Your PAN card is essential for various financial transactions and tax-related activities. If there are discrepancies in your photograph or signature, it is crucial to correct them as soon as possible. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to change your photo or signature on your PAN card, both through online and offline methods.

Changing Your Photo on Your PAN Card Online

1. Visit the Official Website:

   • Go to the Protean e-Gov Technologies Limited website (formerly known as NSDL).

2. Application Type:

   • Select the option 'Request for New PAN Card Or/And Changes Or Correction in PAN Data.'

3. Choose Category:

   • Select 'Individual' as your category.

4. Enter Your Details:

   • Fill in your Surname, Mobile Number, PAN Number, Email Address, and Date of Birth as per the current PAN card details.

5. Captcha Code:

   • Enter the security captcha code provided and click 'Submit.'

6. Temporary Token:

   • You will receive a temporary token number via email, which will be used to track your application.

7. Document Submission:

   • Choose how you would like to submit your documents, either online or offline.

8. Photo Mismatch:

   • Under the section titled 'Photo Mismatch,' check the box on the left to indicate that you want to update your photograph.

9. Current PAN Details:

   • Provide the details of your current PAN card along with proof of your PAN (e.g., Aadhaar, passport, voter ID).

10. Document Upload:

    • Upload your new photograph (3.5 cm x 2.5 cm) and other required documents. You can either upload them from your device or use DigiLocker to fetch the documents.

11. Submit Application:

    • After filling in all the details, click 'Submit' to complete your application.

12. Make Payment:

    • Pay the processing fee of Rs. 101 online using net banking, credit card, debit card, or demand draft.

13. Confirmation:

    • After payment, your application will be processed. You’ll receive an acknowledgment number via email, which you can use to track your application.

Changing Your Signature on Your PAN Card Online

The process to change your signature is similar to updating your photograph. Follow these steps:

1. Form Submission:

   • Visit the Protean eGov Technologies Limited website and fill out the 'Request for New PAN Card Or/And Changes Or Correction in PAN Data' form.

2. PAN Details:

   • Enter your current PAN number and other necessary details in the form.

3. Signature Mismatch:

   • Tick the box labeled 'Signature Mismatch' to indicate that you want to update your signature.

4. Document Submission:

   • Submit the current PAN card with the incorrect signature as part of your application.

5. Digital or Physical Submission:

   • Choose 'Yes' for digital submission or 'No' if you prefer to submit the documents offline.

6. Upload Signature:

   • Upload your new signature using your computer or through DigiLocker.

7. Payment:

   • Complete the payment of Rs. 101 through any of the available online methods.

8. Acknowledgment:

   • After the payment is processed, you will receive an acknowledgment number via email to track the status of your application.

Changing Your Photo on Your PAN Card Offline

For those who prefer to change their photo offline, follow these steps:

1. Online Form:

   • Fill out the online application form on the official Protean e-Gov website.

2. Paper Submission:

   • Choose 'No' when asked if you want a paperless PAN application.

3. Payment:

   • Pay the fee of Rs. 107 through net banking, credit card, debit card, or demand draft.

4. Print Acknowledgment:

   • After the payment, print the acknowledgment form you received via email.

5. Attach Photos:

   • Attach two recent passport-sized photographs (3.5 cm x 2.5 cm) to the printed acknowledgment form.

6. Submission:

   • Send the acknowledgment form along with the necessary documents to the following address:

   Income Tax PAN Services Unit, Protean e-Gov Technologies Limited, 5th Floor, Mantri Sterling, Plot No. 341, Survey No. 997/8, Model Colony, Near Deep Bungalow Chowk, Pune 411016 

Key Points to Remember:

• Correct Details: Ensure that all the PAN details are accurate when submitting your form.
• Photo Size: The photo size must be 3.5 cm x 2.5 cm, or the application may be rejected.
• Digital Signatures: You can use an Aadhaar-based eSign service or a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) to sign your e-PAN card.
• Application Deadline: For offline changes, submit your documents within 15 days of receiving the acknowledgment.

FAQs on Changing Photo and Signature on PAN Card

1. What documents are needed to change the photo and signature on a PAN Card?

   • Documents such as Aadhaar, voter ID card, passport, ration card, or PIO/OCI card issued by the Government of India are required.

2. What happens if the photo size doesn’t match NSDL specifications?

   • If the photo size (3.5 cm x 2.5 cm) doesn’t match, your application could be rejected.

3. What is eSign mode?

   • eSign is an Aadhaar-based electronic signature service provided by UIDAI that allows you to sign documents digitally.

4. Is a signature mandatory on the PAN card?

   • Yes, a signature is mandatory for the PAN cardholder.

5. How do I sign my digital PAN card?

   • You can sign your digital PAN card using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) issued by a licensed Certifying Authority (CA).

By following these steps, you can easily update your photograph and signature on your PAN card to avoid any future issues with financial transactions and tax filings.