Document guide

PAN card photo size and specifications

Photo and signature requirements for PAN applications through NSDL and UTIITSL, for both physical and e-KYC routes.

How we keep this guide updated: we review this page when NSDL, UTIITSL, or Income Tax portal file rules change, and refresh examples based on common user errors.

PAN needs both a photo and a signature

PAN applications commonly need two separate images: a clear ID photo and a signature scan. Prepare both files with plain backgrounds, readable edges, and conservative compression so the upload does not blur either item. Keep photo and signature files within the portal limits, and avoid cropping the signature edges.

Detailed photo requirements

For prints, use proper photo paper rather than regular office paper. For digital uploads, avoid over-compressing the file. Both versions should keep the eyes sharp and the face easy to recognize at a glance.

Specification	Requirement
Size	35x45mm (3.5x4.5cm)
Background	Plain white
Color format	Color photo preferred
Face coverage	70 to 80% of the frame
Expression	Neutral, mouth closed
Print quality	High resolution, clear

Online vs physical application

Portals usually reject files that are blurry or stretched even when the size looks correct, so check the preview before submitting. For physical forms, carry one extra print in case of smudges or uneven trimming.

Aspect	Online application	Physical application
Photo file	JPEG, 20KB to 200KB, 350x350 px minimum	35x45mm print on photo paper; 2 photos typically
Signature file	JPEG, 2KB to 100KB	Sign across the photo edge on the form
Portal	NSDL or UTIITSL website	Submit at the counter with documents
Affixing	Upload preview; check crop before submitting	Paste on the form; do not staple the photo

Do’s and don’ts

The most reliable PAN photo is the most straightforward one. Keep the face visible, skip beauty filters, and wear clothing that does not blend into the background.

Do’s

Use a plain white background
Ensure clear face visibility
Use a recent photograph
Match the photo with your ID documents

Don’ts

Colored backgrounds
Blurry photos
Old photographs
Beauty filters

Signature requirements

A signature that is too thick, too small, or shaky may upload fine but look messy on verification. If the scan looks soft, re-capture it with more light and less movement.

Aspect	Requirement
Signature area	Roughly 2cm x 4.5cm box
Paper	Plain white paper
Ink	Black or blue ink
File size (online)	2KB to 100KB JPEG

Final checklist before you submit

The best PAN application is the one checked slowly. Before you upload or print, make sure the photo and signature both look clean at full size, not just in a tiny preview.

Photo checklist

Face is centered and easy to recognize
Background is plain white and distraction-free
No strong shadow cuts across the face
Image is recent and matches your current appearance

Signature checklist

Written on clean white paper
Ink is dark enough to scan clearly
Stroke is readable and not too cramped
File size stays within the portal limits

Common upload mistakes

Wrong size or crop

If the face looks too small or too close to the edge, the file may upload but look wrong. Re-crop so the head sits naturally inside the 35x45mm frame.

Too much editing

Filters, smoothing, and strong color edits make the image look less natural. Keep the final photo realistic so it matches your appearance during verification.

Signature too light

Write with darker ink and scan again if the signature looks faint. A sharp signature is easier to review and survives compression better.

File size issues

Keep the image within the portal upload limits. If the file is too large, resize it carefully instead of uploading the same version repeatedly.

Frequently asked questions

35x45mm in the widely used India document format. Keep the face centered, leave a small margin around the head, and keep the crop clean for both upload and print.

Yes. A recent passport-style photo works well for PAN if it follows 35x45mm framing with a clean background and good clarity.

A plain white background with no pattern, texture, or shadow. A clean backdrop helps the face stand out and reduces the chance of the application being flagged.

Yes. PAN applications need both the photo and a signature scan. Sign on plain white paper with dark ink so the signature looks sharp when uploaded.

Keep the file in JPEG format, usually between 20KB and 200KB, with at least 350x350 pixels so the image stays readable.

Use a recent photo that reflects your current appearance, ideally taken within the last few months. If your hairstyle, beard, or face shape has changed, retake it.

Color is the safest choice and the standard for most applications. It gives better detail and usually reduces back-and-forth during verification.

Prescription glasses are usually fine if there is no glare and your eyes stay clearly visible. Sunglasses, tinted lenses, and heavy reflections should be avoided.

35x45mm (3.5x4.5cm) on a plain white background, with a separate signature scan on white paper.

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