PAN Card Validator India
Validate Indian PAN card number format. Check if a PAN number is structurally valid and decode its meaning.
About this calculator
Check whether a PAN number has the correct structure and decode what each character means: holder type, name initial and the check letter.
This validates format only. It cannot confirm that a PAN exists or who owns it; for that use the Income Tax portal's 'Verify PAN' service.
How to use it
- Type or paste the PAN.
- Read the validity result and the decoded parts.
- Try the sample numbers to see valid and invalid patterns.
PAN structure
A PAN has 10 characters: AAAAA9999A. Characters 1 to 3 are letters (an alphabetical series). Character 4 is the holder type: P individual, C company, H Hindu Undivided Family, F firm or LLP, A association of persons, B body of individuals, G government, J artificial juridical person, L local authority, T trust. Character 5 is the first letter of the holder's surname (individuals) or name (others). Characters 6 to 9 are digits (a sequence number) and character 10 is an alphabetic check letter.
Worked example
ABCPE1234F
| ABC | series letters |
| P | holder type: individual |
| E | first letter of surname |
| 1234 | sequence number |
| F | check letter |
Tips and common mistakes
- Never share your PAN publicly with other documents.
- A PAN is permanent for life; you cannot have two.
- Link PAN with Aadhaar as required.
- A PAN's fourth letter P means an individual.
- Verify through the official portal before relying on a number.
Frequently asked questions
What is the format of a PAN?
Five letters, four digits, one letter.
What does the 4th character mean?
The type of holder, such as P for individual and C for company.
Does this confirm the PAN is real?
No, only the format.
How can I verify a PAN?
Use 'Verify Your PAN' on the Income Tax e-filing portal.
Is it case-sensitive?
PANs are uppercase.
Is my PAN sent anywhere?
No.