How to Change Photo and Signature in PAN Card?

The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a vital document in India used to track financial transactions and accepted as valid proof of identity. Since it serves such crucial purposes, it is essential that the information, including the photo and signature, is accurate and up-to-date. 

This article explains the complete process for PAN card photo and signature change, both online and offline.

PAN Card Photo Change Online

Your photo and signature on the PAN card are used for identity verification. Any discrepancies, changes or old photos and signatures in your PAN card can cause a problem during verification processes or financial transactions, such as loans, credit cards, or investments. Hence, keeping it updated ensures smooth and hassle-free usage of the PAN card. 

You can easily opt for the online PAN card photo change facility from the authorised website. Here is how you can do it:

Step 1: Access the Official Website 

• Visit the Protean e-Gov Technologies Limited (formerly NSDL) website. 
• Scroll down to the ‘Change/Correction in PAN Data’ section on the homepage and click ‘Apply Now’. 

Step 2: Select the Application Type 

• Choose ‘Changes or Correction in Existing PAN Data’ under the ‘Application Type’. 
• Now, select ‘Individual’ as the category.

Step 3: Enter Applicant Information 

• Provide the required details, such as your name, date of birth, email, mobile number and PAN number. 
• Select if you are a resident and tick the declaration. 
• Then, click ‘Submit’ to generate a token number. 
• Note this number for future reference for you to change photo in a PAN card.

Step 4: Choose Document Submission Type 

• Select how you want to complete the submission of documents for PAN photo update. 
• You can either choose to ‘Submit scanned images through e-sign’ or ‘Forward application documents physically’.

Step 5: Provide Personal Details

• Fill in your Aadhaar number, name, date of birth, gender and father’s name. 
• 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’. 
• On the next page, enter your address, phone number and email and click ‘Next’.

Step 6: Specify Document Details

• 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 7: Upload Supporting Documents

• Upload scanned copies of documents, i.e. identity proof, address proof and date of birth for verification. 
• Also, attach a copy of your existing PAN card or PAN allotment letter.

Step 8: Upload Photo and Signature 

• Upload two recent passport-sized photographs (3.5 cm x 2.5 cm) with a white background and provide a clear scanned copy of your signature (2 cm x 4.5 cm)  to change photo in a PAN card.

Step 9: Make the Payment 

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

Step 10: Print the Application 

• Save and print the completed application form. 
• Attach your photographs and sign in the designated space. 

Post the application form along with all supporting documents to the following address:

Income Tax PAN Services Unit,
Protean eGov Technologies Limited,
4th Floor, Sapphire Chambers,
Baner Road, Baner, Pune - 411045

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

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: Access the Official Website 

• Visit the Protean e-Gov Technologies Limited (formerly NSDL) website. 
• Navigate to the ‘Change/Correction in PAN Data’ section on the homepage and click ‘Apply Now’. 

Step 2: Select the Application Type 

• Choose ‘Changes or Correction in Existing PAN Data’ under the ‘Application Type’. 
• Now, select ‘Individual’ as the category.

Step 3: Enter Applicant Information 

• Provide the required details, such as your name, date of birth, email, mobile number and PAN number. 
• Select if you are a resident and tick the declaration. 
• Then, click ‘Submit’ to generate a token number. 
• Note this number for future reference for you to change your signature in a PAN card.

Step 4: Choose Document Submission Type 

• Select how you want to complete the submission of documents for PAN photo update. 
• You can either choose to ‘Submit scanned images through e-sign’ or ‘Forward application documents physically’.

Step 5: Provide Personal Details

• Fill in your Aadhaar number, name, date of birth, gender and father’s name. 
• 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’. 
• On the next page, enter your address, phone number and email and click ‘Next’.

Step 6: Specify Document Details

• 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 7: Upload Supporting Documents

• Upload scanned copies of documents, i.e. identity proof, address proof and date of birth for verification. 
• Also, attach a copy of your existing PAN card or PAN allotment letter.

Step 8: Upload Photo and Signature 

• Upload two recent passport-sized photographs (3.5 cm x 2.5 cm) with a white background and provide a clear scanned copy of your signature (2 cm x 4.5 cm)  to change your signature in the PAN card.

Step 9: Make the Payment 

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

Step 10: Print the Application 

• Save and print the completed application form. 
• Attach your photographs and sign in the designated space. 

Post the application form along with all supporting documents to the following address:

Income Tax PAN Services Unit,
Protean eGov Technologies Limited,
4th Floor, Sapphire Chambers,
Baner Road, Baner, Pune - 411045

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

How to Change Photo in PAN Card Offline?

If you prefer the offline method of PAN card photo change, follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Download the PAN card update application form.

Step 2: Fill out the entire form and submit it with essential documents at any nearest PAN centre. Remember to tick the ‘Photo Mismatch’ option on the form to change photo in PAN card.

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

Step 4: Submit the acknowledgement slip to the Income Tax PAN Service Unit of the NSDL within 15 days.

How to Change Signature on PAN Card 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 PAN card update application form.

Step 2: Fill out the entire form and submit it with essential documents at any nearest PAN centre. Remember to tick the ‘Signature Mismatch’ option on the form to change photo in PAN card.

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

Step 4: Submit the acknowledgement slip to the Income Tax PAN Service Unit of the NSDL within 15 days.

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: Valid documents showing your current residential address, such as the Aadhaar card, utility bills (Electricity, Water, or Gas), passport and bank statement.
• Identity Proof: Any government-issued ID, such as an Aadhaar card, passport, Voter ID and 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: Documents verifying your date of birth, such as your Aadhaar card, birth certificate, school leaving certificate and 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. 
• Full Company Names: For companies, partnerships, and firms, the complete legal name must be used without any shortened forms. 
• 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 along with other necessary documents. The supporting documents may include proof of identity, address verification, and recent passport-sized photographs.

Your PAN card is more than just a piece of identification; it is 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.