PAN Card
PAN Card Photo Size & Signature Size Requirements
Published: June 10, 2025 • 4 min read • RealImageTool
Applying for a new PAN card or updating your PAN card details requires uploading a photo and signature in specific formats. Both NSDL (protean eGov Technologies) and UTIITSL have strict size requirements. This guide covers everything you need to know.
PAN Card Photo & Signature Requirements
| Document | Format | Max Size | Dimensions |
|---|
| Photograph | JPG/JPEG | 20 KB | 3.5 cm x 2.5 cm (at 96 DPI: ~132x94 pixels) |
| Signature | JPG/JPEG | 10 KB | 2 cm x 4.5 cm (at 96 DPI: ~76x170 pixels) |
How to Resize Photo to 20KB for PAN Card
- Take a passport-size photo with white background
- Open the Photo & Signature Resizer tool
- Upload your photo
- Select the "Resize by Pixels" tab
- Enter Width: 132 and Height: 94 (unlock aspect ratio first)
- Click "Resize to Pixels"
- Then switch to "Resize by KB" tab and select 20 KB
- Download the result
How to Resize Signature to 10KB for PAN Card
- Sign on a plain white paper using black or blue ball pen
- Photograph or scan the signature with a clear background
- Upload to the Photo & Signature Resizer
- Select the 10 KB preset
- Click "Resize to Target KB"
- Download and upload to NSDL
Common PAN Card Application Errors
- "Photo size exceeds limit": Your photo is more than 20KB. Use our tool to compress to 20KB.
- "Invalid file format": Only JPG/JPEG accepted. PNG or WebP files are not accepted.
- "Signature not clear": Ensure the signature is on white paper with dark ink, no smudges.
- "Photo background not white": Use a plain white background, no patterns or colors.
Tips for PAN Card Photo
- Photo must show a clear, recent picture of your face
- Background: White or light cream
- Glasses are generally acceptable for PAN card photos (unlike passports)
- The photo on the PAN card application must match your appearance
Can I use the same photo for PAN card and passport?
Yes, you can use the same photo. Both require a recent passport-size photo with white background. However, the file size requirements differ — PAN needs 20KB, while passport allows up to 500KB online.
What if NSDL shows "unable to upload"?
Try a different browser (Chrome is most compatible with NSDL). Ensure your photo is JPG format (not PNG), under 20KB, and that your internet connection is stable.