. On the other hand, UTIITSL generates a coupon number during the filing process. If you're uncertain about which portal to use, you can refer to the confirmation email or SMS that may contain the portal name and your reference number.

What if you still need to apply or update your PAN?

Jaagruk Bharat can help you understand the procedure, but for the actual status, make sure you check the official portal. In case you want to apply or change anything, use our PAN card apply, track and update guide.

How to check PAN status on the Protean (NSDL) portal?

Use the acknowledgement number you received when applying. The steps are:

1. Open the Protean status tracking page.
2. In the "Application Type" dropdown, select PAN – New/Change Request.
3. Enter your 15-digit acknowledgement number in the box.
4. Type the captcha code shown on screen.
5. Click Submit to see your current status.

Where do you find your acknowledgement number?

The acknowledgement number is available on the printed receipt and in the confirmation email or SMS sent by Protean. As indicated on the portal, the status generally starts showing up roughly about 24 hours after submission of the application.

How to check PAN status on the UTIITSL portal?

If you applied through UTIITSL, use your coupon number instead. The steps are:

1. Open the UTIITSL PAN status tracker.
2. Enter your coupon number carefully, with no spaces.
3. Enter your date of birth in DD/MM/YYYY format.
4. Type the captcha code shown.
5. Click Submit to view your status.

When does the UTIITSL status become available?

You can see the coupon number in UTIITSL receipt, confirmation emails, or SMS. After two or three working days, you can monitor your UTIITSL application status.

How to check status by acknowledgement number vs name and date of birth?

Utilizing either the acknowledgment number or coupon number is the best way to keep track of one's application since it is an exact application tracker. One simply has to enter the code, captcha, and date of birth on the UTIITSL website.

What if you do not have the reference number?

If you do not have the reference number, you can track your status using your name and date of birth. You can visit the PAN application status search page, choose the name option, and enter your last name, first name, middle name, and date of birth. It is always advisable to have the reference number for a smoother process. In case you already have your PAN card and wish to know the process of how to find your PAN Number, you can also do that.

How to check your PAN–Aadhaar link status?

PAN–Aadhaar linking status can be verified on the Income Tax e-filing website and cannot be verified on Protean or UTIITSL sites. On the Income Tax e-filing portal, one needs to go to "Quick Links" and select "Link Aadhaar Status" option and provide PAN and Aadhaar numbers for checking linking status.

What does the link status result tell you?

By using the portal, you may check whether your Aadhaar number and PAN number have already been synchronized or if the linking is still in process. If they are not yet linked, you can complete the process with our PAN–Aadhaar linking service. To learn more about deadlines and linking procedure, read our guide to PAN–Aadhaar linking and its deadline.

How long does a PAN application take to process?

The usual time frame for a fresh physical PAN card is around 15-20 business days from the date of submission. However, the time of delivery differs depending on the region and source. According to UTIITSL, they usually state that their PAN card delivery takes 20-25 business days.

Why does the delivery time vary?

Your location plays a huge role in determining how long a standard postal delivery will take to reach you. To find out what's happening with your application right now, you should check its online status, which is updated in real time during its journey through the various steps.

What do "under process" and "dispatched" statuses mean?

These labels tell you where your application currently sits. Common ones you may see include:

• Under process / In process. Your application has been received and is being verified. No action is needed from you.
• Dispatched. Your PAN card has been handed over for delivery, often with a courier or India Post reference so you can follow it.
• Objection raised / On hold. The portal needs a correction or a document, so read the note and respond promptly.
• Records not found. Usually means the status has not updated yet, so wait a day and try again with the correct number.

What should you do once your card is issued?

Once you receive your card, you can conveniently download your e-PAN. For further guidance on various services related to citizens, please refer to the guide on the Government ID cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check my PAN status by SMS?

It has been reported that if you text "NSDLPAN" with your 15-digit acknowledgement number to 57575, you will receive details regarding your Protean PAN application status in the return message. The facility works from the mobile number registered with you, thus eliminating the need for a computer.

Can I track my PAN status using only my mobile number?

No, telephone numbers are not the only means of tracking the applications in the portals. The acknowledgement number, coupon number, name, or date of birth is required for the tracking. The mobile number is only used to send the reference number and OTP and does not directly help in the tracking process.

How do I check my PAN status by phone call?

By getting in touch with the Protean PAN and TAN helpdesk, you can verify your status. In case you are not able to access the tracking site through a web browser, the helpdesk would assist you in the entire process.

Is Protean the same as NSDL for checking PAN status?

This is true. The PAN operations that were formerly managed by NSDL e-Governance have now been transferred to Protean eGov Technologies. You can use your old receipt number from NSDL and use it in the Protean tracking page with the same 15-digit acknowledgement number.

How do I check the status of an instant e-PAN applied through Aadhaar?

The instant e-PAN applications using the Aadhaar number are processed through the Income Tax e-filing portal, not through Protean or UTIITSL websites. You can check the status of your application in the "Instant e-PAN" section of the portal by clicking on "Check Status / Download PAN."

Is there any fee to check my PAN card status?

Checking the status of your PAN application can be done online for free on either of the two portals, Protean or UTIITSL, as well as through SMS. The applicant is required to pay the application or reprint fee at the time of submission. After that, there are no additional costs involved in checking the status.