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How to open a PAN card PDF: Understanding the password format and accessing your e-PAN securely.
Easily access your PAN card PDF by understanding its password format, troubleshooting access issues, and using Adobe Acrobat for a smooth experience.
Published by Adobe Acrobat India on 9 July 2025
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What is the password to open a PAN card PDF?
How to download and open a PAN card PDF
Steps to open your PAN card PDF using Adobe Acrobat
How to remove the PAN card password using Adobe Acrobat
What to do if your PAN card password doesn’t work?
Can you remove the PAN card password?
What is the difference between a PAN and an e-PAN?
A PAN card (Permanent Account Number) is an important identification document in India, required for financial transactions, tax filings, and legal verification. When you apply for or download an e-PAN from the NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) or Income Tax Department website, it comes as a password-protected PDF. This ensures that only the rightful owner can access the document.
Many users face confusion when prompted to enter a password to open their PAN card PDF file. Understanding the correct PAN card password format is essential to access and use your e-PAN without hassle.
Key takeaways.
- The password to open an e-PAN PDF is the user's date of birth (DDMMYYYY format) or the company's date of incorporation.
- Users can download their e-PAN from the official NSDL or Income Tax e-filing website after OTP verification.
- Adobe Acrobat is recommended for opening, managing, and removing the password from an e-PAN PDF securely.
- If the PAN card password doesn’t work, users should check for typos, formatting errors, or file corruption.
- e-PAN is a digital, password-protected version of the physical PAN card, used for online KYC and financial transactions.
What is the password to open a PAN card PDF?
To open your e-PAN PDF, you must enter a specific password based on a fixed format.
PAN card password format.
The password for opening your e-PAN PDF is:
Your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format.
Example:
- If your date of birth is 7th April 1992, the password is 07041992.
- If the PAN card belongs to a company, the password is the date of incorporation in DDMMYYYY format.
Note: Ensure that you enter the password without spaces, special characters, or incorrect formats.
How to download and open a PAN card PDF.
Steps to download your PAN card PDF:
To successfully access your e-PAN card, follow these steps:
- Visit the official NSDL or Income Tax e-filing website.
- Enter your PAN number, date of birth, and captcha code.
- Click Submit and complete the OTP verification sent to your registered mobile number.
- Once verified, download the PAN card PDF to your device.
Steps to open your PAN card PDF using Adobe Acrobat:
- Locate the downloaded e-PAN PDF on your computer or mobile device.2️ Open it using Adobe Acrobat Reader (recommended for best compatibility).
- Enter your password (your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format).
- Click OK to view your PAN card details.
Tip: If your password doesn’t work, check for typos, date format errors, or file corruption.
How to remove the PAN card password using Adobe Acrobat.
If you frequently access your e-PAN card, removing the password can be convenient.
Steps to remove the password from your PAN card PDF:
- Open the PAN card PDF in Adobe Acrobat.
- Enter the password (DDMMYYYY format) to unlock the document.
- Click “Print” > “Save as PDF” (this saves the document without a password).
- The new PDF will open without requiring a password.
Important: Do not use third-party tools, as they may compromise security.
What to do if your PAN card password doesn’t work?
Many users struggle to open their PAN card PDF due to incorrect passwords or formatting errors. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
1. Entering the wrong password.
- Ensure your password matches your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format.
- Cross-check your birthdate on Aadhaar or PAN records.
- Make sure there are no spaces, extra characters, or incorrect formats.
2. File corruption issues.
- Redownload the e-PAN card PDF from the official portal.
- Open the file using Adobe Acrobat Reader (third-party apps may not support password-protected PDFs).
3. Forgotten PAN details.
- Retrieve your PAN number using your Aadhaar card on the Income Tax website.
- Check your email or SMS for the PAN acknowledgment number.
Can you remove the PAN card password?
If you frequently access your e-PAN card, removing the password can be convenient.
How to remove the PAN PDF password using Adobe Acrobat:
- Open the PAN card PDF in Adobe Acrobat.
- Enter the password (DDMMYYYY format).
- Click “Print” > “Save as PDF” (this saves the document without a password).
- The new PDF will open without requiring a password.
Important: Do not use third-party tools, as they may compromise security.
What is a PAN card?
A PAN is a 10-digit alphanumeric unique identifier issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It is required for:
- Filing income tax returns
- Opening bank accounts
- Applying for loans and credit cards
- Buying and selling property
- Investing in stocks and mutual funds
A PAN card helps in tracking financial transactions to prevent tax evasion and ensure transparency in monetary dealings.
What is the difference between a PAN and an e-PAN?
PAN Card
- Format: Physical laminated card
- Issued by: Income Tax Department
- How to get it? Sent via post after applying
- Security: No password required
- Usability: Required for offline transactions
e-PAN
- Format: Digital PDF version
- Issued by: Income Tax Department
- How to get it? Downloadable online
- Security: Password-protected PDF
- Usability: Usable for online KYC & digital verification
Tip: Both PAN and e-PAN have the same 10-digit number, but e-PAN offers a more convenient, digital format for instant access.
Why is my PAN card password-protected?
When you download an e-PAN card, it comes in a password-protected PDF format to prevent unauthorised access. This security measure ensures that only the rightful owner can view and use the document.
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Frequently asked questions.
Can I disable the password on my e-PAN PDF for easier access?
What should I do if my PAN card password is not working?
If your PAN card password is not working, check for these common issues:
- Ensure you are entering your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format.
- Check if your date of birth on the PAN record matches your input.
- If you recently updated your PAN details, try using the previous date of birth recorded before the update.
- Try opening the file with Adobe Acrobat, which ensures compatibility with secured PDF formats.
Can I access my e-PAN PDF without an internet connection?
How can I share my e-PAN PDF securely with banks or financial institutions?
To share your e-PAN safely:
- Do not remove password protection unless necessary.
- Use Adobe Acrobat’s encryption tools to add additional security if required.
- If sending via email, consider using a secure file-sharing service instead of attaching it directly.
What should I do if I forgot my PAN card password?
If you forget your PAN card password:
- The password is always your date of birth (DDMMYYYY) for individuals.
- For businesses, it may be the date of incorporation.
- If you are unsure, check the details on your PAN card or Aadhaar.
Can I use my e-PAN for international financial transactions?
Is it possible to merge my e-PAN with other financial documents into a single PDF?
Can I access my PAN card on my mobile device?
How can I verify that my downloaded e-PAN is authentic?
To ensure your e-PAN is genuine:
- Cross-check details with your Income Tax e-Filing account.
- Verify the digital signature embedded in the PDF using Adobe Acrobat’s Signature Validation feature.
- Look for the watermark and QR code that confirm its authenticity.
Can I edit the details on my PAN card PDF if there’s an error?
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