A PAN card is an identification document issued by the Income Tax Department. This card helps the Indian Financial System map one's personal financial information. Therefore, any information presented on this card must be up to date to avoid any compliance issues.
Now, changing the information on your PAN card is no longer a tedious task if you know the proper steps and have all the required documents.
In this blog, we will discuss how anyone, whether an Indian resident or an NRI, can change their signature or photo on the PAN card.
- To update the signature or photo on the PAN card, you will be required to provide the proof of address, identity, date of birth, and a copy of your existing PAN during the PAN Card Application process.
- You can track the PAN Card application status using the acknowledgment number on Protean's official website.
- You can update the signature and photo either online or offline, as per your convenience.
- E-sign is an online electronic signature that Aadhaar holders can use after OTP or biometric authentication.
What Is The PAN Card Photo and Signature Change Process
The PAN card photo change process for NRIs or Indian residents involves updating the existing photograph on your PAN card to ensure it meets verification standards and reflects your current appearance.
Having an updated photograph is essential for having smooth financial transactions in India.
How To Change a Photo on a PAN Card Online
As mentioned, the process of changing the photo on your NRI PAN Card or Indian has been simpler than ever, as you can easily visit the official website to complete the update.
To do so, please follow the following steps:

Step 1: Go To The Official Website
Visit the official website of Protean e-Gov Technologies Limited (formerly known as NSDL).
On the homepage, scroll down to the section "Change/Correction in PAN Data" and click "Apply Now".
Step 2: Select The Application Type
Now, under the "Application Type", choose "Changes or Corrections in Existing Pan Data".
Then, as a category, select "Individual".
Step 3: Enter Applicant Information
Enter all the details asked for, such as your name, date of birth, email, mobile number, and the PAN Card number.
- Select the residential status.
- Then click "Submit" to generate the token number.
- Please note this token number down for your future reference.
Step 4: Choose The Documentation Submission Type
Now comes the part where you will select whom you want to submit the documents required for the PAN card photo change.
You will be provided with two choices: either submit the scanned images of all the documents via e-sign or "Forward the application documents physically".
Step 5: Provide all the Personal Details
Fill in your Aadhar number (if there), name, gender, date of birth, and your father's name.
Now, based on your requirements, you can tick the boxes for "Photo Mismatch" and/ or "Signature Match".
Enter the name of your parents (father or mother) and then click on "Next".
On the next page, you will be asked to enter your address, email, and phone number, then click "Next".
Step 6: Document Details
Now select all the documents required for proof of identity, proof of address, date of birth, and proof of PAN that you want to enclose from the drop-down box.
Then enter the date, place, and the declaration.
Step 7: Upload all the Required Documents
You will now be required to upload scanned copies of your documents, including your identity proof, date of birth, and address proof, for verification.
Also, please ensure to attach a copy of your existing PAN card or the PAN allotment letter.
Step 8: Upload Photo & Signature
Please be very mindful of the picture and signature dimensions when uploading. You will need to upload two recent passport-size photos (3.5 cm x 2.5 cm). The photograph must be taken on a white background with the face being clearly visible.
For signature, provide a clear scanned copy of your signature (2.5 cm x 4.5 cm) to update the picture on your PAN card.
Step 9: Complete the Payment
To conclude the process, pay the required processing fee for the PAN card update.
You can make the payment using your credit or debit card, net banking, or demand drafts.
Step 10: Get The Application Printed
Save the complete application form and print it. Don't forget to attach your photographs and sign in the designated space.
Now, post the application form, along with all required documents, to the following address.
Income Tax PAN Services Unit
Protean eGov Technologies Limited
4th Floor, Sapphire Chambers,
Baner Road, Baner, Pune - 411045.
Please ensure that you will receive a 15-digit acknowledgment number. This number is used to track the status of your PAN card photo change application on the authorised Protean website.
The online process is quite feasible for NRIs living abroad who want to do a PAN Card photo change
File NRI ITR with end-to-end assistance at Savetaxs.
How To Change Photo In PAN Card Offline
Some applicants want to change their PAN Card photo offline. To do so, follow the steps mentioned below.
Step 1: Download the PAN card update application form from the official Protean website.
Step 2: Now fill out the entire form and submit it, along with all required documents, to the nearest PAN center. However, please ensure to tick the "Photo Match' option on the Pan to change the photo.
Step 3: At the PAN card center, pay the required fees. Upon payment, you will receive an acknowledgment slip.
Step 4: Submit the Acknowledgment Slip to the Income Tax PAN Service Unit of the NSDL within 15 days.
How To Change PAN Card Signature Online
Just like you updated the picture on your PAN Card, the process to change the signature on your PAN Card is also simple. Follow the steps mentioned below to make the changes in compliance.
Step 1: Go To The Official Website
Visit the official website of Protean e-Gov Technologies Limited (formerly NSDL).
On the home page, scroll down to the "Change/Correction In PAN Date" section and click "Apply Now".
Step 2: Select The Application Type
Under the application type, choose "Changes or Corrections in Existing PAN Data."
Now, select "Individual" as the category.
Step 3: Enter the Information Of the Applicant
Provide all required details about yourself, including your date of birth, email, name, mobile number, and PAN number. Double-check that every detail you enter is correct.
Choose the residential source and tick the declaration.
Then, to generate the token number, click on "Submit".
Note the token number for future reference to change signature on PAN card.
Step 4: Choose Documentation Submission Type
Now select how you want to complete the document submission for the signature update.
You can either forward the application documents physically or submit scanned images via e-signature.
Step 5: Provide Personal Details
Select the check next to the "signature mismatch".
Now, enter the personal details in the "address and contact section".
And provide the documents as proof for:
- Address
- Date of birth and
- Identity
If you can submit a copy of your Aadhaar card, the three documents above will not be required. Also, ensure you submit either a copy of your PAN card allotment letter or a copy of your PAN card.
Now tick the box making the declarations and click on "Submit. If you want to make any changes to the information you have entered, click "Edit" to update it further.
Step 6: Upload Photo & Signature
You will be required to upload a clear scanned copy of your signature (2 cm x 4.5 cm) to change the signature on your PAN Card. Along with this, also upload two recent passport-size photographs (3.5 cm x 2.5 cm) taken against a plain white background, with the face clearly visible.
Step 7: Make The Payment
Pay the required fees for the PAN card update.
You can make the payments using a credit card, debit card, net banking, or demand drafts.
Step 8: Print The Application
Save and print the completed application form.
Attach the photograph to the form and sign the form.
Post the envelope containing your application form and supporting documents to the following address.
Income Tax PAN Service Unit.
Protean eGov Technologies Limited
4th Floor, Sapphire Chambers,
Baner Road, Baner, Pune - 411045.
You will receive a 15-digit acknowledgment number. This number is used to track your PAN Card Status for signature change on the official website of Protean.
How To Make PAN Card Signature Changes Offline
The offline signature change on your PAN card is quite simple if you follow the steps mentioned below.
Step 1: Download the PAN card update application from the official Protean website.
Step 2: Fill out the entire form, then submit it with all the required documents at your nearest PAN center. Just ensure you tick the signature mismatch option on the form to change the signature on the PAN Card.
Step 3: Make the payment at the PAN center. After payment, you will receive an acknowledgment slip at the center. Keep that slip safe with you.
Step 4: Now, for the last step, submit that acknowledgment slip you received at the PAN center to the Income Tax PAN Service Unit Of The NSDL within 15 days of receiving it.
Documents Required For PAN Card Photo/Signature Change Process
The following are the standard documents required for PAN card updates.

Proof of Address: You can use an Aadhaar Card, utility bills (electricity, water, or gas), a passport, or bank statements.
Identity Proof: Any ID issued by the government, such as a passport, driver's license, etc.
Proof of Requested Changes: You must submit two recent passport-sized photographs, with dimensions of 3.5 cm x 2.5 cm (132.28 pixels x 94.49 pixels), for a photo change. With respect to the signature change, submit a clear scanned signature within the given box on the physical application form or upload a clear scanned copy of your signature ( 2 cm * 4.5 cm) on the online application form.
Proof of Date of Birth: Documents verifying your date of birth, such as a birth certificate, a school-leaving certificate, a passport, or an Aadhar card.
Proof of PAN Card: Copy of either your PAN allotment letter or a copy of your PAN.
Apply or update your PAN card in a few minutes with Savetaxs- quick and hassle-free services for NRIs.
The Bottom Line
Now that you have the right ideas about how to change your Photo or sign, you can do it securely without any hassles. However, NRIs living abroad often find it challenging to navigate the entire process due to different requirements.
Well, Savetaxs is here to navigate through the entire process seamlessly. We have been helping NRIs from 90+ countries with PAN card updates, corrections, reissuance, or new applications.
Our experts will consult with you throughout the process and provide end-to-end assistance until the job is done.
Connect with us today as we serve our clients 24/7 across all time zones.
Note: This guide is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this guide are personal and do not constitute the views of Savetaxs. Savetaxs or the author will not be responsible for any direct or indirect loss incurred by the reader for taking any decision based on the information or the contents. It is advisable to consult either a CA, CS, CPA, or a professional tax expert from the Savetaxs team, as they are familiar with current regulations and can help you make accurate decisions and maintain accuracy throughout the process.
Mr Shaw brings 8 years of experience in auditing and taxation. He has a deep understanding of disciplinary regulations and delivers comprehensive auditing services to businesses and individuals. From financial auditing to tax planning, risk assessment, and financial reporting. Mr Shaw's expertise is impeccable.
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