If you’ve been struggling to apply for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) card online, there’s good news! You can now obtain your Digital PAN card in just two hours by visiting various retail stores, including PayNearby.
Gender Disparity in PAN Card Ownership
Recent data from the Income Tax Department reveals a notable gender gap in PAN card ownership. As of March 31, 2024, there are 42.10 crore male PAN holders compared to 31.05 crore female holders. This disparity is particularly significant in semi-urban and rural areas, where the complexity of the application process can be overwhelming.
PayNearby and Retail Stores as PAN Service Agencies
To address this gap and simplify the application process, PayNearby and several other retail outlets have been designated as authorised PAN Service Agencies (PSAs). These include local Kirana shops, mobile recharge outlets, medical stores, and travel agencies, which are now equipped to handle PAN card applications efficiently.
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining Your PAN Card
Gather Required Documents
Ensure you have the following documents before visiting the store:
- Aadhaar card and Aadhaar-registered mobile number
- Voter ID
- Utility bills (electricity, water, gas)
- Driving License
- Matriculation certificate
Visit an Authorised Retail Store
Locate a nearby retail store authorised as a PAN Service Agency. Besides PayNearby, local Kirana stores, mobile recharge shops, and medical stores also offer this service.
PAN Application Process
- Step 1: Inform the store staff whether you need a new PAN card or an update.
- Step 2: Provide your mobile number for OTP verification.
- Step 3: Check if you already have a PAN card. The store will verify and proceed with the application if necessary.
- Step 4: Fill in your personal details, including name and Aadhaar number.
- Step 5: Choose between eKYC (using only Aadhaar details) or Scan-based (requiring scanned documents). Opt for either a physical PAN card (₹107) or an ePAN card (₹72).
- Step 6: Make the required payment.
- Step 7: Complete the eKYC authentication.
- Step 8: Digitally sign the document and verify it using OTP.
- Step 9: Check the status of your application.
- Step 10: If any issues arise, request a refund if the acknowledgment number has not been generated.