PAN application photo & signature preparation

PAN Card Photo & Signature Maker — NSDL & UTIITSL Online Tool

Crop, resize, and compress applicant photos and signatures specifically formatted for online PAN card applications via NSDL (Protean eGov) and UTIITSL portals. Convert images to exact 3.5×2.5cm or 213×213 pixel dimensions and export under 50KB.

Written & Reviewed by Mukesh Kumar, Content Writer•Last updated: 13 August 2026
Start ToolMain Photo Maker
NSDL & UTIITSL dual portal support
Exact 213x213 pixel / 300 DPI mode
Integrated signature resizer link
50KB compression target

Upload PAN photo & signature

Crop photo to 2.5x3.5 cm (213x213 px) and resize signature image for instant upload.

टूल विकल्प

Note: PAN applications are processed by authorized intermediaries (Protean eGov / NSDL and UTIITSL) under the Income Tax Department of India. Always double check your portal form before uploading.

PAN Card Photo & Signature Specifications (NSDL vs UTIITSL)

ParameterApplicant Photo SpecSignature Image Spec
Dimensions (cm / mm)2.5 cm × 3.5 cm (25mm × 35mm)4.5 cm × 2.0 cm (45mm × 20mm)
Pixel Dimensions213 × 213 pixels (Square crop)444 × 205 pixels (Horizontal)
Resolution / DPI300 DPI (Dots Per Inch)300 DPI (Dots Per Inch)
File Size LimitUnder 50 KB (Max file size)Under 50 KB (Max file size)
File FormatJPEG / JPG onlyJPEG / JPG only
Background / InkPlain white backgroundBlack or dark blue ink on white paper
PAN card photo maker with photo crop and signature tool link

Understanding NSDL (Protean) vs UTIITSL PAN card portals

In India, new PAN card applications and PAN corrections are processed by two authorized service providers under the Income Tax Department: NSDL (now Protean eGov Technologies) and UTIITSL (UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited). While both issue valid PAN cards, their online upload portals have specific file dimension requirements.

  • Protean / NSDL Portal: Requires photo cropped to 3.5cm × 2.5cm or 213×213 pixels at 300 DPI, strictly under 50KB in JPG format.
  • UTIITSL Portal: Accepts 2.5cm × 3.5cm photos at 300 DPI (213×213 pixels) and signature files under 50KB at 600 DPI for physical printing.
  • e-KYC / Aadhaar OTP Mode: If applying via paperless e-Sign mode using Aadhaar OTP, your photo is fetched from UIDAI, but physical card submission or correction applications require manual upload.

Step-by-step: Preparing your photo and signature for PAN submission

Follow this process to avoid portal upload errors when applying for a new PAN card or submitting correction forms.

  • Step 1: Upload a passport-style portrait photo with a plain white background.
  • Step 2: Use the PAN Crop Tool to frame the face centered with 70–80% face area.
  • Step 3: Select 213×213 pixels (300 DPI) output setting for online portal compatibility.
  • Step 4: Use our Signature Resizer to crop your signature on clean white paper.
  • Step 5: Export both files as JPG and verify each file is under 50KB.
Photo and signature resizer workflow for online forms

Photo plus signature workflow

PAN application portals require separate applicant photo and signature files with specific DPI and file size limits.

Difference between PAN Photo Maker and PAN Photo Specifications Guide

This tool provides the practical online editor to crop and resize your files. For detailed rules on minor PAN cards, NRI PAN applications, or offline physical forms, consult our full guide.

  • Use this Maker page for instant online photo cropping, signature resizing, and file compression.
  • Read our PAN Card Photo Specifications Guide for complete tax compliance guidelines and NRI rules.
  • Use our 20KB-100KB Compressor if your file exceeds the portal size limit after cropping.

Top reasons PAN photo and signature uploads get rejected

Errors during upload can cause your PAN application to be flagged for rejection or manual review.

  • Uploading photo or signature in PNG, PDF, or BMP format instead of JPG/JPEG.
  • File size exceeding 50KB limit (e.g., 52KB or 65KB will fail portal validation).
  • Signature taken on ruled/lined notebook paper instead of blank unlined white paper.
  • Shadows across the signature line or faint ink (always use bold black or blue pen).
  • Incorrect resolution below 300 DPI leading to blurry print on the physical PAN card.

Related tools and guides

PAN Card Photo Specifications & Rules GuideOnline Signature Resizer ToolCompress Photo to 20KB–50KBPassport Size Photo Maker ToolGovernment Photo Requirements OverviewIndia Passport & ID Photo Size Guide

PAN Card Photo & Signature Maker — NSDL & UTIITSL Online Tool FAQ

What is the exact photo size for PAN card application in pixels?

The standard pixel size for PAN card photo upload on NSDL/Protean and UTIITSL portals is 213 × 213 pixels at 300 DPI.

What is the signature file size limit for NSDL PAN card forms?

The signature image must be in JPG format, with dimensions of 4.5cm × 2.0cm (444 × 205 pixels), and file size strictly under 50KB.

What is the difference between NSDL and UTIITSL PAN portals?

NSDL (Protean) and UTIITSL are both official government-authorized bodies for issuing PAN cards. Both require photos under 50KB, but pixel specs like 213×213 px are standard across both.

Should PAN card photo background be white?

Yes. A plain white background is strictly required for PAN card applicant photos.

Can I sign with blue ink for PAN card application?

Yes. Black or dark blue ink on a plain unlined white sheet of paper is accepted for signature uploads.

What is the file size limit for PAN photo upload?

The applicant photo file size must be less than 50KB (typically between 10KB and 50KB).

Can I crop signature and photo together?

No. NSDL and UTIITSL portals require two separate image files — one for the photo and one for the signature.

How do I reduce my PAN photo file size under 50KB?

Use our integrated Photo Compressor tool after cropping to compress your JPG file under 50KB without losing clarity.

Is photo required if I apply via Aadhaar e-KYC?

In instant Aadhaar e-KYC mode, the photo is pulled automatically from Aadhaar. However, if you want your custom photo printed or are applying via paperless e-Sign with uploaded documents, separate photo and signature files are required.

What photo size is needed for physical PAN form submission?

For physical paper applications submitted at NSDL/UTIITSL centers, attach two 3.5cm × 2.5cm physical color photos.

PassportSizePhoto.in is an independent private utility. It is not affiliated with Passport Seva, MEA, UIDAI, NSDL, any exam authority, or any government body. Always verify the latest official document instructions before submitting your final photo.