PAN 2.0: Key Features, Benefits, QR Code Details, Who Should Apply & When?

The Government of India introduced the PAN 2.0, the upgrade version of the PAN card with QR code to create a fully paperless and online system in India. All taxpayers are eligible to obtain PAN 2.0.

Know all about the PAN 2.0 details, PAN card 2.0 features, PAN card 2.0 QR code, PAN card 2.0 benefits, PAN card 2.0 eligibility and PAN card 2.0 apply.

What is PAN 2.0?

On 25 November 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the PAN 2.0 Project of the Income Tax Department with a financial outlay of Rs. 1,435 crore. PAN card 2.0 is an e-governance project to re-engineer the taxpayer registration services process through a technology-driven transformation of PAN or TAN services. It aims to provide taxpayers with a seamless, enhanced digital experience. 

PAN 2.0 is a comprehensive upgrade to the Permanent Account Number (PAN) system, which will integrate core and non-core PAN or TAN services and PAN validation services into a paperless, unified platform, aligning with the government’s Digital India programme.

The PAN 2.0 project resonates with the government's vision enshrined in Digital India by allowing PAN to be used as a common identifier for all digital systems of specified government agencies. It is expected to cater to the business’s demands, focus on effective grievance redressal, and give better cybersecurity.

Key Features of PAN 2.0

• The PAN 2.0 initiative will update the current PAN system/ framework with modern, advanced technology to improve operational efficiency.
• The PAN card 2.0 will integrate QR codes, enabling verification and quick access to taxpayer details.
• A single unified digital platform will consolidate all PAN-related services, enabling easy access to users for managing their accounts.
• Cybersecurity measures will be improved and strengthened to safeguard taxpayer data against unauthorized access and breaches.
• It aims to reduce environmental impact and promote eco-friendly operations by transitioning to a paperless system, which will result in a cut in operational costs.
• A PAN data vault will provide secure storage systems for entities using PAN-related data.

Changes/ Upgrades from Existing PAN Card to PAN 2.0

PAN 2.0 introduces enhanced functionalities in the existing PAN card. One prominent update in the existing PAN card is the QR code feature, which facilitates easier data access, verification and quicker eco-friendly services. The PAN 2.0 will contain a QR code for quick scans.

The upgrade from the existing PAN card to PAN 2.0 will streamline taxpayer registration and verification through a paperless and secure digital system. However, the existing PAN cards will remain valid. The upgrade of PAN cards to PAN 2.0 will be free of cost.

Benefits of PAN 2.0

The PAN 2.0 Project has significant benefits, including:

• Speedy service delivery and ease of access with improved quality
• Data consistency with a single source of truth
• Eco-friendly processes and cost optimization
• Optimization of security and infrastructure for greater agility

Documents required for PAN 2.0

To apply for PAN 2.0, you must provide one document from each of the following categories:

Eligibility criteria for PAN 2.0

• You must be an existing PAN holder, only eligible for a PAN 2.0.
• If you apply for a PAN card, you are also eligible for a PAN 2.0. 
• You must provide documents for proof of identity, address and date of birth. 

PAN Card 2.0 QR Code

The PAN Card 2.0 comes with a unique QR code that stores  the PAN holder’s important details about in a digital format. This QR code pulls the most up-to-date data from the government database, ensuring the legitimacy of the information. Once you scanning the QR code, you can verify the PAN holder's details and confirm the card's authenticity.

The QR code contains encrypted data like the PAN number, full name, date of birth, and Aadhaar number, simplifying and speeding up the verification process, providing a seamless and digital experience. By integrating PAN with Aadhaar, the QR code makes KYC verification more secure, reducing manual checks, and paperwork.

Features of PAN 2.0 QR Code

1. Enhanced Security Measures
The QR code on PAN 2.0 can only be scanned and read using authorised software. This keeps your data safe, reduces the chances of misuse, and helps prevent duplicate or fake PAN cards.

2. Dynamic and Encrypted
The QR code securely stores encrypted personal details like PAN number, name, date of birth, and Aadhaar, having real-time digital verification, helping minimise fraud.

3. Instant Generation
With Aadhaar authentication, the e-PAN is generated instantly, cutting down on wait time and making the process much faster and more convenient.

4. Eco-Friendly Format
PAN 2.0 promotes paperless operations. Since the process is entirely digital, there's no need to print or carry physical cards, which is both efficient and environmentally conscious.

5. Global Accessibility
NRIS and OCIS can apply for and receive their e-PAN online from anywhere. This makes financial and compliance processes easier, regardless of location.

Difference between PAN and PAN 2.0

How to Apply for PAN Card 2.0?

You can apply for a PAN card 2.0 through the NSDL or the UTIITSL website.

Pan Card 2.0 Apply Online Through NSDL Website

Step 1: Visit the NSDL website.

Step 2: Enter your PAN number, Aadhaar number, and date of birth.

Step 3: Verify your information, tick the checkboxes and click ‘Submit’.

Step 4: Choose the method to receive the one-time password (OTP) and enter it within 10 minutes.

Step 5: Agree to the terms, select your payment mode and proceed with the payment. It is free if you make the request within 30 days of PAN issuance for up to three requests. Beyond 30 days, you will have to pay a fee of Rs.8.26 (including GST).

Step 6: The e-PAN will be sent to your registered email ID within 30 minutes of processing payment.

Pan Card 2.0 Apply Online Through UTIITSL Website

Step 1: Visit the UTIITSL e-PAN portal.

Step 2: Enter the required details, i.e. PAN number, date of birth, and captcha code.

Step 3: Confirm your email ID. Update your email if it is not registered.

Step 4: If you are applying for e-PAN within 30 days of PAN issuance, it is free. Otherwise, you need to pay a Rs. 8.26 free (including GST).

Step 5: You will receive your e-PAN card to your registered email ID once it is processed.

The Indian government's PAN 2.0 initiative aims to modernize taxpayer services by consolidating all PAN and TAN-related services into a single, unified portal. This portal will handle applications, updates, corrections, Aadhaar-PAN linking, re-issuance requests, and online PAN validation. While the exact launch date has not been announced, the upgrade will be available at no additional cost.

Key features of PAN 2.0 include a dynamic QR code for real-time verification, eco-friendly paperless operations, global accessibility for NRIs and OCIs, and enhanced security measures like a PAN data vault. The initiative also aims to improve grievance redressal mechanisms, providing faster resolution and a better user experience.

Existing PAN cardholders are not required to upgrade, as their current cards remain valid. However, they have the option to transition to the new PAN 2.0 version to take advantage of its enhanced features.