Linking Aadhaar and the mobile number associated with it has become mandatory for a PAN card. Failure to link PAN and Aadhaar by December 31, 2025, will result in the PAN becoming inactive. Identity verification will also be based on Aadhaar.
Pan Card: The Indian government implemented significant changes to the PAN card creation process on July 1, 2025. Now, providing an Aadhaar card is compulsory when applying for a PAN card. Furthermore, linking a mobile number to Aadhaar is also necessary, as identity verification (e-KYC) will be done exclusively through Aadhaar. This decision represents a significant step towards strengthening the government's transparent and digital identification system.
Under this new rule, individuals who do not possess an Aadhaar card cannot apply for a PAN card. Additionally, applications will be halted for those whose mobile number is not linked to their Aadhaar.
Why was this change introduced?
The government's intention is to curb tax evasion and bring transparency to the financial system. Linking the mobile number and PAN to Aadhaar ensures that no individual can misuse more than one PAN card.
Earlier, an Aadhaar card was not required for PAN card applications, but it has now become completely mandatory. This also simplifies the PAN creation process, as identity verification will now be OTP-based, sent to the mobile number linked to Aadhaar.
What if you don't have Aadhaar?
If an individual does not have an Aadhaar card and wishes to obtain a PAN card, they must first obtain an Aadhaar card. Applying for a PAN card without an Aadhaar card is no longer possible.
Not only that, but if you already have a PAN card and have not yet linked it to your Aadhaar, there might be problems.
Link by December 31, 2025
The government has also clarified that those who have not yet linked their PAN card to Aadhaar have been given until December 31, 2025.
If the linking is not done within this timeframe, the PAN card will be 'inactive.' This means that the PAN number cannot be used legally - neither in banking transactions, nor in filing tax returns, nor in any government process.
How to link PAN and Aadhaar?
If you have not yet linked your PAN and Aadhaar, do not worry. The process is very simple:
- First, go to the official e-filing website of the Income Tax Department.
- On the homepage, you will find the 'Link Aadhaar' option; click on it.
- Now, you have to enter your 10-digit PAN number and 12-digit Aadhaar number.
- After this, enter the mobile number linked to Aadhaar.
- Check the box 'I agree to validate my Aadhaar details with UIDAI.'
- Now, an OTP will be sent to your mobile number. The linking process will be completed as soon as you enter the OTP, and you will see the message 'PAN has been linked successfully.'
Process for obtaining an Aadhaar card
If you do not have an Aadhaar card, you will need to go to your nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre. You can find information about the nearest center through the UIDAI website or the mAadhaar app.
For enrollment, you will need proof of identity and address. A list of some accepted documents is as follows:
For Identity:
- Passport
- Driving License
- Voter ID
- Pensioner Card
- Ration Card
- PAN Card
For Address:
- Bank Statement
- Electricity or Water Bill
- Passport
- Voter ID
- Telephone Bill
After obtaining Aadhaar, be sure to link your mobile number, as OTP-based verification will be required for all Aadhaar-based services in the future.
