PAN 2.0 and the QR-code PAN card: do you need a new card, and what changed on 1 April 2026?
No, you do not need a new PAN. Your existing PAN number and card remain valid. PAN 2.0 is a government upgrade that brings all PAN/TAN services onto one unified portal and puts an enhanced QR code on new or reprinted cards. From 1 April 2026, the PAN application form 49A is renamed Form 93, and the name on a new PAN follows Aadhaar. You can get a QR PAN by applying for a reprint if you want one.
Key facts Last verified: 25 Sep 2026
| Item | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PAN 2.0 approved | 25 Nov 2024 by CCEA (₹1,435 crore project) | Government of India |
| Existing PAN cards | Remain valid; no need to apply again | Income Tax Dept |
| Unified portal | Being rolled out in phases; Protean and UTIITSL portals continue meanwhile | PAN service providers |
| Application form | Form 49A renamed Form 93 (from 1 Apr 2026) | Income-tax Rules, 2026 (reported) |
| Name on new PAN | As per Aadhaar (from 1 Apr 2026) | Income-tax Rules, 2026 (reported) |
What PAN 2.0 changes — and what it doesn’t
| Changes | Stays the same |
|---|---|
| One portal for PAN, TAN, corrections, e-PAN and Aadhaar linking (being rolled out) | Your PAN number |
| Dynamic QR code on new/reprinted cards for instant verification | Validity of your existing card |
| More paperless, Aadhaar-based processes | PAN–Aadhaar linking rules and ₹1,000 late fee |
| Free e-PAN promised under PAN 2.0 | Only one PAN per person is allowed |
Should you get a QR PAN card?
Only if you want one. Reasons you might:
- Your old card is damaged, or the photo is very old.
- You want a card that banks can verify instantly by scanning.
To get it, apply for a reprint of PAN card on the Protean or UTIITSL website (a small fee applies for a physical card).
Scam alert: Messages saying “PAN 2.0 mandatory — update now or your PAN will be blocked” with a link are fake. The Government has said existing PANs remain valid. Never enter PAN, Aadhaar, bank details or OTPs on links received by SMS, WhatsApp or email. See fake Aadhaar/PAN websites.
Frequently asked questions
Is PAN 2.0 mandatory? Do I need to apply for a new PAN?
No. Existing PAN numbers and cards remain valid. PAN 2.0 is a system upgrade.
How do I get a PAN card with a QR code?
Apply for a reprint of your PAN card on the Protean or UTIITSL website. New and reprinted cards carry the QR code.
What is Form 93?
From 1 April 2026, the PAN application form for Indian citizens (earlier Form 49A) is called Form 93 under the new Income-tax Rules.
Will my PAN number change under PAN 2.0?
No. Your PAN number stays the same for life.
Official links
Use only these government websites. HumainOne is not connected to any of them.
- Income Tax DepartmentOfficial PAN information
- Protean (PAN services)Reprint, correction, e-PAN
- UTIITSL (PAN services)Reprint, correction, e-PAN
- Press Information BureauPAN 2.0 Cabinet approval
Disclaimer: HumainOne is an independent information website. We are not affiliated with UIDAI, the Income Tax Department, EPFO, NPCI, the Election Commission, the Government of Maharashtra or any government body. We do not accept applications, documents or fees. Information is checked against official sources on the date shown but rules change — always confirm on the official website before acting. Calculators give estimates, not official figures, and this is not tax or legal advice.