How to mask a PAN card
- Open a photo, scan or PDF of the card above, or try the made-up sample PAN card.
- The PAN is boxed automatically. Draw extra boxes over your photo, signature or father’s name if they are not needed.
- Tap Mask and check, then download the masked file.
What a PAN looks like
A PAN has 10 characters: five letters, four digits, then a letter. The Income Tax Department explains that the fourth character shows the holder’s status, for example P for an individual and C for a company, and that for an individual the fifth character is the first letter of the surname (Income Tax Department). The tool uses this pattern to tell a PAN from other text on the card, so it does not mask the wrong thing.
When a masked PAN helps
A masked copy can be enough when someone only needs to see that you hold a PAN card in your name, for example as one of several identity proofs. When the PAN itself is needed, for tax, banking or investment paperwork, the organisation will need the full number. Ask what they need before you send it.
Masking your Aadhaar too? Use the Aadhaar masking tool; it is the same tool.
Sources
- Permanent Account Number, Income Tax Department, Government of India
This page explains what the tool does and what official sources say. It is not legal advice; ask whoever wants your ID what they need.
Questions people ask
How do I mask my PAN card?
Open a photo, scan or PDF of the PAN card in the tool on this page. It finds the 10-character PAN and covers it. Check the box, then tap Mask and check and download the masked copy.
How does it recognise a PAN?
A PAN is five letters, four digits and a letter, such as ABCPE1234F. The fourth letter shows the type of holder (P for an individual, C for a company and so on), as the Income Tax Department explains. The tool only masks 10-character codes that fit that pattern, and it corrects common OCR mix-ups like O and 0.
Can I leave the last 4 characters visible?
The tool hides the whole PAN by default. If you want part of it visible, mask it and then resize the box, or draw your own box over just the part you want hidden.
Is my PAN card uploaded?
No. It is read and masked in your browser and never leaves your device.
Can I hide my photo and signature too?
Yes. Drag on the card to draw a box over anything. Every box is painted into the pixels of the saved file.