Change Photo and Signature in PAN Card

PAN Card is a 10-digit alphanumeric number issued by the Income Tax Department. Aside from being a proof of identity, it is also an important document for making financial transactions and filing income tax returns.

Given its significance, it’s obvious that you want the information on it to be correct. Any issues with regards to spelling, signature and photograph must be addressed.

If you think your current PAN card photo or signature is a mismatch and you wish to change them, you are at the right place. Our guide will help you make the necessary changes in the easiest way possible.

Steps to Change Your PAN Card Photo Online

Do you have an old photo on your PAN card? If so, it’s time you get it changed. A PAN card wherein you look nothing like you look presently can lead to trouble in the future. Here’s how you can request a PAN card photo change online:

Step 1: Go to the official Protean eGov Technologies Limited website – https://www.tin-nsdl.com/

Step 2: From the menu, select ‘Services’ and then click on PAN

Step 3: The PAN index page will open. Scroll down and read the Change/Correction in the PAN Data section.

Step 4: Click on the ‘Apply’ link, which is just below the Do’s and Don’ts link. (as given in the image above)

Step 5: A new page with a PAN online form will open. Click on ‘Application Type’ and select Changes or Correction in the PAN from the dropdown.

Step 6: Then select a category (out of the available options like Individual, Association of Persons, Body of Individuals, Company, Trust, Limited Liability Partnership etc.)

Step 7: Then enter other details such as:

• Title
• Last Name / Surname*
• First Name
• Middle Name
• Date of Birth / Incorporation / Formation (DD/MM/YYYY) *
• Email ID*
• Mobile Number*
• PAN Number*

Step 8: Tick the consent check box

Step 9: Read and enter the correct Captcha code

Step 10: Then, click on Submit

Step 11: You will receive a temporary token number for your application

Step 12: Choose how you would like to submit your documents

Step 13: Under the ‘Photo Mismatch’ section, choose the checkbox on the left. Make sure you select an option because only then your photo will be updated or changed.

Step 14: Don’t forget to provide the essential details on your current PAN card as well as proof of PAN allocation.

Step 15: Provide all your documents, such as a photograph. You can complete the process digitally by uploading it directly from your system.

Step 16: Once all that is done. Verify everything and submit the PAN application form.

Step 17: Make the payment of ₹96 via your preferred payment method such as debit card, credit card, net banking, demand draft, etc.

Step 18: If you select net banking, you will have to pay ₹4 and service tax.

Step 19: After making the payment, your PAN card photo change form will be sent for approval. You will then receive an acknowledgement number in your email.

Steps to Change Your PAN Card Photo Offline

If you think the online method is not working for you, choose the offline method. There are two ways you to submit your application form offline. You can select either of the two methods to request a PAN card photo change.

Offline Photo Change Method 1

1. Fill out the online application form. (Refer to the section above in case you have any confusion)
2. Once you’re done filling out the form, select “No” under ‘For Paperless PAN Application’.
3. Submit the form and make the payment via your preferred payment mode.
4. You will receive the acknowledgement form in your email. Then:
   • Print out the acknowledgement form
   • Attach 2 recent photos to it. (The photos should be 3.5 cm x 2.5 cm with white background)
   • Make sure the photo isn’t stapled or clipped. It should be pasted in the given space.
   • Do not sign across the photo.
5. Send the printed form with all the essential documents to Income Tax PAN Services Unit’s official address.

Offline Photo Change Method 2

1. Visit the official NSDL website – https://www.tin-nsdl.com/
2. From the Main Menu, click on ‘Downloads’ and select PAN from the drop-down.
3. A new page will appear, where you have to click on the link mentioned ‘Request for New PAN Card Or/and Changes or Correction in PAN Data Form’.
4. Download the application form and carefully fill out all the details.
5. Attach all the essential documents such as proof of address, identity and DOB.
6. Verify all the details and documents and apply to your nearest NSDL collection centre.
7. Pay the application fee for PAN Card update or correction offline. After the payment completes, you will get an acknowledgement number to track your PAN Card status.

PAN Card Signature Change Online

The steps for changing your PAN Card signature is similar to that of changing your photo. However, there are some minor differences that you need to take note of.

Step 1: Visit the Protean eGov Technologies website (https://www.tin-nsdl.com/) and choose the ‘Changes of Correction in PAN Data’ option from the “Application Type” dropdown.

Step 2: Enter the details of your existing PAN card carefully and correctly.

Step 3: Make sure you fill all the fields with an asterisk (*) next to them. Otherwise, your application will not be submitted.

Step 4: Then tick the checkbox on the left side margin, right next to the “Signature Mismatch” section.

Step 5: Select ‘Yes’ if you agree to submit your application and documents online (digitally).

Step 6: You will then have to upload your documents and signature from your computer. Remember to submit your existing PAN card (the one that requires correction) and other essential documents.

Step 7: Make the payment to complete the application submission process. You can choose the payment mode that suits you best.

Step 8: Choosing net banking will require you to pay a ₹4 charge along with a service tax.

Step 9: As soon as your payment is confirmed, you will get the acknowledgement number in your email. You may use the acknowledgement number to track your application status.

PAN Card Signature Change Offline

Similar to the PAN card photo change process, there are two methods for changing the PAN card signature offline.

Offline Signature Change Method 1

1. Choose “No” under the ‘For Paperless Pan Application’ section.
2. Submit the form and make the payment after choosing your preferred mode of payment.
3. Print it when you get the acknowledgement form in your email.
4. Make sure your signature or thumbprint (left thumb) is within the provided space. It should not be across the box or on the photo you attach.
5. Verify everything and send the form along with all the essential document copies and PAN proof to the Income Tax PAN Services Unit’s official address.

Offline Signature Change Method 2

1. On the official NSDL website ( https://www.tin-nsdl.com/), click on Downloads from the menu.
2. Select PAN from the drop-down menu and wait for a new page to appear.
3. Scroll down to the third point and click on the link ‘Request for New PAN Card Or/and Changes or Correction in PAN Data Form’.
4. Once the application form opens, download it.
5. Fill out all the required information in the respective fields and attach necessary documents like address, identity and date of birth proof.
6. Verify the details and submit the form at a NSDL collection centre near you.
7. Pay the application charge for PAN Card update or correction offline. You’ll receive an acknowledgement number once the payment completes. Use that to track your PAN Card status.

NOTE: Remember that while changing your signature or photograph, you need to provide your existing PAN Card details correctly. And if you choose the offline method to change your PAN card details, be sure to post the form and necessary documents within 2 weeks of receiving the acknowledgement form.

Necessary Documents for PAN Card Photo and Signature Change

Here’s the list of documents required for changing photo or signature in PAN Card:

Identity Proof

• Voter ID Card
• Aadhaar Card
• Ration Card with the applicant’s photo
• Passport
• Driving License
• Photo identity card issued by the central government, state government, or another public sector undertaking.
• Central government health scheme card
• The bank certificate contains an attested photograph of the applicant and the bank account number.
• Pensioner card having a photograph of the applicant
• Certificate of identity in original signed by a Member of Parliament or Member of Legislative Assembly or Municipal Councillor.

Address Proof

• Voter ID card
• Aadhar card
• Latest Electricity bill
• Passport
• Driving licence
• Latest Landline telephone or broadband connection bill
• Post office passbook featuring address of the applicant
• Bank account statement
• Credit card statement
• Allotment letter
• Latest order for property tax assessment

DOB Proof 

• Birth certificate (issued by the Municipal Authority or an authorised Registrar)
• Pension payment order
• Marriage certificate
• Passport
• Driving licence

NOTE:

• You need to submit a copy of any of the above-mentioned documents as proof of age, identity and address. 
• Any of the above documents of either of the parents or the minor can be submitted for minors.

Other Essentials to Bear in Mind

Aside from following all the steps mentioned, you need to keep certain essentials in mind:

• Individuals are not supposed to use abbreviations in their first, middle and last names.
• Companies, Partnerships or Firms have to type their full name. For instance, if the company’s name is ‘ABCD Private Limited’, make sure you write this exact name in the last name/surname space on the application form.
• If there is no space in the first row, you may type the name of your company, firm or partnership in the second row.
• Do not use any kind of abbreviations or short forms in the company name.
• Submitting your current PAN Card along with other documents is mandatory when requesting a change or correction on your PAN Card.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)