New Delhi: Imagine, from filing income tax to essential banking tasks, buying property, or investing in mutual funds… you need your PAN card everywhere. It’s not just a number, but the biggest proof of your financial identity. But has it ever happened that looking at the photo on your PAN card, taken years ago, someone finds it hard to recognize you, or your signature style has completely changed over time? In such a situation, verification can often become a hassle, and you might face trouble proving your identity at a bank or for any government work.

The good news is that resolving this concern is now incredibly easy! You can update the old photo or changed signature on your PAN card online, right from your home. This process is quite straightforward, and you can do it yourself.

Why is Updating PAN Card Photo/Signature Necessary?

It’s natural for a person’s appearance to change over time, especially if your PAN card photo is many years old. Similarly, many people change their signature style. If the photo or signature present on your PAN card does not match your current identity, you might face difficulties during KYC (Know Your Customer) verification or other financial/government transactions. Therefore, keeping your PAN card updated is a smart move.

How to Update Photo or Signature on PAN Card? (Step-by-Step Online Method)

To make changes or corrections to your PAN card details (like photo or signature), you should always use the official websites of agencies authorized by the Government of India. The two main websites are: NSDL (now known as Protean eGov Technologies Limited) at www.tin-nsdl.com and UTIITSL (UTI Infrastructure Technology And Services Limited) at www.PAN.utiitsl.com.

The complete process is as follows:

  1. Visit the Official Website: Open the official website of either NSDL or UTIITSL.
  2. Find Correction Option: Go to the ‘PAN Card Services’ section on the website. Here you will find a link like ‘Changes/Correction in PAN Data’ or ‘Apply for Change/Correction in PAN Card’. Click on this.
  3. Fill the Form: An online form will open titled ‘Application for Changes/Correction in PAN Data’. In this, select ‘Individual’ as your ‘Category’.
  4. Enter Your Details: Now carefully fill in your existing PAN Number, full name, Date of Birth, email ID, and mobile number accurately. In this same form, you will find several options for correction. Tick (√) the box next to the detail you want to update – such as photo or signature. If you want to update both, tick both boxes.
  5. Get Token Number: Fill in the Captcha Code provided at the bottom of the form and click the ‘Submit’ button. A temporary ‘Token Number’ will be generated for your application. Note this down, it will be useful later in the process.
  6. Choose Submission Mode: In the next step, you will need to choose how you want to submit your application and supporting documents. There are usually two main methods:
    • Physical Mode: ‘Forward application documents physically’ – This means that after filling the form online, you will need to take a printout of it and send it along with the necessary documents by post or courier to the address provided by NSDL/UTIITSL.
    • Digital Mode: Aadhaar-based e-KYC / e-Sign – In this method, if your mobile number is linked to Aadhaar, you can complete the entire process online, without the need to send any physical documents. Choose any mode according to your convenience.
  7. Verify Details and Upload Photo/Signature: Re-verify all your details in the form.
    • For Photo Change: If you have ticked the ‘Photo Mismatch’ box, scan your new color passport-sized photo and upload it where prompted in the form. The photo size should be 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm, in JPEG format, and the file size should be between 4KB and 300KB.
    • For Signature Change: If you have ticked the ‘Signature Mismatch’ box, upload a clear scan of your new signature. If you chose the Physical Mode, make your new signature in the space provided on the form.
  8. Upload/Attach Supporting Documents: Scan and upload (in Digital Mode) or attach (in Physical Mode, with the printout) the necessary documents required as proof of identity, address proof, and date of birth proof (like Aadhaar card, Voter ID card, passport, etc.).
  9. Pay the Online Fee: After completing the application process, you will need to make the payment online. The fee for correction in a PAN card for Indian citizens is approximately ₹91 (this may include taxes). For Foreign Citizens, the fee is ₹862.
  10. Submit and Track Application: After successful payment, finalize and submit your form. If you chose the Physical Mode, print the filled form, the affixed photo, and all attached documents, then pin or staple them together and send them immediately by post or courier to the address provided by UTIITSL/NSDL. You will receive an Acknowledgement Number which you can use to track the status of your application online on the NSDL/UTIITSL website.

Typically, it may take 15 to 20 working days for the photo or signature to be updated on the PAN card and for the new PAN card to reach your registered address.

By following this easy online process, you can ensure that your PAN card always has your latest photo and signature, helping you avoid any identity-related issues in the future.