PAN Card Validator
Check that a PAN number has the right format and see what each part means, from the holder type to the check letter.
Type or paste a PAN. Spaces and dashes are ignored.
This checks the format only. It cannot tell whether a PAN exists or who it belongs to. Made in your browser, so the number is never sent anywhere.
Need the opposite? GST Calculator
What is PAN Card Validator?
A PAN, or Permanent Account Number, is the 10-character ID that the Indian income tax department gives to people and organisations. It is used on tax returns, bank forms and invoices. A PAN always follows the same pattern: five letters, four digits, and one letter. Type or paste a PAN above and the tool checks that pattern as you type. If it is right, it also explains each part, including whether it belongs to a person, a company, a firm or another type of holder. This tool checks the format only. It cannot say whether a PAN has been issued or who owns it. Everything runs in your browser, so the number you enter is never sent anywhere.
How to Check a PAN Number
- 1
Type or paste the PAN: Spaces and dashes are ignored and lowercase letters are changed to capitals.
- 2
Read the result: A green tick means the format is valid. A red message tells you which character is wrong.
- 3
See what each part means: A valid PAN is split into its series, holder type, name initial, number and check letter.
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Confirm it with the source: To confirm that a PAN is real and belongs to the right person, use the income tax department's own verification service.
The PAN Format
Every PAN looks like AAAPA1234A. The ten characters are not random. Each position has a meaning.
Characters 1 to 3: Three letters, AAA to ZZZ, issued in a running series.
Character 4: The holder type, such as P for an individual or C for a company.
Character 5: For an individual, the first letter of the surname. For other holders, the first letter of the name of the entity.
Characters 6 to 9: Four digits from 0001 to 9999.
Character 10: A letter added by the tax department as a check.
What the Fourth Letter Means
P: Individual, a person.
C: Company.
H: Hindu Undivided Family.
F: Firm or limited liability partnership.
A, B, G, J, L, T: Association of persons, body of individuals, government, artificial juridical person, local authority and trust.
What This Tool Can and Cannot Tell You
Can: Tell you if a PAN has the right length and pattern, and read the holder type from it.
Cannot: Tell you if the PAN was issued, if it is active, if it is linked to Aadhaar, or whose it is. Only the tax department can confirm that.
Do not rely on format alone: A made-up PAN can have a perfect format. Always verify a PAN with the official service before you depend on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PAN Card Validator.