Oct 215 min read

PAN Card Password: Understanding PAN Card Password Format

Q: What is the frequency of PAN card password changes?

The password remains unchanged until there is a change in surname or related details linked to PAN.

Q: What is the password required to access the NSDL PDF?

The password needed to access the PDF file is an 8-digit ID for the NSDL account. There is also a folio number for the shares held in the physical form of the card.

PAN cards have become a vital identification document in India, not only for financial transactions but also for accessing a variety of services online. Losing a PAN card or needing a duplicate used to mean lengthy administrative processes, but today, applying for an e-PAN or downloading a duplicate PAN card has become much easier. However, when you download the e-PAN, it comes in a password-protected PDF format for security purposes. To access the document, you need to know the PAN card password format.

In this article, we will explain what is the password for a PAN card, how to use it correctly, how to download and open your PAN card PDF, and how to change your PAN card password if needed.

What is a PAN Card Password?

A PAN card password is a security feature used to protect your e-PAN card. When you download the PAN card as a PDF file from the Income Tax Department or NSDL website, it arrives in a password-protected format. This is to ensure that the sensitive information contained in your PAN card is safeguarded and only accessible to authorized users. Without this password, you cannot open or view the e-PAN card.

PAN Card Password: Format

The PAN card password format is simple yet secure. It is typically your date of birth in the format DDMMYYYY. For instance, if your date of birth is 28th August 1990, your password would be 28081990.

This straightforward approach ensures that the e-PAN card is easy to access but also protected from unauthorized users. The same format is used across all e-PAN cards.

How to Get Access to the PAN Card with a Password?

To access your PAN card, you will need to follow these steps:

Download your e-PAN card from the official NSDL or Income Tax Department website.
Locate the PDF file on your device.
When prompted for a password, enter your date of birth in the format DDMMYYYY.

Example:

If your date of birth is 15th March 1985, the PAN card password is 15031985.
For companies or firms, the password may be based on the date of incorporation or establishment.

This simple format ensures that your e-PAN card is both secure and easy to remember.

Steps to Change the PAN Card Password

If you wish to change the password for accessing your PAN card or the e-PAN PDF, follow these steps:

Visit the official Income Tax e-filing portal.
Log in using your User ID (usually your PAN number).
Click on the “Forgot Password” option.
Enter your PAN number and follow the prompts to reset your password.
You will receive an OTP on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
Enter the OTP and set a new password of your choice.

This process allows you to create a new password for your account, though the e-PAN PDF password (your date of birth) remains the same.

How to Open the PAN Card PDF File?

Opening the PAN card PDF file requires you to know the correct password. Here are the steps to follow:

Download the PAN card PDF from the official NSDL or Income Tax Department website.
Locate the file on your device.
Use a PDF reader like Adobe Acrobat to open the file.
When prompted, enter your password (date of birth in the format DDMMYYYY).
Once the password is entered, you will be able to view and print your e-PAN card.

Steps to Open and Download PAN Card

Here is a step-by-step guide to downloading and opening your e-PAN card:

Visit the PAN card portal on the official NSDL or Income Tax Department website.
Enter your 10-digit PAN number.
Input your date of birth, Aadhaar number (optional), and other relevant details.
Complete the CAPTCHA and submit your request.
If prompted, enter the acknowledgment number sent to your registered email or phone.
Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
Download the PAN card PDF to your device.
To open the PDF, enter the password in the format DDMMYYYY (date of birth).

Conclusion

Understanding the PAN card password format and how to access your e-PAN card is crucial for every taxpayer in India. The password ensures the security of your personal and financial information, while the simple date of birth format makes it easy to remember. Whether you're downloading, opening, or changing the password for your PAN card, these steps will guide you through the process.

FAQs

Q1. What is the format of the password to open the PAN card?

The format of the password is DDMMYYYY. It includes the date of birth in this format to access the file.

Q2. Why is my e-PAN password protected?

E-PAN password is protected because it is a confidential document.

Q3. Can I change my PAN password?

PAN comes with a default password with a format. So, you can change it by using any online converter available online.

Q4. Where can the password for my PAN card be located?

PAN card password can be located on the acknowledgment receipt or email received from the income tax department.

Q5. Is the PAN card password required for physical PAN cards?

No, the password is not required for a physical PAN card. It is only valid for the electronic version of the PAN card.

Q6. What is the frequency of PAN card password changes?

The password remains unchanged. Until there is a change in surname or related details linked to PAN.

Q7. What is the password required to access the NSDL PDF?

The password needed to access the PDF file is 8 8-digit ID for the NSDL account. There is also a folio number for the shares held in the physical form of the card.

Q8. Is PAN card download free?

Yes, PAN card downloading is free of cost. You can download the card from official NSDl websites for free. E-PAN card facility is available for PAN cardholders.

Q9. What is a PAN card used for?

A PAN card is an important document that serves various purposes. Like to open a bank account and file an income tax return.

Q10. Can I download an e-PAN card online without a PAN number?

Yes, you can download the e-PAN card online without a PAN number. Like, use your Aadhar number, date of birth, and other details to download the PAN card from the official website of the income tax department.