PAN Card Validator
Instantly validate your PAN format, decode each character, and identify the taxpayer type — all in your browser, no data sent to any server.
- Free — no sign-up
- Instant, on-screen results
- Built by our CA · CS team
- Rules cited on the page
Note: This tool validates the format of your PAN only. For actual PAN status (active/inactive/Aadhaar-linked), use the official portals below.
PAN format explained
A Permanent Account Number is a 10-character alphanumeric code — five letters, four digits, then one letter — issued by the Income Tax Department. Each position carries meaning, so the structure itself tells you the taxpayer type and a name initial before you ever verify it online.
Structure: 5 Letters + 4 Digits + 1 Letter
4th character — taxpayer type
The single most useful character in a PAN. The fourth letter tells you exactly which category of taxpayer the card belongs to — an individual, a company, a partnership firm, a trust and so on.
Get your ITR filed by a CA
Our experts file your ITR, handle notices, and ensure maximum refunds. Book a consultation.
Disclaimer: This tool checks PAN format and structure only. It does not query any government database and cannot confirm whether a PAN is live, valid or Aadhaar-linked.
Questions people ask
Short answers on PAN Verification. Tap a question to open it.
01How can I verify a PAN card online?
PAN can be verified on the income tax portal (incometax.gov.in) under "Verify Your PAN" or on the NSDL/UTI portal. Enter the PAN, date of birth, and name as per records. The portal confirms whether the PAN is valid and shows the name associated with it.
02What does it mean if a PAN is "inoperative"?
A PAN becomes inoperative if it is not linked to Aadhaar by the prescribed deadline (31 March 2024 for most individuals). Inoperative PANs result in TDS being deducted at double the applicable rate under Section 206AA and may restrict financial transactions. Linking Aadhaar restores the PAN.
03Can two people have the same PAN number?
No. Each PAN is unique and assigned to a single entity (individual, company, trust, etc.). Possessing more than one PAN is an offence under Section 272B of the Income Tax Act and attracts a penalty of Rs 10,000. Duplicate PANs should be surrendered to the assessing officer.
04How do I link PAN with Aadhaar?
PAN-Aadhaar linking can be done on the income tax portal (incometax.gov.in) under "Link Aadhaar." A fee of Rs 1,000 is applicable for linking after 30 June 2023. Linking is also possible through SMS: send UIDPAN<space><12-digit Aadhaar><space><10-digit PAN> to 567678 or 56161.
05What is the structure of a PAN and what information does it encode?
A PAN is a 10-character alphanumeric code: characters 1-3 are alphabetic series (AAA-ZZZ); character 4 denotes entity type (P=Person, C=Company, H=HUF, F=Firm, A=AOP, T=Trust, etc.); character 5 is the first letter of the surname (for individuals) or entity name; characters 6-9 are sequential numbers; character 10 is an alphabetic check digit.
More Verify & Lookup tools
Picked from the same shelf. Every tool is free and runs in your browser.
Disclaimer: This tool gives indicative results for general guidance only and is not professional advice. Please verify with a qualified CA before acting on the numbers.