I lost my wallet, PAN Card, Credit card, Driving License what next?

You reach into your purse or pocket and it's gone. You've lost your wallet – or worse, it's been stolen. Your wallet could be containing important documents and cards like PAN card, credit card, debit card, driving license etc.

Now what?

• Should I file FIR?
• How to obtain a duplicate of PAN card and driving license?
• How to prevent my identity from fraud or criminal activities?
• What to do to block credit card?

What to do if your wallet is lost or stolen?

(1)    Register FIR at nearest police station

First, visit the nearest police station to register FIR.  The reason behind registering FIR is  to keep FIR copy as a proof, in case someone uses your documents for criminal activities you are not held liable. In addition to that FIR copy is required when you apply for a duplicate copy of PAN card, Credit card or any other document.

(2)    Blocking credit card and debit card

Block Credit Card –

The second step was to block your credit card and debit card so that no one can misuse that. Contact customer care of bank and ask to block your credit card. You could get a contact number of customer care from your credit card bill.

Customer care executive will ask your credit card number and other personal details. After getting confirmation they will block your credit card and you will get confirmation SMS on your mobile.

Block Debit Card –

In order to block your debit card , visited internet banking portal of your bank and click on “ATM card Services > Block ATM card” link.  The system will show the message that card blocked successfully. or you could contact customer care of your bank to block your debit card.

(3)    Reapply for credit card and debit card

The third step is to get a new credit card and debit card. Getting a new credit card will be an easy job for you. Visit your bank website. After login, Place a request for a duplicate from the listed options. You might be charged some penny for the new card.

For applying for the debit card  visit bank where they will give a form for reapplying for a debit card.  They will ask a copy of FIR and will verify that you are the owner of the account and reapplying for the new debit card. After the process is over they will confirm that debit card will be delivered to your  Home address in one or two  week time.

(4)    How to get Duplicate PAN card?

The next step is to apply for duplicate PAN card. In case of PAN card lost you have two methods for getting duplicate PAN card. You can apply for PAN card either online or offline. In order to apply for duplicate PAN card you must know Number of original PAN card. If you are not aware about your PAN card number you can check your old IT returns where you can find PAN card number. Another method is to visit Know your PAN section available on Income tax India website.

You need to give your First Name, Last Name and date of birth to know your PAN card number.

Once you know your PAN card number you need to give request for Reprint of PAN card. You need to submit following documents along with your application.

• Proof of Identity
• Address proof
• Date of birth proof
• Two passport size photos
• FIR copy

The fees applicable for the dispatch of PAN card within India is Rs.107 (Inclusive of service tax). For the PAN card dispatch outside India fee is Rs.994.

Offline method PAN Card-

• Download application form TIN NSDL website.
• Take a printout and fill it up with Black Ink capital letters.
• Signature across the photo and in verification section is mandatory.
• Once you are done submit the application along with documents at nearest PAN card center.

You will be getting PAN card in next 15 to 20 days.

You can apply for PAN card using online method also. Follow the steps given below to apply PAN card using online method.

Online method PAN Card-

• Fill up the form for the PAN card application online.
• Make payment of PAN card fees online using a credit card/ debit card or net banking.
• A Confirmation message will be displayed on screen mentioning acknowledgment number. Take a printout of acknowledgment affix passport size photograph.
• Apply the signature wherever required and send this acknowledgment to NSDL.

(5)    How to get Duplicate Driving License?

The last step is to apply for a duplicate driving license. Visit local RTO office and apply for a duplicate license. The steps which you could follow for duplicate driving license are –

• Filling up L.L.D form. This form is for Intimation of loss or destruction of driving license.
• Filling up self-declaration about physical fitness.
• I paid Rs.200 for issuing a duplicate license.
• Documents attached with my application was Address proof, FIR copy.

Lesson Learned –

Losing a wallet like this is an unfortunate event, you could learn following valuable lessons from this event.

• Never keep any original or xerox identity documents issued by the government in your wallet.
• Avoid keeping multiple debit cards or credit cards in your wallet.
• Opt for Credit card protection plan.
• Keep your wallet in a front pocket when you visit a public place.