A PAN card application asks for both a photograph and a signature, each within set limits. Because PAN is used for KYC across banks and investments, the portals are strict — here's how to prepare both correctly the first time.
Photo requirements
PAN application portals (NSDL/Protean and UTIITSL) want a recent colour passport-style photograph with a plain background, saved as a JPG within a small file-size limit. For the physical form the photo is pasted in a box; for the online flow you upload the digital file.
Signature requirements
The signature should be signed in black ink on white paper, then scanned or photographed cleanly and cropped tight. Online forms expect it as a small JPG — often under 20KB. A clean, high-contrast scan compresses easily without becoming illegible.
Prepare both in two minutes
- Resize your photo with the PAN Card Photo Resize tool.
- Scan your signature and shrink it with Signature Resize to 20KB.
- Upload both to Form 49A — done.
Verify before submitting
NSDL and UTIITSL occasionally update their exact dimension and KB requirements. Always cross-check the figures on the official application page you're using before you upload.