How to Change Photo and Signature in PAN Card?

The PAN card photo change process allows individuals to update their photograph or signature to ensure their PAN remains valid for verification and financial transactions. PAN card photo change can be done easily online via the Protean portal or offline through PAN service centres.

Key Highlights:

• PAN card photo change: Online or offline by filling out the ‘Changes or Correction in PAN Data’ form. 
• Documents required: Proof of identity, address, date of birth, and existing PAN.
• Fees: Application requires payment of a processing fee.
• Status: Can be tracked using the acknowledgement number.

What is PAN Card Photo Change?

PAN card photo change is the process of updating your existing photograph on your PAN card to ensure it matches your current appearance and meets verification standards. This is important for smooth financial transactions, loan applications, and compliance with KYC norms.

How to Change Photo in PAN Card Online?

You can easily opt for the PAN card photo change online facility from the authorised website. Here is how to change photo in PAN card.

Step 1: Visit the Protean e-Gov Technologies Limited (formerly NSDL) website. 

Step 2: Scroll down to the ‘Change/ Correction in PAN Data’ section and click ‘Apply Now’. 

Step 3: Choose ‘Changes or Correction in existing PAN Data’ as ‘Application Type’ and select ‘Individual’ as the category.

Step 4: Provide the required details, such as your name, date of birth, email, mobile number, citizenship and PAN number. Tick the consent, enter captcha code and click ‘Submit’. 

Step 5: You will receive a ‘Token Number’ on your email ID. Click on ‘Continue with PAN Application Form’. 

Step 6: Select how you want to complete the mode of submission of documents for PAN photo update. You can either choose to:

• Submit digitally through e-KYC & e-Sign (Paperless): Here Aadhaar authentication is mandatory. In this case, the photograph available in your Aadhaar database will be printed on the PAN card. Thus, your photograph on PAN card will be automatically changed or updated as per your Aadhaar card and you need not have to upload your photograph on the online form.
• Submit scanned images through e-sign: In this case, you must upload a scanned photograph on the online form in the prescribed format. The photograph should be in JPEG format, with dimensions of 3.5 cm × 2.5 cm and a maximum file size of 20 KB.
• Forward application documents physically: In this case, download and print the completed application form. Affix two recent colour photographs (4.5 cm × 3.5 cm) in the designated spaces, sign where required, and send the application along with the supporting documents to the following address:
  Income Tax PAN Services Unit, Protean eGov Technologies Limited, 4th Floor, Sapphire Chambers, Baner Road, Baner, Pune - 411045

Step 7: Fill in your Aadhaar number, name and date of birth. Tick the boxes for ‘Photo Mismatch’ and/or ‘Signature Mismatch’ based on your requirements. Enter your parent’s name (father’s or mother’s) and click ‘Next’. 

Step 8: On the next page, enter your address, phone number and email and click ‘Next’.

Step 9: Select the documents for proof of identity, proof of address, proof of date of birth and proof of PAN that you want to enclose from the drop-down box options. Enter the declaration, date and place.

Step 10: Upload scanned copies of the required documents. Upload your photo and signature if you selected the document submission mode as ‘Submit scanned images through e-sign’. 

Step 11: Pay the required processing fee for PAN card update and submit. Payments can be made using credit cards, debit cards, net banking, or demand drafts.

You will receive a 15-digit acknowledgement number. Use this number to track the status of your PAN card photo change application on the Protean website.

How to Change Photo in PAN Card Offline?

If you prefer PAN card photo change offline, follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Download the ‘Request For Changes Or Correction in PAN Data’ form

Step 2: Fill out the entire form and submit it with essential documents at any nearest PAN centre. Remember to affix your recent photograph on the form with 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm dimension to change photo in PAN card.

Step 3: Make the required payment and receive the acknowledgement slip at the centre.

PAN Card Signature Change Online

Updating your signature on a PAN card is similar to updating your photograph. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide to making the change:

Step 1: Visit the Protean e-Gov Technologies Limited (formerly NSDL) website. 

Step 2: Scroll down to the ‘Change/ Correction in PAN Data’ section and click ‘Apply Now’. 

Step 3: Choose ‘Changes or Correction in existing PAN Data’ as ‘Application Type’ and select category as ‘Individual’.

Step 4: Provide the required details, tick the consent, enter captcha code and click ‘Submit’. 

Step 5: You will receive a ‘Token Number’ on your email ID. Click on ‘Continue with PAN Application Form’. 

Step 6: Select the mode of submission of documents for PAN signature update. You can either choose to:

• Submit digitally through e-KYC & e-Sign (Paperless): Under this option, Aadhaar authentication is mandatory. The signature in your Aadhaar database will be printed on the PAN card. Thus, you need not upload your signature on the online form as the Aadhaar card signature will be updated and printed on the PAN card.
• Submit scanned images through e-sign: Here, you must upload a scanned image of your signature online in the prescribed format. The scanned image of your signature should be in JPEG format, with dimensions of 2 cm × 4.5 cm and a maximum file size of 10 KB.
• Forward application documents physically: In this case, download and print the completed application form. Affix two recent colour photographs in the designated spaces, sign in the box provided, and send the application along with the supporting documents to the following address:
  Income Tax PAN Services Unit, Protean eGov Technologies Limited, 4th Floor, Sapphire Chambers, Baner Road, Baner, Pune - 411045

Step 7: Fill in your Aadhaar number and personal details. Tick the boxes for ‘Photo Mismatch’ and/or ‘Signature Mismatch’ based on your requirements. Fill in your parent’s name and click ‘Next’. 

Step 8: Fill in your address, phone number and email and click ‘Next’.

Step 9: Select the documents for proof of identity, proof of address, proof of date of birth and proof of PAN. Enter the declaration, date and place.

Step 10: Upload scanned copies of the required documents. Upload your photo and signature if you selected the document submission mode as ‘Submit scanned images through e-sign’. 

Step 11: Pay the processing fee for PAN card update and submit. You will receive a 15-digit acknowledgement number through which you can track your application. 

PAN Card Signature Change Offline

The process for offline signature change on your PAN card is similar to PAN card photo change offline process. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Download the ‘Request For Changes Or Correction in PAN Data’ form

Step 2: Fill out the entire form, affix your signature in the box provided and submit it with the required documents at any nearest PAN centre. 

Step 3: Make the required payment and collect the acknowledgement slip at the centre.

Documents Required to Change Pan Card Photo & Signature

Below is the list of documents required to be submitted along with the application form for PAN card photo or signature change:

• Proof of Address: Aadhaar card, utility bills (Electricity, Water, or Gas), passport or bank statement.
• Identity Proof: Aadhaar card, passport, Voter ID or driving licence.
• Proof of Requested Changes: Submit two recent passport-sized photographs (3.5 cm x 2.5 cm) for a photo change. For a signature change, affix your signature within the given box on the physical application form or upload a clear scanned copy of your signature (2 cm x 4.5 cm) on the online application form.
• Proof of Date of Birth: Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, driving license or passport. 
• Proof of PAN card: Copy of PAN card or PAN allotment letter.

Things to Remember Before the PAN Signature or Name Update 

Before updating your signature or name on your PAN card, it is essential to keep the following guidelines in mind:

• No Abbreviations: Individuals must provide their full names without any abbreviations in the first, middle, or last name fields. 
• Multi-line Entries: If there is insufficient space in the first row for a name, it should be continued in the second row of the application form.
• Documentation Requirements: When submitting a request for a change to your PAN card, you must include your existing PAN card details along with other necessary documents. 

Your PAN card is not only a proof of identification, but also a gateway to hassle-free financial and legal transactions. Ensuring your photo and signature are up-to-date enhances your credibility and prevents unnecessary roadblocks in important processes like applying for loans, opening bank accounts, or filing taxes.