How to Change Photo and Signature on PAN card?

Introduction

A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a unique alphanumeric identifier that not only tracks your financial history but also serves as a critical identification document. Given its importance, your PAN card must contain accurate information, including your photo and signature. These details are crucial when applying for loans, credit cards, investments, or other financial services. To avoid potential issues, it’s essential to change photo and signature as needed.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of change photo and signature on your PAN card, both online and offline. We’ll also provide insights on the required documents and key considerations before making these changes.

PAN Card Photo Change: Online Process

Updating the photo on your PAN card online is straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the NSDL Website: Go to the official NSDL portal and select ‘Request for New PAN Card Or/And Changes Or Corrections in PAN Data’ as the application type.
2. Select Category: Choose ‘Individual’ as the category.
3. Enter Personal Details: Fill in your surname, mobile number, PAN number, email address, and date of birth.
4. Captcha and Submission: Enter the Captcha code provided and click ‘Submit.’
5. Receive Temporary Token: A temporary token number will be assigned to your application.
6. Document Submission Method: Choose how you wish to submit your documents—digitally or by post.
7. Photo Mismatch Section: Select the checkbox under the ‘Photo Mismatch’ section to update your photo.
8. Upload Required Documents: Provide details from your existing PAN card along with proof of PAN allocation and upload a recent photograph.
9. Make Payment: Pay a fee of Rs. 101 via net banking, credit card, debit card, or demand draft. Note that a payment gateway surcharge of Rs. 4 + service tax applies if using net banking.
10. Receive Acknowledgment: After payment, your application will be forwarded for approval, and you will receive an acknowledgment number via email.

You may also want to know PAN Card Acknowledgement Number

PAN Card Signature Change: Online Process

Changing your signature on your PAN card online follows a similar process to changing the photo:

1. Fill Out the Form: Use the form under ‘Request for New PAN Card Or/And Changes Or Corrections in PAN Data’ available on the NSDL website.
2. Enter PAN and Personal Details: Mention your current PAN number and fill in the required fields.
3. Signature Mismatch Section: Check the box next to ‘Signature Mismatch’ on the left-hand side of the form.
4. Upload Documents: Upload your current PAN card (bearing the incorrect signature) along with your new signature either from your computer or via DigiLocker.
5. Submit and Pay: Submit the application and make the required payment. An additional fee of Rs. 4 + service tax will apply if you pay via net banking.
6. Receive Acknowledgment: After payment verification, you will receive an acknowledgment number via email, which can be used to track the status of your PAN application.

How to Change Photo in PAN Card Offline?

To change the photo on your PAN card via the offline method, follow these steps:

1. Obtain Form 49A (for Indian Citizens) or Form 49AA (for Foreign Citizens)

Visit the nearest TIN-Facilitation Center (TIN-FC) or PAN Service Center to collect a copy of the form.

Alternatively, download the application form for changes or corrections in the PAN card from the official NSDL or UTIITSL websites.

(Form 49A is the standard form used for changes in PAN details for Indian citizens.)

2. Fill in the Required Details

Complete the form with accurate details, such as your current PAN number, name, date of birth, and other relevant information.

Tick the box next to ‘Photograph’ to indicate that you want to update the photo on your PAN card.

3. Attach the Updated Photograph

Affix two recent passport-sized photographs (preferably 3.5 cm x 2.5 cm) in the space provided on the form.

Ensure that the photo is clear and follows the required specifications (color, front-facing, with a white background).

Sign across the photograph in such a way that your signature extends beyond the photo without obscuring your face.

4. Self-Attest KYC Documents

Attach a self-attested copy of your identity proof (such as Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, etc.) and address proof (such as a utility bill, bank statement, etc.).

If your date of birth needs to be verified, attach a self-attested date of birth proof (such as a birth certificate or 10th-grade mark sheet).

5. Pay the Required Fees

A fee of ₹110 (for addresses in India) or ₹1,020 (for addresses outside India) is applicable for changes in the PAN card.

The fee can be paid either via a demand draft (DD), credit/debit card, or net banking.

6. Submit the Form and Documents

Submit the duly filled form along with the supporting documents and fee receipt to the nearest PAN service center or TIN-FC.

You will receive an acknowledgment slip after submission, which includes a 15-digit acknowledgment number for tracking your application.

7. Verification and Processing

After you submit the application, the authorities process it and update your photograph in the PAN card records once verification is complete.

They will send the new PAN card with the updated photo to your registered address within 15-20 business days.

You may also want to know Employer Certificate For PAN Card Application

How to Change Signature in PAN Card Offline?

To change photo and signature on PAN card through the offline process, follow these steps:

1. Obtain Form 49A (for Indian Citizens) or Form 49AA (for Foreign Citizens)

• Visit the nearest TIN-Facilitation Center (TIN-FC) or PAN Service Center to collect the form.
• Alternatively, download the form for changes in PAN details from the official NSDL or UTIITSL websites.

2. Fill in the Form

• Enter your existing PAN card details, such as your PAN number, name, and date of birth.
• Tick the box that says ‘Signature’ to indicate that you want to change your signature on the PAN card.

3. Provide the New Signature

• Sign in the space provided on the form where you are required to place your updated signature.
• Ensure that the new signature is consistent and matches any signature provided in your KYC documents.

You may be asked to sign on additional places on the form.

4. Attach KYC Documents

• Attach a self-attested copy of a valid identity proof (like Aadhaar Card, Passport, Driving License, etc.).
• Ensure that the signature in the identity proof matches the updated signature.

5. Pay the Fees

• Similar to the photo update, a fee of ₹110 (for addresses within India) or ₹1,020 (for addresses outside India) is required.
• The payment can be made via a demand draft, net banking, or credit/debit card.

6. Submit the Application

• Submit the completed form along with the updated signature, KYC documents, and the fee payment receipt to the nearest PAN service center or TIN-FC.
• You will receive an acknowledgment slip with a 15-digit acknowledgment number, which you can use to track your application status.

7. Verification and Issuance of PAN Card

The application for signature change will be verified by the authorities. After processing, they will send your new PAN card with the updated signature to your registered address within 15-20 business days.

Important Notes:

• Ensure that your change photo and signature is clear and adheres to the guidelines provided by the PAN authorities.
• Track your application using the acknowledgment number, which is available through the NSDL or UTIITSL portals.
• The same PAN number will remain on your new PAN card, but it will reflect the updated photo or signature.

Both processes are relatively straightforward but require proper documentation and adherence to procedural guidelines to avoid delays or rejections.

Documents Required

To update your photo and signature on your PAN card, the following documents are required:

• ID Proof: A valid identification document.
• Proof of Birthdate: A document verifying your birth date.
• Address Proof: A valid address proof.
• Aadhaar Proof: A copy of your Aadhaar card, if mentioned.
• PAN Verification: A copy of your PAN card or the allocation letter.
• Photo Proof: A recent photograph in the specified dimensions (3.5 cm x 2.5 cm).

Things to Remember Before Change Photo and Signature

• Name Usage: Avoid using abbreviations in your first, middle, or last names.
• Company Names: For companies, partnerships, and firms, ensure the full legal name is used without abbreviations.
• Document Submission: Always submit your existing PAN card along with other necessary documents when requesting changes or updates.

Conclusion

Updating your PAN card’s photo and signature is a critical step to ensure that your identification document remains accurate and up-to-date. Whether you make these changes online or offline, the process remains simple and accessible. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can efficiently update your PAN card and avoid potential issues in the future.

Updating your PAN identity like Photo and Signature in PAN is important for smooth progress of your financial activities like investing in the stock market, mutual funds, ETFs, IPOs, etc.