IEC Application Documents Checklist (2026): Everything You Need Before You Apply
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An IEC application isn't complicated once you have the right documents in hand. Most of the delay we see comes from applying with the wrong version of something, an old utility bill, a bank certificate with a slightly different name format, and then waiting on a query instead of an approval.
An IEC application needs: PAN of the business or applicant; business address proof dated within roughly 3 months; a cancelled cheque or bank certificate showing the business name, account number, IFSC, and bank name; and Aadhaar for OTP e-sign, or a Digital Signature Certificate token for companies and LLPs. Each document is uploaded as a scanned PDF, typically capped under 5 MB. The application fee is ₹500, one-time and non-refundable if denied, and processing takes 1-3 working days.
Who this checklist is for
DGFT accepts IEC applications from a proprietorship, partnership, LLP, private limited company, trust, HUF, or society. Whichever structure you're applying as, you need an already-registered PAN and a bank account in the entity's name before you start. If you haven't incorporated yet, that comes first.
The core document list
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| PAN card | Of the business, or the individual applicant for a proprietorship. DGFT auto-pulls entity details from the Income Tax database off this. |
| Business address proof | Recent electricity bill, rent agreement plus an NOC from the owner, or a property tax receipt if the property is owned. |
| Cancelled cheque or bank certificate | Must show the business name, account number, IFSC, and bank name. DGFT runs real-time bank validation against this. |
| Aadhaar or DSC | Aadhaar for OTP-based e-sign, or a Digital Signature Certificate token, required for companies and LLPs. |
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