PAN card photo and signature size

The short answer

These are the Protean (formerly NSDL) scan-and-upload specifications. If you use Aadhaar-based e-KYC instead, you may not need to upload these at all.

Tips

• Use a recent colour photo with a plain white background. Don't use a photo with spectacles glare or a cap.
• Sign inside the box on a white sheet, with a black pen, and crop close.
• ExamPic's PAN preset saves both at 200 dpi, with the dpi value written into the file.

When you need these files

Protean's online PAN application offers different ways to submit: a paperless route using Aadhaar e-KYC (your Aadhaar photo is used), a route where you upload scanned documents and sign digitally, or physical submission of a signed form. The 200 dpi photo and signature described here are for the scan-and-upload route. UTIITSL runs a separate PAN portal; check its instructions if you apply there.

Step by step

1. Photograph yourself against a plain white wall, facing the light, without spectacles glare or a cap.
2. In ExamPic choose PAN card → Photograph. The tool saves a 3.5 × 2.5 cm photo at 200 dpi and keeps it under 50 KB.
3. Sign inside a box on white paper with a black pen, photograph it, and switch to Signature. The tool saves it at 2 × 4.5 cm, 200 dpi.
4. Upload both on the PAN form and check the preview carefully before you pay and submit.

Common PAN photo mistakes

• A photo copied from an old ID card: it is usually blurry and the wrong size.
• A signature that doesn't match the one on your other documents, such as your bank records. Use your regular signature.
• A dark or patterned background that makes the printed card hard to read.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

• SSC photo and signature size
• UPSC photo and signature size
• IBPS / SBI photo and signature size
• Railways (RRB) photo and signature size
• Why online forms reject your photo