What is PAN Card 2.0 in 2025? The New Update Explained
A PAN card is one of the most important documents in India, and it is used for all financial transactions and tax-related activities. Recently, PAN Card 2.0, an improved version of the traditional PAN card, was rolled out by the Government of India. This updated version is far more secure and accessible, and quadruples the number of advanced features. This PAN Card 2.0, its features, benefits, and why you need to get one, is precisely what we will see in this article.
Key Features of The New PAN Card 2.0 in 2025
PAN Card 2.0, as it is called, was introduced due to the needs of the digital era. It incorporates modern technologies like QR codes, digital signatures and biometric data. Here are some of the important details:
Feature | Information |
Update Name | PAN Card 2.0 |
Implementation Date | April 1, 2024 |
Issued By | Income Tax Department, Government of India |
Main Objective | Improve security and functionality. |
Target Audience | All PAN cardholders |
Update Process | Available online and offline |
Update Fee | Free (until March 31, 2025) |
New Features | QR code, Digital Signature, Biometric Data |
New Features of The New PAN Card 2.0 in 2025
PAN Card 2.0, which was recently launched by the government, is equipped with such features that make it more secure and useful. These include:
- PAN Card 2.0 has a unique QR code, which stores the information of the cardholder in an encrypted format.
- Quick Verification: Banks and other institutions can scan the QR code to quickly verify PAN card authenticity.
- Data Security: The data in encrypted form prevents unauthorised access.
- User-friendly: The QR code is a fast way for users to share their credentials.
- Digital Signature. The incorporation of a digital signature feature makes it very hard to duplicate the PAN card.
- Online Authentication: The card is authenticated instantly with the digital signature during online verification.
- Promoting Paperless: This trait promotes a paperless transaction system, making it more effective.
- The Biometric data PAN card version 2.0 introduces biometric data to minimise instances of fraud and further strengthen security.
- New e-PAN Facility The new e-PAN feature enables holders to have the PAN card in digital form, which can be emailed.

Advantages of The New PAN Card 2.0
Many benefits have come with PAN Card 2.0. Let’s delve into them:
- One major advantage is increased security: The QR code and digital signature significantly increase the security of the PAN card.
- Fraud Prevention: The recent system successfully prevents both the generation and distribution of false PAN cards.
- Online Verification: Reduces time to validate the Process
- Green and Efficient: This paperless process is good for the environment and increases operational efficiency.
- Automatic Update of Data: The information of PAN card holders will be automatically updated with new features.
- No Charge: Those already with a PAN can get a PAN 2.0 for free until the end of March 2025
How to Apply for The New PAN Card 2.0?
Here is a step-by-step process to apply for PAN Card 2.0.
- Visit the NSDL or UTIITSL official website
- Fill in your name, date of birth, and mobile number to register.
- Submit your documents like proof of identity (Aadhar card), proof of address, and a passport-size photograph.
- Pay the fees online, if necessary.
- You will also get an acknowledgement receipt stating your reference number after finishing the process.
Will old PAN cards become invalid?
Many people have a question about whether the old PAN will be invalid. The answer is simple:
- The old PAN cards will continue to be valid.
- Your original PAN number will not change. If you do the update, you will get a PAN Card 2.0. It’s just the design and features that will be updated.
Why Is PAN Card 2.0 Necessary? Let’s Know!
Although PAN Card 2.0 is not mandatory for all individuals, it can be useful for the following group of people:
- Individuals without a PAN card as of now.
- The ones who want to update or correct some details on their existing PAN card.
- People who do digital transactions a lot.
PAN Card 1.0 vs The New PAN Card 2.0
Key differences between PAN Card 1.0 and PAN Card 2.0:
Feature | PAN Card 1.0 | PAN Card 2.0 |
QR Code | Not available | Available |
Verification | Manual | Digital |
Security | Lower | Higher |
Design | Basic | Modern |
Paperless Process | Partial | Complete |
Also Read: PAN Card 2.0 – How to Get PAN Card 2.0 in 15 Minutes by Applying Online