How to Get PAN card Acknowledgement Number & Download

By Mayashree Acharya

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Updated on: Nov 25th, 2025

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4 min read

A PAN (Permanent Account Number) card is essential for legal and financial transactions in India and also serves as identity proof. When you apply online, you receive an acknowledgement number that confirms your application and allows you to track its status.

Key Highlights

  • A PAN acknowledgement number is a 15-digit unique ID automatically generated upon successful PAN application submission.
  • It is essential for tracking the status of a PAN application and for resolving discrepancies with the Income Tax Department or service providers.
  • Applicants receive the acknowledgement number via email (online mode) or a physical receipt (offline mode).
  • You can check PAN status using the acknowledgement number or through alternatives like name & DOB, UTI coupon number, PAN number, or customer support.

What is a PAN Card Acknowledgement Number?

A PAN card acknowledgement number plays a pivotal role in the application process for a PAN card. It is a 15-digit unique identification number that is used to track PAN card applications of applicants.

A PAN card acknowledgement number is automatically generated whenever someone applies for a PAN card. Whether you apply through an online process or an offline one, the generation of this number is a confirmation that your PAN card application has been submitted and is being processed.

Therefore, Indian citizens applying for a PAN card must keep this number safe for future reference. You can use it later to learn about the status of your application. Besides, in case of any discrepancies, you can also contact the Income Tax Department or PAN service providers using your PAN card acknowledgement number.

How to Get an Acknowledgement Number for a PAN Card?

Getting an acknowledgement number for a PAN card involves a hassle-free and simple process. When you apply for your PAN card from the official website of UTIITSL or NSDL, the PAN card acknowledgement number is automatically generated upon the successful submission of the application.

As the confirmation of your submission, you will receive an acknowledgement receipt. This receipt shall contain the PAN card acknowledgement number. If you apply through online mode, you will receive this receipt on your registered email ID. However, in case you apply through offline mode, you will receive a physical acknowledgement receipt from the PAN service centre.

Acknowledgement Number of PAN Card Download

Indian citizens applying for a PAN card through the NSDL portal can also download it using their acknowledgement number. Follow the simple steps below to learn how to download your PAN card using this number:

Step 1: Visit the official website of NSDL.
Step 2: Enter your 15-digit unique PAN acknowledgement number.
Step 3: Now fill in your date of birth in the MM and YYYY format.
Step 4: Provide the captcha code displayed on the screen.
Step 5: Click on the “Submit” button.
Step 6: Now provide your registered mobile number and email ID.
Step 7: Click on the option called “Generate OTP”.
Step 8: Enter the received OTP in the designated place and click on the “Validate” button.
Step 9: You can now see your PAN card which you can download in PDF format. Click on the "Download" option.

Since the PAN card is a password-protected file, you need to provide your date of birth in ‘DDMMYYYY’ format as the password to open this file.

How Can I Check the Status of My NSDL PAN card Using the PAN Acknowledgement Number?

You can stay updated by checking the current status of your PAN card application with the help of your PAN acknowledgement number. Refer to the following steps for the same:

Step 1: Visit the official website of NSDL.
Step 2: Navigate to the option called “Know Status of PAN Application”.
Step 3: You will be navigated to the next page. Now click on the drop-down bar against the "Application Type" option.
Step 4: Choose the option called “PAN - New/Change Request”
Step 5: Fill in your 15-digit unique PAN acknowledgement number.
Step 6: Enter the captcha code displayed on the screen.
Step 7: Click on the “Submit” button and you can see the current status of your PAN card application on the screen.

How to Download the PAN card Acknowledgement Number Online?

Please note that you cannot download a PAN card acknowledgement number, but you can download the PAN card acknowledgement receipt online in the PDF format that contains the acknowledgement number. This is because the acknowledgement number of your PAN application is generated automatically once you submit your application for a PAN card.

Upon the successful submission of your PAN card application through online mode, the acknowledgement number will be sent to your registered email ID.

Can you Check the Status of Your PAN card Without the Acknowledgement Number?

You can also track the status of your PAN card even without the acknowledgement number. Below are some simple alternative methods that explain how to check your PAN card status without using the acknowledgement number:

1. Through the NSDL Website using Name and Date of Birth

You can refer to the following process to check the status of your PAN card without the acknowledgement number:

  • Visit the PAN service portal of NSDL or the Income Tax Department.
  • Enter the required details in the designated places such as your first name, middle name and last name.
  • Fill in your date of birth/ partnership or trust deed/incorporation/agreement/association of purpose/formation of a body of individuals.
  • Enter the captcha code displayed on the screen.
  • Click on the “Submit” button and you can see the current status of your PAN card application on the screen.

2. Through the UTI Portal Using Coupon Card

You can follow the given process to stay updated with the current status of your PAN card application:

  • Visit the official website of UTIITSL and navigate to the tracking page of PAN card application status.
  • Enter your date of birth/ partnership or trust deed/incorporation/agreement/association of purpose/formation of a body of individuals.
  • Now enter your coupon number in the corresponding column.
  • Enter the captcha code displayed on the screen.
  • Click on the “Submit” button and you can see the current status of your PAN card application on the screen.

3. Through the UTI Portal Using PAN Number

Here is the process through which you can learn about the current status of your PAN card application using your PAN number:

  • Visit the official website of UTIITSL and navigate to the tracking page of PAN card application status.
  • Enter your date of birth/ partnership or trust deed/incorporation/agreement/association of purpose/formation of a body of individuals.
  • In case you have a GSTIN, you can provide that and click on the “Submit” button.
  • The screen shall display your registered mobile number and email ID. Verify those carefully and click on the “Generate OTP” option.
  • Enter the received OTP in the designated place and proceed to the payment option.
  • Pay the required fee through a convenient payment mode.
  • Once the transaction is successfully completed, you can get the option to download your e-PAN card or check the progress of your application.

4. Through SMS

The PAN and TAN applications are managed by Protean eGov Technologies Limited on behalf of the Income Tax Department. Thus, Protean eGov Technologies Limited also offers an SMS service through which you can learn about the current status of your PAN card application.

Normally, you can check your PAN application status by sending an SMS with the word “PAN” and your 15-digit acknowledgement number to 3030. However, if you don’t have the acknowledgement number, you can contact customer support for assistance. You may call Protean eGov Technologies Limited at 022-24994650 or the Aaykar Sampark Kendra at 0124-2438000 for help.

Final Word

You can apply for a PAN card online or offline, and in both cases, a 15-digit acknowledgement number is generated and sent to your registered mobile number or email after submission. While there are ways to track your application without it, it’s important to keep this number safe for future use.

About the Author
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Mayashree Acharya

Senior Content Writer
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I am an advocate by profession and have a keen interest in writing. I write articles in various categories, from legal, business, personal finance, and investments to government schemes. I put words in a simplified manner and write easy-to-understand articles. Read more

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