Last updated: 22 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
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| What you need | 15-digit acknowledgement number (Protean) or coupon number (UTIITSL); or your name + date of birth |
| Portals | Protean (formerly NSDL) and UTIITSL |
| Time to reflect | Usually within 24 hours to 2–3 working days of applying |
| Cost | Free |
| Also needed | Date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY) and the on-screen captcha |
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:
- Open the Protean status tracking page.
- In the "Application Type" dropdown, select PAN – New/Change Request.
- Enter your 15-digit acknowledgement number in the box.
- Type the captcha code shown on screen.
- 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:
- Open the UTIITSL PAN status tracker.
- Enter your coupon number carefully, with no spaces.
- Enter your date of birth in DD/MM/YYYY format.
- Type the captcha code shown.
- 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.
