All You Need to Know About PAN Card Acknowledgement Number

Last Updated: 25 Sep 2025

Applying for a PAN card is often the first step in establishing your financial identity in India. From students beginning their careers to professionals managing investments, the process is something almost everyone goes through at some stage. But once the application is submitted, the wait begins. This is where the PAN acknowledgement number becomes important. It serves as your key to knowing exactly where your application stands and how close you are to receiving your PAN. In this blog, we explore everything related to the acknowledgement number and how it helps you stay informed with ease.

What is a PAN Card Acknowledgement Number? 

The PAN Card acknowledgement number is a 15-digit code that indicates the successful submission of a PAN Card application. A permanent account number (PAN) is mandatory for financial transactions and income tax returns filing. A PAN number allows a person to conduct various transactions efficiently, knowing that the government has verified all required information.

Therefore, by keeping track of the PAN Card acknowledgement number, an individual can easily know the PAN card status and download it after it has been approved.

How to Get an Acknowledgement Number for a Card?

Every person who requests to change their PAN card or wants to apply for a new PAN card will receive an acknowledgement form on which the acknowledgement number can be found. Upon applying online, a confirmation receipt will be emailed to the applicant using the email ID provided on the form. In case of applying for an acknowledgement number of PAN cards downloaded through offline mode by an agent or representative, they will provide a unique acknowledgement number to you for receiving and processing the application.

How to Download Your PAN Card with Acknowledgement Number? 

A person can use the NSDL portal to download the e-PAN Card. The steps to download an e-PAN card are as follows:

• Visit the NSDL website to find your PAN. Enter the acknowledgement number when asked.
• Enter your date of birth in the format MM/YYYY.
• After that, you will be asked to enter the captcha code to verify that the person using the website is not a robot.
• Provide your phone number and email ID. The next step will be to generate a Time Password (OTP). Click on the “Generate OTP” option.
• Enter the OTP sent to your phone number and click “Validate.”
• The e-PAN Card can now be downloaded in a PDF version.
• Secure your PAN card by providing a secure password in the DDMMYYYY format.

Check Your NSDL PAN Card Status Using the Acknowledgement Number

A person can easily check the status of a PAN Card application by using the acknowledgement number given. Detailed instruction on how to do a PAN card status check by acknowledgement number is provided below:

Step 1: Visit the NSDL Website

A person will first have to visit the NSDL site. The link to the website is https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/pantan/StatusTrack.html.

Step 2: Select the ‘Application Type

Afterward, you must select the “Application Type” in the portal.

Step 3: Enter your ‘Acknowledgement Number

You will be asked to enter your “Acknowledgement Number” given by the authority.

Step 4: Type in the Captcha Code

You will be asked to enter the captcha code to verify that you’re not a robot.

Step 5: Complete the process

The process will be completed after clicking on the “Submit” option.

How to Download the Acknowledgement Number Online?

After you’ve submitted your PAN application form, a confirmation number or the PAN acknowledgement number will be sent. Check your email ID to get the PAN acknowledgement number. A person can then download it and refer to this code whenever they need to update their PAN Card’s status.

Can the Status of Your PAN Card Be Checked Without Using the Acknowledgement Number?

There are four options to check a PAN Card status without an acknowledgement number:

By using Name and Date of Birth through the NSDL website

• Visit the NSDL website
• Provide your first name, middle name, and surname.
• Enter your birth date correctly.
• Click on the “Submit” button. This is one way of checking PAN Card status without an acknowledgement number.

By using the UTI Portal Coupon Card

• Visit the UTI portal.
• Enter your PAN number or the Application code.
• Enter your Date of Birth as given on the PAN Card

By using the UTI Portal through PAN Number

• Visit the UTI portal
• Enter your PAN Card number and date of birth in the given format.
• Enter the GSTIN number if available. Enter the captcha code. Click on the submit button.
• Proceed to the payment option. Once the payment is done, you can download your e-PAN Card.

Through SMS

• You can opt for Protean eGov Technologies Limited’s SMS service to stay informed about the PAN and TAN applications. Write “PAN” followed by a space and the 15-digit acknowledgement number given to you, and send it to 3030. An example can be “PAN 233325125542885”.

Conclusion

The acknowledgement number is a 10-digit unique code given to the user. It becomes easier to download a PAN card with an acknowledgement number. However, the PAN Card status can be checked nowadays even without it. The blog also provides information on how to check the PAN card status without an acknowledgement number.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it possible to receive my PAN Acknowledgement number through SMS?

You can get your PAN Acknowledgement number through SMS once you give a valid mobile number in the form you are filling out. The Income Tax Department generally sends an intimation notice. Keep your number active during this time. This will help you avoid missing any critical information about the status of your PAN application.

2. What is the usual time taken to obtain a PAN Acknowledgement number?

The PAN Acknowledgement number is generated instantly once your application is successfully submitted online or at an authorised centre. You receive it immediately on the screen, and also via email or SMS if registered. It acts as proof of submission. You don’t need to wait separately for this number.

3. How do I check or locate my PAN Acknowledgement number?

You can find your PAN Acknowledgement number on the application receipt given after submission. If you applied online, it appears on the screen and in the confirmation email or SMS. Always save or print the receipt. Without this number, tracking your PAN application becomes difficult and time-consuming.

4. Can the PAN application acknowledgement receipt be used to open a bank account?

No, the acknowledgement receipt cannot be used to open a bank account. Banks require the actual PAN card or at least an e-PAN copy for verification. The acknowledgement number is only for tracking purposes. You must wait for the PAN card or e-PAN to complete account opening.

5. Is the PAN Acknowledgement number the same as the PAN card number?

No, they are different. The PAN Acknowledgement number is a temporary 15-digit number provided after submission of your application. The PAN card number, however, is a permanent 10-character alphanumeric identifier allotted to you. The acknowledgement number helps in tracking, while the PAN number is used for financial transactions.