Now PAN with Enhanced Quick Response (QR) Code being printed for enhanced safety.

Your PAN card is now more safe and secure with introduction of a new feature called Enhanced Quick Response (QR) Code.

To check fraudulent practices in taxation and banking systems, the Income Tax Department has directed all the PAN Card Centres and TIN (Tax Information Network) facilitation to print PAN Cards with security features to make them tamper-proof. Specimen of the PAN Card as per new design is as under:

Features of new PAN Card design with Enhanced QR Code:

1. Enhanced QR Code will contain Photograph & Signature of PAN applicant apart from existing information i.e. PAN, Name, Father’s Name/Mother’s Name, Date of Birth/Incorporation/Formation. All the above mentioned details will be digitally signed & coded on the Enhanced QR Code.
2. Android Mobile App for Enhanced QR Code will be needed which is available on Google Play Store here : ‘Enhanced PAN QR Code Reader’. This App will capture the information on the QR code.
3. Android phone Camera must have an auto focus with resolution of 12 Mega Pixel and above for reading of the Enhanced QR Code. Although it will work with lesser configuration too but the said specification is recommended.
4. Positions of Photograph, Signature, Hologram and dimension of QR Code have changed.
5. The Enhanced QR code will also be provided in the e-PAN Card issued to the PAN applicants.

Also read:

• New PAN card rules notified by CBDT

PAN with Enhanced Quick Response (QR) Code will keep your PAN card safe and also the details therein, as there have been instances of fraud committed by cloning the PAN card. To know about one of the frauds click here.

Note : It is clarified that PAN cards and e–PAN Cards issued prior to July 7, 2018 in old design will also remain valid.