Applying for a new PAN card online or updating your PAN Card?
Whatever thing you do, you will apply through NSDL or UTIITSL (UTI) websites, but you need to make sure your photo, signature, and documents meet the exact size and format requirements.
It is very important as many people face problems like upload errors or rejected applications just because their files are not the right size, clarity, or format.
This guide will explain everything in simple language, so you can avoid those common mistakes and get your PAN card application processed smoothly.
Let’s break it down step by step.
PAN Card Photo Requirements
Your PAN card photo is not just any photo, it has to follow strict rules depending on whether you are applying through NSDL or UTI.
| Portal | Format | Size | File Size | Color | DPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSDL | JPEG (JPG) | 3.5 x 2.5 cm (~276×197 px) |
< 50 KB | Color | 200 |
| UTI | JPG, JPEG, PNG | 213 x 213 px | < 30 KB | Color | 300 |
How to Resize or Compress PAN Card Photo Easily
The easiest way to get the correct size and format is to use our online tool of Pan Resizer. All you have to do is:
- Select whether it’s for NSDL or UTI.
- Upload your photo in either JPG or PNG format and you will get a preview.
- If you want, you can Crop or edit your photo or click skip.
- The tool automatically adjusts the size, DPI, and file size as per the official rules.
- Download your photo.
No need for Photoshop or any fancy editing software. Just a few clicks, and your photo is ready for upload!
PAN Card Signature Requirements
Your signature also needs to meet specific rules, and these are different for NSDL and UTI.
| Portal | Format | Size | File Size | Color | DPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSDL | JPG | 4.5 x 2 cm (~354×157 px) |
< 50 KB | Color | 200 |
| UTI | JPG, JPEG, PNG | 400 x 200 px | < 60 KB | Black & White (Preferred) |
600 |
Tips for a Perfect Signature:
- Sign on white paper with a black or blue pen.
- Make sure your signature is clear, with no extra marks or borders.
- Scan or take a photo of your signature, then crop the image to include only the signature—no empty space or shadows.
Again, our tool Pan Resizer can help you crop, resize, and adjust the file as per the requirements.
All you need to do is follow the exact same steps given above for photo, and you can resize or compress your signature.
PAN Card Document Upload Sizes
For uploading supporting documents like proof of identity, proof of address, or proof of birth, here are the size limits:
| Portal | Format | Size Limit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSDL | < 300 KB per page | All supporting documents | |
| UTI | < 2 MB total | All supporting documents |
Our tool can help you convert your image files (JPG, PNG) for the supporting documents to PDF format with the required file size.
However, If you are directly uploading a PDF file. If the size is too big, you need to use a free online PDF compressor before you upload your file in our tool.
Our PAN Resizer offers basic compression, but if your file is still too large, we recommend and have included a redirect button and links to the tool of iLovePDF for a stronger file reduction.
DPI and Format: Why They Matter
| File Type | NSDL | UTI |
|---|---|---|
| Photo DPI | 200 | 300 |
| Signature DPI | 200 | 600 |
| Accepted Image Formats | JPG | JPG, JPEG, PNG |
| Document Format |
DPI (dots per inch) is a measure of clarity, it will show how clear and sharp your image is.
It’s important to match the DPI, because the PAN card systems check it when you upload. Your application can get rejected, if it is blurry or not properly visible.
This is why using our tool is so helpful, it takes care of the DPI, format, and file size automatically.
Why Correct File Sizes Matter
If your photo, signature, or document is the wrong size or format, your PAN application may get rejected. That means delays, resubmissions, and ultimately huge frustration.
Many people don’t realize this and wonder why their application isn’t moving forward.
Isn’t it better to get it right at the first time itself?
- Make sure your files meet the exact DPI, dimensions, format, and size limits.
- Use simple tools that do it all for you, like Pan Resizer.
This saves you time and ensures your PAN application goes smoothly.
Quick Recap or Summary of PAN Card File Sizes & Formats
| File Type | NSDL | UTI |
|---|---|---|
| Photo |
JPG, 3.5×2.5 cm (276×197 px) Color, <50KB, 200 DPI |
JPG/PNG, 213×213 px Color, <30KB, 300 DPI |
| Signature |
JPG, 4.5×2 cm (354×157 px) Color, <50KB, 200 DPI |
JPG/PNG, 400×200 px Black & White, <60KB, 600 DPI |
| Documents |
PDF only, <300KB per page |
PDF only, <2MB total |
And here are the official links to the websites of UTI and NSDL, where you will submit your application.
Final Tips for a Smooth PAN Card Application
-
Check your photo and signature first — these are the most common reasons for rejections. -
Use an online tool like PanResizer.com to handle resizing, cropping, and formatting in seconds. -
Compress your PDFs if they are too big. If the built-in tool doesn’t work, use a PDF compressor like iLovePDF. -
Follow the size limits exactly—even a few KB over can cause problems. -
Always double-check your files before uploading.
With the right tools and a little care, you can finish your PAN card application without stress.
Don’t let file errors slow you down—resize, compress, and upload the correct files the first time.
Good luck with your PAN card application!