A PAN (Permanent Account Number) card is a must-have identifying document for Indian taxpayers. The PAN card includes the person's photograph, signature, and other personal information. To ensure accuracy in tax-related operations and financial transactions, keep your PAN card up to date, including the current photograph. If the photo on your PAN card is unclear, or incorrect, you will have to update it with a recent photograph. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to update the photo on your PAN card.
Steps to update the photo on your PAN card online
Update your PAN card easily online. In case you have the necessary online credentials (digital signature certificate or Aadhaar eKYC), you may complete your process entirely online. You can take the paperless route to complete the online process. If not, then you can submit the form online and send the supporting documents with the acknowledgement slip to the nearest document collection centre.
Following are the steps for the paperless process to update your picture on your PAN card easily:
- Visit the protean (www.protean-tinpan.com) web portal.
- Under the ‘Services’ tab, select ‘PAN’. Locate the ‘Change/ Correction in PAN Data’ section and click ‘Apply’ to open the online PAN application.
- Choose ‘Request for New PAN Card or/ and Changes or Correction in PAN Data’ as the Application Type. Select the relevant category. Fill out the requested information, validate the captcha code, and tick the checkbox to accept the terms. Click ‘Submit’.
- On the next page, you will be asked to provide additional details like contact information and documents required for the process. Upload a recent passport-size photograph, which must meet the given specifications. Once all the details have been filled, click on ‘Submit’.
- You will then be directed to the payment portal. Pay the required fee. After the payment is confirmed, you will receive a 15-digit acknowledgement number. Save it for further tracking.
Steps to update the photo on your PAN card offline
Here are the steps to request changes to your PAN card at the nearest PAN center:
Visit the PAN center
Download or collect the 'Request for New PAN Card Or/And Changes or Corrections in PAN Data' form
Fill all necessary details on the form
Attach supporting documents like proof of address, identification, and passport-sized photos
Submit the completed form at the PAN center
Pay the applicable fees for PAN card updates in person
Upon successful payment, receive a 15-digit acknowledgement number for tracking your PAN card application status
Charges to get your new PAN card may vary depending on whether you request for a physical PAN card or e-PAN. Once the application is reviewed and approved, you will receive the updated PAN card at your registered address within 15-20 days. The charges vary for delivery of the physical PAN card in India and for delivery at a foreign address. If you requested for an e-PAN card, you would receive it in the PDF format. It will be sent to the email address mentioned on your application form.
Documents required to change photo in PAN card
- Proof of identity, address, and date of birth
- If Aadhaar is specified, provide a copy of your Aadhaar card
- Proof of PAN - Copy of PAN card/ allotment letter
- Proof of change requested - Photo of the applicant
- Proof of PAN surrendered, if any
Specifications of photo for PAN card application
The photo you provide with the PAN card application form should be 3.5 cm by 2.5 cm (132.28 pixels × 94.49 pixels). For the online application, make sure that the photo has 200 DPI resolution and a maximum file size of 20 KB. The photograph should be in JPEG format.
For offline submission of documents, you have to submit two photographs. When filing an application for a change in photo on the PAN card, persons, including minors, must attach a recent colour photograph to the acknowledgement receipt provided. The photo must clearly show the applicant's face and should not be attached or clipped to the acknowledgement receipt. However, the minor's photo will not be printed on the PAN card.
To conclude, a PAN card is an important document for Indian taxpayers, and it can be used for a variety of financial and tax purposes. Keeping your PAN card information, especially the photograph, up to date is critical. It helps you to avoid problems while submitting tax returns, opening bank accounts, and doing other financial transactions.