78 Points
Joined March 2007
The old GIR number can not be of any use now. A fresh application has to be made in form 49A by filling up all the necessary details,attaching address and date of birth proof along with a latest photograph,by signging in the correct box allotted for signatue. He has to submit the application form in notified PAN servicing agencies like UTI/NSDL etc., by depositing the necessary fee for processing the PAN appliction. For all practical purposes you are obtaining a new PAN, unless one PAN has been already allotted to you about which you are ignorant/or forgotten about the application you have already made for a PAN earlier.
Generally all the old assessees have been using this PAN for the last 8 years, and it is surprising to hear that one had a GIR but not a PAN, unless one stopped filing the returns of income for the last 8/9 years.