PAN Card Photo & Signature Size Requirements 2026

Applying for a new PAN card or correction? The Income Tax Department has specific photo and signature requirements for PAN applications. This guide covers requirements for both NSDL and UTIITSL PAN applications. As of 2026, treat published pixel/KB figures as typical patterns and confirm the live official notification before you apply.

PAN Photo Requirements

Photograph specifications:

Parameter	Requirement
File Size	2 KB - 20 KB
Format	JPEG/JPG
Dimensions	200 x 200 pixels (approx)
Background	Plain white
Quality	Recent, color photo
Face	Clear, visible

PAN Signature Requirements

Signature specifications:

Parameter	Specification
File Size	2 KB - 20 KB
Format	JPEG/JPG
Dimensions	300 x 100 pixels (approx)
Ink	Black ink on white paper
Style	Within the box provided

For Minor/Unable to Sign

Special cases:

Minors: Left thumb impression
Unable to sign: Thumb impression accepted
File specs: Same as signature (2-20 KB)

Photo Preparation Steps

Take Photo: Recent passport-size with white background.
Scan Signature: Sign in black ink, scan clearly.
Compress: Reduce both to under 20 KB.
Verify: Check JPEG format.
Upload: Submit to NSDL or UTIITSL portal.

Rejection checklist & privacy

PAN photo/signature uploads fail when the file is too large, wrong format, or the face/signature is unclear after heavy compression. Keep preparation on-device.

Use JPEG/JPG only unless the portal explicitly allows another type
Stay inside the published KB window (commonly a low double-digit KB band for both photo and signature—confirm live text)
White/plain background; no shadows across the face
Black-ink signature on white paper; crop empty margins before compressing
Prep with Passport Size Photo + Compress Image
Signature detail: Compress signature guide
Related ID: Aadhaar photo guide
Do not upload PAN images to random third-party compressors — see privacy guide

NSDL vs UTIITSL (same department rules)

Both PAN centres implement Income Tax Department specifications. UI labels can differ slightly; if one portal shows a different max KB, follow that screen. After e-PAN / physical card issuance flows change, re-read the help link on the form you are using.

Keep original uncompressed photo until the application succeeds
Name and photo should match other KYC documents you will submit
Minors / thumb impression cases: follow the form’s thumb instructions; file-size rules often mirror signature caps

Prepare PAN Photo

Use our Image Compressor to reduce photo to exact specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PAN photo size in KB?

PAN photo should be 2-20 KB in JPEG format.

Can signature be in blue ink?

No, black ink is preferred for better scanning quality.

Do NSDL and UTIITSL have same requirements?

Yes, both follow Income Tax Department guidelines.

What is a typical PAN photo size in KB?

Many PAN upload helps historically show a small JPEG window (often on the order of a few KB up to ~20 KB). Confirm the exact min/max on the NSDL or UTIITSL form you are filling in 2026.

Can the signature be in blue ink?

Black ink on white paper is preferred for scanning contrast. Blue ink is more likely to fail automated checks.

Do NSDL and UTIITSL share the same photo rules?

They follow Income Tax Department guidelines. Treat on-screen help as authoritative if numbers differ.

What pixels should I target?

Portals sometimes show approximate pixel boxes (for example near-square photo and wider signature). When pixels are printed, match them; otherwise a sharp passport-style crop compressed into the KB window is the usual approach.

PNG or PDF allowed?

Photo/signature slots usually require JPEG. Convert first, then compress. Use PDF tools only if a separate document upload asks for PDF.

How do I avoid over-compressing the face?

Crop tightly first so fewer pixels carry the face, then compress in small steps. Check the preview on the official form before final submit.