How to Store PAN Card Securely

Your PAN (Permanent Account Number) card is tied to your income tax records, bank accounts, investments and credit history. That makes it one of the most useful documents to keep handy — and one of the most valuable to fraudsters. Here's how to keep a digital copy that's always available to you, without leaving it exposed.

Why PAN card security matters

A PAN copy together with a few other details is often enough for someone to attempt fraudulent loans, credit cards or financial accounts in your name. Many people only find out when a collection call or a drop in their credit score arrives. The fewer loose copies of your PAN floating around — in old email attachments, chat groups or printouts left at shops — the lower that risk.

Step 1: Get an official e-PAN

The Income Tax Department issues an e-PAN, a digitally signed PDF version of your PAN card that is valid proof of your PAN. Depending on how your PAN was issued, you can download it from:

• the Income Tax e-filing portal (especially for instant e-PAN allotted using Aadhaar),
• the Protean (formerly NSDL) PAN portal, or
• the UTIITSL PAN portal.

You'll typically verify with an OTP on your registered mobile number or email. Recent PAN card PDFs are password-protected (usually your date of birth), so note how to open yours.

Step 2: Or scan your physical PAN card

• Use good, even light and avoid flash glare on the laminated surface.
• Keep all four edges in the frame, and make sure the PAN, name, date of birth and photo are sharp.
• Newer PAN cards carry a QR code — make sure it's captured clearly as well.

Step 3: Store it securely

Wherever you keep your PAN copy, it should have:

• A strong login, ideally with a second step like a one-time code.
• Encryption, so the stored file isn't readable even if the storage is accessed directly.
• Separation from everyday files — not your camera roll or a shared family drive.

Storing your PAN card in IDBANKQR.COM

1. Log in and open Add New ID.
2. Choose PAN Card as the document name and Government ID as the type.
3. Upload your e-PAN or a scan (JPG, PNG or PDF, up to 2 MB), or tap Take Photo.
4. If you use a photo, the AI-assisted scan tries to read the PAN number for you — confirm it before saving.

Files are encrypted at rest, logins need your password (plus an emailed one-time code with Extended Authentication Security on), and your Activity Log records every view, print, download and share — so you can see exactly how your PAN copy has been used.

Step 4: Share PAN copies the safe way

When an employer, broker or bank needs your PAN, avoid sending the file as a permanent email or chat attachment. A better approach:

• Share it with a QR code that expires — after a single scan, or within minutes or hours.
• Choose View only if they just need to see it, rather than download it.
• When you must hand over a photocopy, write the purpose and date across it (for example, "For XYZ Bank account opening only — 22/09/2026") and sign over the writing. It makes the copy much harder to reuse for anything else.

Quick checklist

• Download your e-PAN from an official portal only.
• Store it behind a strong login with encryption — not in your gallery.
• Share with expiring, view-only access where possible.
• Mark every photocopy with its purpose and date.
• Check your credit report regularly for accounts you don't recognise.