If you applied for a PAN (Permanent Account Number) and the status isn't updating, the card hasn't arrived, or the portal shows confusing messages — this guide is for you. Delays happen for many reasons: document mismatches, Aadhaar verification problems, poor-quality uploads, or occasional backend delays at the PAN processing agencies (NSDL / UTIITSL).

This guide explains the meaning of common statuses, lists required documents, walks you step-by-step through online checks, offers practical fixes for each common problem, and shows how to escalate when needed. Follow these steps carefully and you’ll usually get a clear result within a few days.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose the right portal. If you applied through NSDL (Protean) use NSDL's status page; if applied via UTIITSL use UTI's portal. Selecting the wrong portal often returns "Record Not Found".
2. Enter the 15-digit acknowledgement number exactly. One wrong digit will show no record — copy/paste if possible from your SMS/email.
3. Check the exact status label and note any message. Status text such as "On Hold", "Assigned to AO", or "Dispatched" tells you what to do next.
4. Capture a screenshot and save receipts. If you need to escalate, a screenshot and payment receipt speeds troubleshooting.
5. If the portal allows re-upload/correction, act immediately. Fix small issues (blurry doc, wrong DOB) the same day to avoid deeper manual checks.

Required Documents

• 15-digit acknowledgement number or coupon number
• Scanned Proof of Identity (Aadhaar / Voter ID / Passport)
• Proof of Date of Birth (Aadhaar / Birth certificate / Passport)
• Proof of Address (Aadhaar / Utility bill / Voter ID)
• Payment receipt or transaction ID (if paid online)
• Registered mobile number for OTP (if eKYC used)

Fees (If Applicable)

There is no fee to check status online. Charges apply only if you re-submit or request a reprint. Typical fees for application or correction are in the range of ₹50–₹110 for domestic addresses; international deliveries cost more.

Status Meaning Explained

• Under Process: Normal verification stage — no action usually required.
• On Hold / Returned: Agency requires corrected/clearer documents — you must resubmit.
• Awaiting Verification: eKYC or Aadhaar check pending or mismatch detected.
• Assigned to AO: Manual review by Assessing Officer — requires follow-up.
• Dispatched: PAN card printed and sent by courier; track via consignment number.
• Record Not Found: Wrong portal selection or wrong acknowledgement number entered.

Common Reasons for Delays

• Name mismatch between application and Aadhaar/passport
• Incorrect date of birth entered
• Poor quality scans or cropped documents
• Signature or photograph issues (blurred/incorrect format)
• Payment not reconciled even though form submitted
• High processing volume during tax season or deadlines
• Manual review triggered due to suspicious or inconsistent data

Solutions for Each Problem

• Name / DOB mismatch: If Aadhaar is wrong, update Aadhaar first. Otherwise, send passport/birth certificate scans to NSDL/UTI support requesting manual verification.
• Blurry documents: Re-scan at 300 DPI or take a clear daylight photo. Save as PDF/JPEG and re-upload if the portal permits; otherwise visit a PAN centre.
• Signature / photo issues: Provide a fresh signature on plain paper and a passport-style photograph. Use the correction form or a facilitation centre for fast processing.
• Aadhaar OTP failures: Ensure your mobile is linked to Aadhaar. Update on UIDAI if needed, then retry eKYC.
• Payment reconciliation: Email payment receipt + acknowledgement number to NSDL/UTI support so they can match payment and progress the application.
• Assigned to AO: Call the helpline, but also prepare documents to email or present at a PAN centre — manual intervention is usually required.

Offline Alternatives

If the online route fails or the portal keeps returning errors, visit a PAN facilitation centre (NSDL/Protean or UTIITSL). Bring originals and photocopies of all documents, the acknowledgement slip, and payment proof. Simple corrections are frequently completed during the visit.

• NSDL/Protean PAN centres and UTIITSL counters can view backend errors and advise exact fixes.
• Request the counter executive to print any error notes the backend shows — this helps you correct the exact field causing rejection.

How to Escalate Complaints

• NSDL Helpline: 020-27218080 — call with acknowledgement number and screenshot of status.
• UTIITSL Helpline: 033-40802999 — provide coupon number if you applied via UTI.
• Email support: Send payment receipt, acknowledgement number and clear copies of documents to the agency email; include a concise subject line like "PAN: Acknowledgement 12345 — Request for manual verification".
• Central grievance: If agency support fails, raise a complaint on the Central Public Grievance portal (CPGRAMS) with documented evidence.
• Assessing Officer escalate: When status says 'Assigned to AO', contacting the AO (via agency guidance) is usually the fastest route.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does PAN processing take?
   Typically 7–15 business days if documents and eKYC are fine. Delays can extend beyond 30 days when manual checks are needed.
2. What to do if status shows 'Record Not Found'?
   Verify you used the correct portal and exact acknowledgement number; try again after 24–48 hours if you applied recently.
3. Can I reapply while an application is stuck?
   It’s better to resolve the original application. Reapplying can create duplicates unless the earlier app is rejected.
4. Can Aadhaar mismatch cause rejection?
   Yes — Aadhaar mismatch is a leading cause. Prefer correcting Aadhaar data first if possible.
5. Is visiting a PAN centre necessary?
   Not always. But for signature/photo issues, or when the portal won't accept re-uploads, a visit often solves the problem in one go.
6. Can I download e-PAN while the application is under process?
   No — e-PAN is available only after PAN is allotted.
7. What if courier returns the PAN card?
   Contact NSDL/UTI immediately to request re-dispatch or update the delivery address.
8. Who do I contact first — NSDL or UTI?
   Contact the agency you used to apply. NSDL handles NSDL applications; UTIITSL handles UTI applications.
9. Is there a faster paid route?
   There’s no official 'fast track' service; visiting a facilitation centre with originals is the fastest legitimate option.
10. What are the most common preventable mistakes?
    Uploading low-quality scans, typos in name/DOB, not linking mobile to Aadhaar for OTP — these are easily avoidable with careful submission.