PAN Aadhaar Linking Guide: Steps, Requirements & Common Problems
Quick Answer Summary
PAN-Aadhaar linking is mandatory per Income Tax Act Section 139AA. Link online at incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in (free) or via SMS by sending: UIDPAN <12-digit Aadhaar> <10-digit PAN> to 567678 or 56161. Linking requires exact name and date of birth match between PAN and Aadhaar cards. Unlinked PANs become inoperative and cannot be used for financial transactions.
What You Need Before You Start
Prerequisites for Linking
Required Information:
- ✓ 10-digit PAN number (e.g., ABCDE1234F)
- ✓ 12-digit Aadhaar number
- ✓ Full name as per Aadhaar card
- ✓ Date of birth (DD-MM-YYYY format)
- ✓ Mobile number linked to Aadhaar (for OTP)
Mandatory Conditions:
- ✓ Name on PAN must exactly match Aadhaar
- ✓ Date of birth must match exactly
- ✓ Gender must match (if mentioned in PAN)
- ✓ PAN must be active (not surrendered/inoperative)
- ✓ Aadhaar must be valid and not suspended
⚠️ Critical Requirement:
If name or DOB doesn't match between PAN and Aadhaar, you MUST correct PAN first using PAN correction process before attempting to link. Even minor spelling differences (e.g., "Rahul" vs "Raahul") will cause linking failure. Read our name mismatch fix guide for detailed steps.
Step-by-Step Process
Method 1: Online Linking (Income Tax Portal — Recommended)
- Visit Income Tax e-filing portal: incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in
- Click "Link Aadhaar" option in "Quick Links" section (no login required)
- Enter your PAN number (10-digit alphanumeric)
- Enter your Aadhaar number (12-digit numeric)
- Enter your name exactly as per Aadhaar card (including spacing and initials)
- Click "Validate" — system will verify data with UIDAI database
- If successful, you'll see "PAN-Aadhaar linking successful" message
- Save confirmation message — linking is instant and automatic
Free: No fee charged for linking through Income Tax portal
Method 2: SMS Linking (Mobile Phone)
Send SMS from your registered mobile number to either:
- 567678 (Primary number)
- 56161 (Alternative number)
SMS Format (exact):
Example:
Note: Mobile number must be registered with Aadhaar. No spaces after UIDPAN keyword. Single space between Aadhaar and PAN numbers.
Method 3: Through ITR Filing Portal (After Login)
- Login to Income Tax e-filing portal with your PAN
- Go to "Profile Settings" → "Link Aadhaar"
- Enter 12-digit Aadhaar number
- System auto-fetches name from Aadhaar database
- Verify name matches, then click "Link Aadhaar"
- OTP sent to Aadhaar-registered mobile number
- Enter OTP and submit — linking confirmed instantly
Documents & Proof Rules
No Physical Documents Required
PAN-Aadhaar linking is a purely digital process. You do NOT need to submit any physical documents, photocopies, or proof certificates. The system verifies data electronically with UIDAI database.
What System Verifies Automatically:
- • Name match (exact character-by-character comparison)
- • Date of birth match (DD-MM-YYYY format)
- • Gender match (if available in both databases)
- • Aadhaar validity status with UIDAI
- • PAN active status with Income Tax Department
Common Problems & Fixes
Linking failed: Name/DOB mismatch error
Most common error. Even small differences like spelling, initials, spacing cause failure. You must correct PAN to match Aadhaar exactly.
Complete name mismatch fix guide →OTP not received on mobile number
OTP is sent to mobile number registered with Aadhaar. If not receiving, update mobile in Aadhaar through nearest Aadhaar center or online.
Fix all linking failure issues →System showing "PAN already linked to another Aadhaar"
This means your PAN was previously linked to a different Aadhaar number. You can update the link by following same process — new Aadhaar will replace old one automatically. No de-linking required.
Error: "Aadhaar already linked to another PAN"
This indicates duplicate PAN issue. One person can have only one PAN. Contact Income Tax Department to surrender duplicate PAN, then link your primary PAN with Aadhaar.
SMS linking not working or no response
Ensure SMS format is exactly correct: UIDPAN followed by space, then 12-digit Aadhaar, space, then 10-digit PAN. Mobile number must be registered with Aadhaar. Try alternative number 56161 if 567678 doesn't work.
Status, Tracking & What It Means
How to Verify Linking Status
Method 1: Income Tax Portal (No Login)
- Visit incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in
- Click "Link Aadhaar" in Quick Links
- Enter PAN and Aadhaar numbers
- If already linked, system shows "PAN is already linked with Aadhaar"
Method 2: Through ITR Login
- Login to Income Tax e-filing portal
- Go to "Profile Settings"
- Linking status displayed under "Aadhaar Linking Status"
- Green checkmark indicates successful linking
Method 3: SMS Verification
Send SMS: UIDPAN <Aadhaar> <PAN> to 567678. You'll receive confirmation if already linked or error message if not linked.
⚠️ Consequences of Not Linking:
- • PAN becomes inoperative (cannot be used for transactions)
- • Cannot file Income Tax Returns (ITR)
- • Bank accounts may be frozen
- • Refunds will be blocked
- • TDS deducted at higher rate (20% instead of applicable rate)
- • Cannot open new bank accounts or Demat accounts
- • Property registration transactions blocked
FAQs
Is PAN-Aadhaar linking mandatory for everyone?
Yes, as per Income Tax Act Section 139AA, every person who has been allotted PAN as on July 1, 2017, and is eligible to obtain Aadhaar, must link their PAN with Aadhaar. Exceptions: NRIs not eligible for Aadhaar, residents of Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, and Meghalaya (case-by-case basis).
Can I link PAN with Aadhaar without visiting any office?
Yes, PAN-Aadhaar linking is completely online. No need to visit Income Tax office, Aadhaar center, or submit any physical documents. You can link through Income Tax portal, SMS, or through your registered account. The process is free and takes less than 2 minutes.
What if my name in PAN has initials but Aadhaar has full name?
System accepts minor variations like initials vs full names in most cases. However, if linking fails due to name mismatch, you must correct your PAN to match Aadhaar exactly. It's better to correct PAN rather than changing Aadhaar.Read PAN correction guide →
How long does PAN-Aadhaar linking take?
Linking is instant if your details match exactly between PAN and Aadhaar databases. The system verifies data in real-time with UIDAI. Once you click submit or send SMS, you get confirmation within seconds. No processing time or waiting period required.
Can I link multiple PANs to one Aadhaar?
No. One Aadhaar can be linked to only one PAN. If you have multiple PANs (which is illegal), you must surrender duplicate PANs and keep only one primary PAN. Having multiple PANs is a violation and can attract penalty of ₹10,000 under Income Tax Act Section 272B.
What happens if I change my name after linking?
If you change your name (e.g., after marriage), update it first in Aadhaar through UIDAI. Then update PAN through correction process. The existing PAN-Aadhaar link remains valid even with old name. However, for smooth transactions, keep both documents synchronized with updated name.
Can NRIs link PAN with Aadhaar?
Yes, if NRI has valid Aadhaar card. NRIs can link using same online methods. However, if NRI doesn't have Aadhaar and is not eligible to get one, they are exempted from mandatory linking requirement. Such NRIs must file Income Tax Returns with proper documentation explaining exemption.
Is there any fee for PAN-Aadhaar linking?
No. PAN-Aadhaar linking is completely FREE when done through Income Tax e-filing portal, SMS, or through ITR login. Income Tax Department does not charge any fee for this service. Beware of third-party websites or agents charging fees — they are unauthorized.
Related Guides
PAN Aadhaar Linking Failed — All Fixes
Troubleshoot all linking errors and failure reasons
Name Mismatch Fix Guide
Resolve name differences between PAN and Aadhaar
PAN Correction Guide
Update PAN details to match Aadhaar card
PAN Inactive — Recovery Guide
Reactivate inoperative PAN due to non-linking
Apply for New PAN Card
Complete application guide with Aadhaar-based process
PAN Name Format Rules
Understand correct name formatting for linking success
Information Accuracy: This guide is based on Income Tax Department PAN-Aadhaar linking requirements and UIDAI procedures as of February 2026. Linking rules are subject to change based on government notifications and Supreme Court orders.
Disclaimer: This is an independent informational resource providing guidance on PAN-Aadhaar linking process. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Income Tax Department, UIDAI, NSDL, or any government agency.