How to change a photo on a PAN card

Your PAN (Permanent Account Number) card is an important ID document in India, primarily to facilitate tax-related and financial transactions. Your PAN card is your identification card, including your photograph. If your photograph is outdated or inaccurate, it is advisable to change the image on PAN Card for authorisation across multiple platforms.

But do you wonder - "How can I change the photo on my PAN card?"Let's understand the process.

Why is updating the photo on a PAN card necessary?

Changing your photograph may seem like an administrative task, but it plays an essential role in identity confirmation. The PAN card is used as an ID for everything - from opening a bank account to KYC compliance, loan applications, and even filing your income tax return. If your current photograph does not resemble your current state or appearance because of age, medical reasons, etc., or it’s hard to see you in the photograph issued to you, it’s time to change it. Likewise, if your original PAN card was issued with a low-level resolution and/or incorrect photo identification, you must change it to ensure accurate identification.

In an era where digital verification is pervasive, having a clear and recent image on your PAN card can help avoid unnecessary complications. So, knowing how to change the photo on a PAN card is as important as having a valid government identity.

Eligibility for PAN card photo change

Anyone can change their photo and update their PAN card, as long as they meet some requirements that will ensure completion of requests:

• The applicant must still be an Indian citizen.
• The PAN number must still be valid and active.
• There should be a valid reason to warrant the update, such as a photo that does not match the applicant, a lack of clarity, or a drastic change in appearance.
• A request should be made with proof.
• The applicant should not have more than one PAN card (it is illegal under Indian law).

Note:Regardless of whether your PAN card was issued 5 years ago or 5 months ago, you can still make a request for a photo update.

If you are wondering how you can change your PAN card photo, the answer relative to eligibility is straightforward: Visit a legitimate PAN card issuer and show the corresponding documents. Even if the individual is a minor or senior citizen and the photo was taken a long time ago and does not reflect their current life situation or appearance, they are eligible to update the photograph. NRIs (non-resident Indians) may also request an update and utilise the same procedure through the appropriate portals.

Methods to change the photo on the PAN card

If you're still wondering, "How can I change my photo on my PAN card?", here's what you should know. There are primarily two ways to update a PAN card photo:

• Online
• Offline

Let's examine both to understand.

Online

The online procedure is the easiest and quickest way to modify a photo in a PAN Card, as the process is facilitated via NSDL (Protean) or UTIITSL, which are authorised PAN service providers.

Here’s how you can change the PAN card photo online:

• To request a change to your NSDL PAN Card photo, visit the official NSDL portal at. You can also choose the UTIITSL portal for updating your PAN card photo.
• Select "Changes or Correction in existing PAN Data."
• Fill out the application form (Form 49A) with the correct PAN number.
• Upload a recent passport-size photo in the dimensions specified.
• Upload scans of identity proof and address proof.
• Sign digitally or upload a scanned signature.
• Pay the processing fee.
• Submit the PAN Card correction form and download the acknowledgement slip.
• Send the physical documents along with the slip to the NSDL/UTIITSL office. Your PAN Card would be reissued for photo change.

Offline

If you wish to visit a centre or do not have consistent internet access, you can use the offline method as the preferred PAN card updating process.

Here’s how you can change a photo in a PAN card offline:

• Get a Form 49A from a PAN service centre.
• Fill in the form and enter your current PAN number.
• Attach 2 photos that are passport-size in the spaces provided
• Sign the spaces over the two photos for validation.
• Attach copies of your identity proof, address proof, and a copy of your self-attested PAN card.
• Submit the documents to your nearest PAN service centre.
• Pay the fee and receive a receipt to confirm submission.

This method would be suitable for people who are unsure of how to change their photo in their PAN card online. This may be slower than described above, but it is equally as effective.

Required documents for PAN card photo update

If you want to update your photo successfully, you have to provide proof of documents for verification. The required documents include the following:

1.Proof of identity (one of the below):

• Aadhaar card
• Voter ID
• Driving licence
• Passport

2.Proof of address (if changed) (one of the following):

• Utility bills (electricity, telephone, gas)
• Bank statement
• Rent agreement

3. Proof of PAN - A copy of your existing PAN card.

4. Photographs—Two recent, coloured passport-size photos with a white background. No side photos; the photo has to be front-facing, and the specified size is 3.5 x 2.5 cm.

5. Acknowledgement receipt (for online submissions)—a printed and signed copy of the acknowledgement receipt received after you create the submission online.

These documents are required whether you are submitting them online or offline. If you correctly complete and submit these documents, your application will be processed more quickly. So, the next time someone asks, "How can I change my PAN card photo online?", tell them getting the documents is the crucial first step.

Tracking the status of the PAN card update

Once you have applied for a photo update, it is easy to track the status:

• Go to the NSDL or UTIITSL tracking portal.
• Log in with the acknowledgement number received at the time of submission.
• Click on "Track status" to check the status of your application.

The progress will be updated on the system and will show the different statuses, such as:

• Application received
• Under process
• Dispatched
• Delivered

Normally, the entire update process should be completed in 15–20 working days.Knowing how to change the photo on a PAN card includes checking its progress. If the application progress/status takes more than 25 days to complete, then you can contact the helpline number (020-27218080) or raise a grievance on the portal.

Things to remember before the photo update

While you may be ready to begin the update process, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Ensure the photo is clear, recent, and in the required format.
• If submitting offline, always sign across the photo.
• Always use the same name and PAN number as your current card, or it may be rejected.
• Your PAN number will not change as a result of the photo update.
• Incorrect documents or mismatched documents may lead to your application being rejected
• Make sure to keep the acknowledgement number so you can easily track the status later.
• Updates to PAN cards take time; plan if you need to use your PAN card for a trip, loan, or exam.

Conclusion

Still wondering, "How can I change my PAN card photo?"Changing and updating photos on PAN cards is easier now with the availability of digital services. You can learn how to change photos on PAN cards, both online and offline. As long as you keep the correct identity on your PAN card, you will experience no difficulty in undertaking a whole range of financial and government actions. Stay updated and keep your details verified!

Also read: Link your PAN with Aadhaar before 30 June

Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for informational purposes. The views expressed in this article are personal. Axis Bank and/or the author shall not be liable for any direct or indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader arising from reliance on the content herein. Readers are advised to consult a qualified financial advisor before making any financial decisions. Axis Bank does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of any third-party content or links included in this article.