Documents required for a new PAN card application

First, select the correct application

Protean’s current guidance says Indian citizens and Indian entities must use Forms 93 and 94, respectively, for new PAN applications from 1 April 2026. Foreign citizens and entities use Forms 95 and 96. UTIITSL also directs new Indian applicants to Forms 93 and 94. Do not start a second application if a PAN has already been allotted: having or using more than one PAN is prohibited.

Typical documents for an individual applicant

The current Protean Form 93 list separates evidence into three purposes. An accepted document may satisfy one or more purposes; check the table on the official form rather than assuming a single document covers everything.

• Proof of identity: examples in the Form 93 list include Aadhaar, an Indian passport, a driving licence, an Elector’s Photo Identity Card, and specified government identity documents.
• Proof of address: examples include Aadhaar, an Indian passport, a passport of the spouse, a post office passbook, a domicile certificate, and eligible recent utility or financial statements. Some statements have freshness limits, such as three months.
• Proof of date of birth: examples include an Indian passport, driving licence, voter identity card, a qualifying government photo ID, a pension payment order, marriage certificate, or recognised board certificate/mark sheet.

For an individual born on or after 1 October 2023, Protean’s published Form 93 document list says a birth certificate from the authorised registrar or municipal authority (or the applicable Indian Consulate) is mandatory as date-of-birth proof. Check the current document list for your category and submission method.

Additional material to have ready

Keep the applicant’s exact name and date-of-birth details consistent with the selected proof. The online flow may request contact information, an image/signature, declarations, or additional documents based on the selected identity verification and delivery method. A paper application may have different attachment, certification, or original-document instructions than an online application.

For an entity, do not use the individual Form 93 list. Form 94 has its own applicant-specific documents, such as entity identity/formation and authorised representative details.

A simple document checklist

1. Choose the current form for your applicant type and provider.
2. Identify the accepted proof for identity, address, and date of birth separately.
3. Check that names, dates, and addresses match the application; review any document validity or recency rule.
4. Prepare clear scans or copies in the file format and size requested by the online form, or follow the printed form’s physical-document instructions.
5. Keep the acknowledgement or application number after submission so you can follow up.