It can also be obtained in the form of a PDF file known as an e-PAN from the website of the Indian Income Tax Department.

It is also issued to foreign nationals (such as investors) subject to a valid visa, due to which a PAN card is not acceptable as proof of Indian citizenship.

[5] Failure to comply with the provisions of Section 139A of Income Tax Act, a penalty of ₹10,000/- for each default is payable u/s.272B to the assessing officer.

PAN is also steadily becoming a mandatory document for opening a new bank account, a demat account, a new landline telephone connection / a mobile phone connection, purchase of foreign currency, bank deposits above ₹50,000, purchase and sale of immovable properties, vehicles etc.

The issuance of PAN, verification, delivery and maintenance works on public-private partnership (PPP) model like Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) for reasons of economy, efficiency, and effectiveness.

The reputed entities like Protean eGov Technologies Limited (formerly NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited) [15] and UTI Infrastructure Technology Services Limited (UTIITSL) have been entrusted by Income Tax Department as managed service providers for processing of applications, collecting, handling and verifying personal documents like proof of ID, age and address, clarification with the applicants, printing the card and the letter and then mailing it.

Some critics in India may call the handling, processing, and delivery of personal ID and financial documents by private contractors as a violation of privacy.

[18] It is now very easy to apply online using Aadhaar based eSignature at Protean's (formerly NSDL e-Gov) website.

[19] PAN is an important document for foreign citizens who wish to invest or undertake business in India.

Signed physical documents must be sent by postal mail or courier to the Protean (formerly NSDL eGov) PO Box in Pune (India) or UTIITSL address in Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, or Kolkata.

Unlike most countries, India charges a fee to issue a TIN (PAN ID).