Lois Larson
In India, a PAN card can be used as a valid photo identity document at airport security and when checking in for a flight. This was confirmed by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) in 2017. However, passengers must present the original copy of their PAN card as a photocopy will not be accepted. Additionally, PAN cards can be uploaded to the DigiLocker app and presented from there as a valid form of ID.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| PAN card accepted as ID proof at the airport | Yes |
| Original PAN card required | Yes |
| Laminated PAN card accepted | No |
| PAN card accepted on DigiLocker | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
PAN card is accepted as ID proof at Indian airports
Yes, a PAN card is accepted as a valid ID proof at Indian airports. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has listed PAN cards as one of the ten identity documents that can be used to gain entry to airport terminals and for checking in.
It is important to note that only original PAN cards are accepted as valid ID proof at Indian airports. Laminated copies or photocopies of the PAN card are not considered valid. In such cases, individuals are advised to use the DigiLocker app, which allows users to sync their government-issued documents, including PAN cards, and present them as valid identity proof from their digital locker.
Additionally, PAN cards are not the only acceptable form of ID at Indian airports. Other valid forms of identification include passports, voter IDs, Aadhaar or m-Aadhaar cards, driving licenses, service IDs, student IDs, passbooks of accounts in nationalised banks with photos, pension cards or documents with photos, and disability IDs or medical certificates.
For international passengers, the requirement to produce a passport and air ticket will continue. Minors accompanied by a parent or guardian are exempt from providing identity proof, as long as the accompanying adult has a valid identity document.
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DigiLocker can be used to show PAN card as ID proof
DigiLocker is a cloud-based platform provided by the Indian government as part of its Digital India Programme. It allows for the issuance, storage, and sharing of documents and certifications in a digital form. It is a convenient way to store and access important documents, such as your PAN (Permanent Account Number) card, without having to carry physical copies.
To add your PAN card to your DigiLocker, you need to follow a few simple steps. First, go to the DigiLocker website and sign in with your account details. Once you are logged in, click on the "Issued Documents" section in the top left corner. Under "Issued Documents", you will see a "Pull Documents" link. Click on this option, and then select "Income Tax Department" under partner name and "PAN Card" under document type. Finally, enter your PAN number and other details, and your PAN data will be stored in your DigiLocker.
The digital copy of your PAN card in your DigiLocker is valid across India and can be used as identification proof. This includes when travelling on Indian Railways trains or at airports. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has confirmed that a PAN card is one of the acceptable forms of ID for airport check-in. Therefore, you can use the digital copy of your PAN card in your DigiLocker as identification proof when travelling by air in India.
It is important to note that while DigiLocker is widely accepted, there may be instances where you are asked to provide the original physical copy of your PAN card or another form of ID. In such cases, it is recommended to follow up with the relevant authorities to clarify the accepted forms of identification. Additionally, always keep your DigiLocker number and PAN card details secure and avoid accessing your DigiLocker over public Wi-Fi or from public computers.
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Laminated PAN card copies may not be accepted
In India, a PAN card can be used as a valid identity document when entering airport terminals and checking in for a flight. However, it is important to note that laminated PAN card copies may not be accepted as valid proof of identity at airports. This is because it is easy to manipulate copies, and security personnel may require you to present the original physical card or a digital version.
When travelling, it is always recommended to carry the original physical documents, such as a passport, driving licence, or voter ID, as these are widely accepted as forms of identification. However, in the event that you forget or misplace your original PAN card, there are alternative options to access a digital version.
One option is to use the DigiLocker service, which is a government-approved digital locker that allows individuals to store and access their official documents, including PAN cards, digitally. By installing the DigiLocker app and adding your PAN card to it, you can present your digital PAN card at airport security checkpoints. This digital version is considered a valid photo identity document and is accepted by some airlines, such as IndiGo.
It is worth noting that if you are accessing your PAN card through the 'Uploaded Documents' section of DigiLocker, it may not be considered a valid photo identity document by certain authorities. Therefore, it is advisable to check with the specific airline or airport security regulations before relying solely on a digital version of your PAN card.
Additionally, there are other alternatives to prove your identity at the airport if you do not have your original PAN card. For example, you can use other forms of accepted identification, such as a voter ID card, Aadhaar card, driving licence, or student ID card. These alternatives can help you navigate situations where a laminated PAN card copy may not be sufficient.
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An affidavit can be used as ID proof
In India, an affidavit can be used as ID proof at the airport if you have forgotten your original identity proof. This is confirmed by Air India Support. The affidavit must be obtained from a Notary Public and should preferably include your photo, name, and address. You may need to show your passport copy and Aadhaar card copy to the notary official to obtain the affidavit.
It is important to note that the airport authorities only accept original proof of identity and do not accept photocopies or laminated copies of identity documents. However, a printed PDF of the Aadhaar card or PAN card is acceptable. Additionally, the DigiLocker app can be used to sync your government-issued documents to your phone, which is accepted at airport security.
According to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the following documents are accepted as valid identity proofs at airport terminals and for checking in:
- Passport
- Voter ID
- Aadhaar or m-Aadhaar
- PAN Card
- Driving Licence
- Service ID
- Student ID card
- Passbook of an account in a nationalized bank with a photo
- Pension card or pension documents with a photo
- Disability ID card or handicapped medical certificate
In case you are unable to produce any of the above photo identity proofs, an identity certificate issued by a Group A gazetted officer of the central/state government on their official letterhead with your photo duly attested will also be accepted.
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Other accepted ID proofs at Indian airports
Yes, a PAN card can be used as a valid identity proof at Indian airports. Here are some other accepted forms of ID proof for Indian airports:
Voter ID
A Voter ID card is a valid photo identification document that can be used to gain entry to airport terminals and for checking in.
Aadhaar Card
The Aadhaar card is a valid form of ID proof at Indian airports. An e-Aadhaar or soft copy of the Aadhaar card is also accepted as a valid, legal proof of identity throughout India.
Driving Licence
A driving licence is accepted as a valid photo identity document at Indian airports. However, temporary driving licences are not considered acceptable forms of identification.
Service ID
A Service ID card issued by the government can be used as a valid identity proof when travelling by air in India.
Student ID
Student ID cards are accepted as a valid form of identification for minors and students travelling for educational purposes.
Bank Passbook
A passbook for an account in a nationalised bank that includes a photo of the holder is accepted as a valid ID at Indian airports.
Pension Card
A pension card or pension documents with a photo can be used as a valid ID proof for senior citizens travelling within India.
Disability ID
Disability ID cards or handicapped medical certificates issued by the respective state/UT governments/administrations are accepted as valid ID proofs at Indian airports.
It is important to note that the original documents are typically required at Indian airports, and photocopies or digital copies may not be accepted. However, in the case of Aadhaar cards, any digital or printed copy is considered equally valid as the original. Additionally, for domestic flights, minors accompanied by their parents or guardians do not need to provide separate identity proof if the parent or guardian has a valid ID.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a PAN card can be used as a valid photo identity document at airports in India.
A PAN card is a government-issued photo identification card. PAN stands for Permanent Account Number.
It is always recommended to carry the original PAN card. However, a digital copy of the PAN card in your DigiLocker account is also accepted as a valid photo identity document at airports.
Other valid forms of ID at Indian airports include a passport, voter ID card, Aadhaar card, driving license, student ID card, and more.
Yes, the PAN card must be issued by the department of Income-Tax and should be presented from the 'Issued Documents' section of your DigiLocker account.
