📝 PAN Card Apply Offline – Form 49A Process (2025 Full Guide)
The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a unique 10-character alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It is an essential financial document for all Indian citizens, especially for filing taxes, opening bank accounts, receiving subsidies, investing in stocks or mutual funds, and more.
In 2025, while online application options are widely used, many applicants still prefer or need to apply through the offline method using Form 49A. This guide walks you through the complete offline PAN application process step by step.
📌 What is PAN and Why Is It Important?
- 🔹 Required for filing income tax returns (ITR)
- 🔹 Mandatory for financial transactions above ₹50,000
- 🔹 Needed to open a bank account or demat account
- 🔹 Required for high-value investments and purchases
- 🔹 PAN is used to track all taxable transactions
Without a PAN, many financial and government-related activities are restricted. That’s why applying for a PAN card is crucial for both individuals and business entities.
📄 What is Form 49A?
Form 49A is the application form issued by the Income Tax Department for allotment of PAN to Indian citizens and entities (including minors, individuals, HUFs, firms, trusts, and companies).
This form is used only for offline submission when you do not wish to apply through e-KYC or digital Aadhaar-based methods.
Who should use Form 49A?
- 📍 Indian residents (individuals)
- 📍 Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs)
- 📍 Trusts, Societies, NGOs
- 📍 Firms and partnership businesses
- 📍 Minors (through guardians)
📍 Why Choose Offline Method?
- 🖊️ No need for Aadhaar-linked mobile number
- 🖊️ Ideal for those without access to digital tools
- 🖊️ Useful for corrections with document support
- 🖊️ Preferred by senior citizens or rural applicants
Although online methods are faster, offline PAN application using Form 49A is still very reliable and accessible.
📝 Step-by-Step: How to Apply for PAN Card Offline Using Form 49A
Step 1: Get the Form
- Download Form 49A from NSDL official site
- Or collect a hard copy from your nearest PAN center
Step 2: Fill the Form
- Use CAPITAL LETTERS and BLACK INK only
- Avoid overwriting and strike-throughs
- Tick appropriate boxes carefully (Individual / HUF / Firm etc.)
- Mention your existing Aadhaar (if available), otherwise leave blank
Step 3: Attach Supporting Documents
Documents required are categorized below (covered in detail later in this article):
- 📑 Proof of Identity (POI)
- 📮 Proof of Address (POA)
- 📅 Proof of Date of Birth (DOB) – for individual applicants
Step 4: Affix Photograph and Signature
- Two recent passport-sized color photos
- Paste one on the left box and one on the right box of the form
- Sign below each photo (in black ink)
Step 5: Submit Form to PAN Center
- Locate nearest NSDL or UTIITSL center
- Submit the filled form along with documents and fee
💰 PAN Card Application Fees (Offline)
- ₹107 – If the PAN card is to be delivered within India
- ₹1017 – If the delivery address is outside India
Fees can be paid via demand draft, cheque, or cash (depending on the PAN center policies).
⚠️ Important Guidelines While Filling Form 49A
- ✅ Do not use initials in the first or last name
- ✅ Use full name as per identity proof
- ✅ Match the DOB with your birth certificate or official records
- ✅ Ensure your documents are self-attested
- ✅ Fill only in English (no regional language allowed)
⏳ How Long Does It Take to Get PAN Card via Offline?
- 📬 Normal Delivery: 10 to 15 working days after submission
- 📥 You can also download ePAN before physical delivery
📋 Documents Required by Applicant Category
To apply for a PAN card offline using Form 49A, the documents required vary based on the type of applicant. Below is a complete breakdown:
1️⃣ Individual (Resident Indian)
- Proof of Identity (POI): Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Driving License, Passport
- Proof of Address (POA): Electricity Bill, Bank Statement, Passport, Rent Agreement
- Date of Birth (DOB): Birth Certificate, SSC Certificate, Passport
2️⃣ Minor (Below 18 Years)
- Minor’s POI: Birth Certificate, School ID Card
- Parent/Guardian POI & POA: Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, etc.
- Declaration: Signed declaration by Parent/Guardian
3️⃣ NRI (Non-Resident Indian)
- POI: Passport (mandatory)
- POA: Bank Account Statement (from country of residence), Visa/OCI/PIO card
- Attestation: All documents attested by Indian Embassy or Apostille
4️⃣ HUF (Hindu Undivided Family)
- Declaration: by Karta with name, father’s name, and address of all coparceners
- POI & POA: Karta’s PAN, Address proof, ID proof
5️⃣ Company / LLP / Partnership Firm
- Registration Certificate: issued by Registrar of Companies/Registrar of Firms
- Partnership Deed: (for firms)
- Company PAN Authorized Signatory: ID & Address Proof
6️⃣ Trust / NGO / Society
- Trust Deed or Registration Certificate
- Copy of PAN of Managing Trustee
- ID proof of Authorized Signatory
🖊️ How to Fill Form 49A – Field-by-Field Guide
Form 49A must be completed in English, using capital letters and black ink. Each box should contain only one character, followed by a blank box, to ensure clarity and prevent errors 1.
1. Name of Applicant
- Write your full name (Surname, First, Middle) in separate boxes
- No abbreviations or initials are allowed
- Example: N A R A Y A N (Surname), P O O N A M (First)
2. Other Name, If Known
- Tick "Yes" if you've been known by another name
- Enter full details just like your primary name; no nicknames 2
3. Date of Birth / Date of Incorporation
- Use DD/MM/YYYY format matching your proof documents
- For non-individuals, enter date of incorporation or trust deed date 3
4. Gender / Applicant Status
- Select “Male”, “Female”, or “Transgender” appropriately
- If applying as non-individual (Firm/Company/HUF), select the relevant category
5. Father’s Name & Mother’s Name
- Father’s name is mandatory, mother's is optional unless she's a single parent
- Married women also need to give father’s name, not husband’s 4
6. Name to be Printed on PAN Card
- Select whose name will appear on the PAN card, based on parents’ names 5
7. Address – Residential & Office
- Residential address is mandatory for individuals/HUFs
- Office address is required if you have business income or select communication via office 6
- Include full details: city, district, state/UT, PIN code
8. Address for Communication
- Tick “Residential” or “Office” (office mandatory for firms, etc.)
- All communication will be sent to this address 7
9. Telephone & Email
- Include country/area code with number 8
- At least one mobile number or email is mandatory for communication
- SMS/email used for status updates
10. Status of Applicant
- Select “Individual”, “HUF”, “Firm”, etc.; for firms choose “Firm/LLP/Company”
- NRI applicants should choose individual/NRI status accordingly
11. Registration Number
- For companies/firms only: enter ROC or State Govt registration number
12. Aadhaar Number
- If Aadhaar is available and used as a proof, include it
- Not mandatory if you’re not using Aadhaar as ID/Address/DOB proof 9
13. Source of Income
- Select from options (e.g., Salary, Business); choose code for business/profession 10
14. Representative Assessee
- If you’re a minor or otherwise ineligible, this section must be filled
- Include representative’s name, address, and POI/POA documents
15. Documents Submitted
- Mention all supporting documents (ID, Address, DOB) attached to your application
📌 Source: Income Tax Department, NSDL, UTIITSL
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