How can I apply for a PAN card from the USA as an NRI?

One thing to clarify is your citizenship. If you're still an Indian citizen living in the US on an H-1B, you're applying as an Indian citizen, even though you're an NRI for relevant Indian tax and financial purposes. That means the new Form 93 category is the one to check.

If someone has become a US citizen and now holds an OCI card, their application category is different. They should check Form 95 and its document requirements instead. NRI and OCI are not interchangeable terms for PAN applications.

Regarding Aadhaar, I wouldn't assume you must obtain Aadhaar before applying. The Income Tax Department's instant e-PAN facility has specific Aadhaar and registered-mobile-number conditions, so it may not be suitable for every NRI. Check the standard Form 93 application route and its document checklist separately.

For your US address, use genuine supporting documents that meet the provider's current requirements. Don't enter an Indian address simply to make the application easier if that isn't the address you intend to use or cannot substantiate.

If the application requires a physical submission or additional verification, follow the instructions issued by the authorized provider. The procedure can depend on the submission method, and an individual application may require additional documents.

The payment step is worth checking before you begin. I looked into the current UTIITSL process recently, and its online payment instructions state that international cards are not accepted for the relevant payment gateway. That could be inconvenient if you only have US-issued cards.

Check the payment instructions on the provider you choose before filling everything out. The options may differ by application route, so don't assume that a US credit card will work just because the application itself is online.

Another point is the physical paperwork. Some application methods are paperless, while others may require you to print the application, sign it and submit supporting documents. Read the instructions for the exact process you select rather than following a tutorial made a few years ago.

For an overseas communication address, check the applicable fee before paying. The official PAN information page lists different charges for Indian and foreign communication addresses, and the current provider's payment screen should be checked for the final amount.

I would also keep a copy of the submitted application, payment receipt and acknowledgment number. If the application gets held up, those details will make it easier to follow up.

I went through the PAN application process while living in the US, and the first thing I would suggest is to use the official PAN application portal rather than relying on an old online guide.

One important update for 2026: the Income Tax Department now lists Form 93 for Indian citizens, including NRIs, and Form 95 for individuals who are not Indian citizens. Under the revised rules effective April 1, 2026, the old Forms 49A and 49AA were replaced for new applications.

You can start from the official Income Tax Department PAN page, which links to the authorized application providers.

Keep your Indian passport, proof of your US residential address, and date-of-birth documentation ready. Check the current Form 93 instructions for the specific documents accepted for each purpose before submitting anything.

Also, don't assume that an Indian address is compulsory just because you're an Indian citizen. The form has communication-address requirements, and you should follow the options and supporting-document rules shown on the current portal.

I would check the physical PAN card and e-PAN options separately, too. The available delivery method and charges can depend on the application route you choose.

One more thing: if you already had a PAN allotted years ago and can't find the card, don't apply for a second one. Use the existing PAN services instead.