Most PAN card application errors are caused by incorrect image dimensions.
Whether you’re uploading to NSDL (Protean) or UTI, here’s how to crop and resize your PAN card photo and signature the right way.
Official PAN Card Photo and Signature Dimensions
Type | NSDL (Protean) | UTI |
---|---|---|
Photo | 3.5 × 2.5 cm (~276×197 px), 200 DPI | 213 × 213 px, 300 DPI |
Signature | 4.5 × 2 cm (~354×157 px), 200 DPI | 400 × 200 px, 600 DPI |
Step 1: Scan or Capture a Clear Image
- Photo: Stand against a plain background in good light. Avoid shadows.
- Signature: Sign with a dark pen on plain white paper. Use no lines or background color.
- Use a scanner or your smartphone camera (set to high quality).
Step 2: Crop the Image to the Correct Area
- On mobile: Use your phone’s gallery editor or apps like Snapseed (Android/iOS), Photos (iPhone), or Adobe Scan.
- On PC: Open the image in Paint (Windows), Preview (Mac), or any basic photo editor. Drag to select only the face or only the signature area—no extra space!
Tip: For best results, crop tightly so there’s minimal empty background.
Step 3: Resize to the Exact Pixel Dimensions
- Use an Online Tool: Visit PANResizer.com. Upload your photo or signature and select “NSDL” or “UTI” for instant automatic resizing.
-
Other Free Tools: You can also use
ResizeImage.net,
iLoveIMG, or
Photopea
(for advanced editing). - Set DPI: Make sure to choose the right DPI setting (see the table above) if your tool supports it.
Step 4: Save as JPG (or PNG) and Check File Size
- Always export as JPG (JPEG) for NSDL, or JPG/PNG for UTI.
- File size must be below the limit (50 KB for NSDL photo/signature, 30/60 KB for UTI photo/signature).
- If your file is still too big, use PANResizer.com or iLovePDF Image Compressor.
Official PAN Card Application Links
Quick Tips for Flawless Cropping & Resizing
-
Crop tightly—don’t leave empty space around your photo or signature. -
Always check both pixel size and file size before uploading. -
If possible, use an online tool that handles cropping and resizing together for you.
Good luck with your PAN card application!