123. Pan Card - Using foreign

passport as proof of address

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I have obtained information from your website re:application for PAN. I am a foreign national with OCI. 1) Is copy of passport and OCI sufficient for proof of identity and address purposes? 2) Can I mail an HDFC cheque for the required amount of $744? 3) If the HDFC cheque has to be deposited in an HDFC branch what details would need to be provided to identify the payer/applicant? The internet registration form requires confirmation of presentation of cheque at a branch before submitting the form and there is no application/reference number till the form is submitted. Please provide feedback urgently. Thank you Kalpana Answer: Some foreign passports normally don't show residential address, at least not in an official capacity. For example, Canadian Passports don't show the residential address of the passport holder. They do provide a page on the passport for the passport holder to enter their address in case the passport is lost etc. This address is not considered to be proof of address as the holder can write in any address. Many people don't even bother to write an address on this page. Indian passports on the other hand require a residential address and are acceptable as proof of address as the address is inserted by the passport issuing authorities after verification. Foreign passport holders who don't have an official residential address mentioned on their passports need to provide other documents as proof of address. Normally for Pan Card applications, your bank statement is acceptable. Sending payment by way of a demand draft payable at Mumbai is the recommended method of paying for online pan card applicants. Update: The PAN fee from abroad has now changed and is currently (2025) Rupees 1,011.