PAN card: Full list of documents required to apply

PAN is mandatory for a majority of financial transactions. The primary purpose of the PAN is to bring a universal identification to all financial transactions and to prevent tax evasion by keeping track of monetary transactions. It is an electronic system through which, all tax related information for a person/company is recorded against a single PAN code or 10 digit PAN number. It acts as the primary key for the storage of information and is shared across the country. 

There are two types of forms available while applying for Permanent Account Number (PAN). These forms are different for Indian residents and NRIs. The Indian citizens need to fill Form 49A while applying for a PAN card. This Form is meant for citizens, companies, entities staying and formed within India. While form 49AA is to be filled by individuals who are not the citizens of India/Entities incorporated outside India/Unincorporated entities formed outside India. PAN requires two types of documents. Proof of address (POA) and Proof of Identity (POI). 

Documents needed for PAN card:
Individual Applicant: If an individual is applying for pan card then they need to submit POI/ POA- Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence. 

Hindu Undivided Family: Certificate of Registration issued by Registrar of Companies

Firms/ Partnership (LLP): If a person wants to have the PAN card for the Firms/ Partnership (LLP) they need to submit the certificate of registration issued by the registrar of Firms/ Limited Liability Partnerships and also the Partnership Deed.

Trust: Individual need to submit the copy of Trust Deed or a copy of the certificate of registration number issued by a charity commissioner.

Society: Certificate of Registration Number from Registrar of Co-operative Society or Charity Commissioner. 

Foreigners: If the non-resident of India wants to apply for the PAN card then they need to submit the Passport, PIO/ OCI card issued by the Indian Government, Bank statement of the residential country, Copy of NRE bank statement in India. 

PAN card for Minor:
For the application of a minor, any of the above-mentioned documents of any of the parents/guardians of such minor shall be deemed to be the relevant proof of identity for the minor applicant.  

Notably:
For individual and HUFs (Being citizen of India)
POI includes Aadhaar card, Passport, Voter ID card, Driving Licence, Ration card, Photo ID card issued by central govt, state government or any undertaking of public sector, A duly attested certificate issued by a bank containing applicants photo and the bank account number, Arm's licence, pensioner card copy will applicants photograph. 

POA includes Electricity bill, Landline connection bills, Voter ID card, Aadhaar card, Passport, Passport of spouse, Statement of bank account, Statement of credit card, Passbook of post office account, latest order on tax assessment for property or domicile certificate allotted by Govt. 

For individual and HUFs (Not Being a citizen of India)
POI includes Passport, OCI card that is allotted by the government of India, PIO card that allotted by the government of India, Other citizenship ID/ National ID/ Taxpayer ID properly attested either by the 'apostille' or by any of the Indian Embassy/ High commission/ consulate functioning in the applicants home country

POA includes Passport, PIO card that allotted by the government of India, OCI card that is allotted by the government of India, Non-resident external bank account statements in India, Bank account statements from the country where the applicant resides, Registration certificate issued by the office of Foreigner's registration and reflects Indian address. Visa that is granted by any foreign country. 

While submitting the application along with documents, an individual applicant should affix two recent colour photographs with white background (size 3.5 cm x 2.5 cm) in the space provided on the form. The photographs should not be stapled or clipped to the form. The clarity of image on PAN card will depend on the quality and clarity of photograph affixed on the form.