What are the documents required for PAN Card

A PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a unique ID given by the Income Tax Department. When you apply (via Form 49A or 49AA), you must submit proof of identity, address, and date of birth — otherwise, your application won’t be accepted.

Which documents are accepted

Here’s a checklist you can use (pick any one from each category):

• Proof of Identity (POI):
   
  • Aadhaar card
     
  • Passport
     
  • Driving licence
     
  • Voter ID (Election Commission photo card)
     
  • Ration card with photo
     
  • Government-issued photo ID card (e.g. pensioner card)
     
  • Certificate from a Gazetted Officer or bank letterhead with your photo
    
     
• Proof of Address (POA):
   
  • Aadhaar card
     
  • Passport (or spouse’s passport
     
  • Post-office passbook showing your address
     
  • Utility bills (electricity, water, gas, or telephone) — preferably not older than three months
     
  • Driving licence
     
  • Property tax document, allotment letter, or property registration document
     
  • Address certificate signed by MP/MLA or Gazetted Officer
     
• Proof of Date of Birth (DOB):
  • Birth certificate from a municipal office
     
  • Matriculation / school certificate
     
  • Passport
     
  • Driving licence
     
  • Aadhaar card
     
  • Affidavit sworn before a magistrate (declaring your DOB)
     

Example in real life

Here’s a real-life example: Suppose Riya, a college student, has her Aadhaar card, a recent electricity bill, and her matriculation certificate. She can apply for her PAN using:

• Aadhaar (POI)
   
• Electricity bill (POA)
   
• Matriculation certificate (DOB)
  This makes her application complete, and she doesn't need to hunt for other documents.
   

A few quick tips

• Make sure the name on all documents exactly matches your application form.
   
• If you’re sending physical copies (not e-KYC), use clear photocopies — don’t send originals.
   
• For NRIs, accepted POA can include a foreign bank statement or a passport.