PAN card (Protean / NSDL online) requirements
| Item | Size | File size | Other rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photo | 3.5 × 2.5 cm (197 × 276 px) | up to 20 KB | White background, 200 DPI · 200 DPI |
| Signature | 354 × 157 px | up to 10 KB | 2 × 4.5 cm at 200 DPI |
Source: Protean, PAN documents scanning and uploading, checked October 2026. Rules change between notices: if yours gives different numbers, type them into the boxes above.
Why the files are kept so small
Protean asks for the photo at 3.5 × 2.5 cm and the signature at 2 × 4.5 cm, both as 200 DPI JPGs. Its pages give two different file limits: newer articles say up to 50 KB, an older instruction page says 20 KB for the photo and 10 KB for the signature. The tool keeps to the smaller numbers, so the files pass either way.
At 200 DPI the photo is 197 × 276 pixels and the signature 354 × 157 pixels, and the tool writes 200 DPI into the files, which is what the form reads. This page is for the Protean (NSDL) portal; the UTIITSL portal uses different sizes.
How to use it
- Choose your form; its sizes appear and can be changed.
- Add a clear phone photo of your face and drag it into the oval.
- Optionally make the background white, or add your name and date.
- Press Make photo, check the ticks and download. Do the same for the signature.
Frequently asked questions
What is the PAN card photo size?
3.5 × 2.5 cm at 200 DPI, which is 197 × 276 pixels, as a JPG.
What is the PAN card signature size?
2 × 4.5 cm at 200 DPI, which is 354 × 157 pixels, as a JPG.
How many KB should the files be?
Under 20 KB for the photo and under 10 KB for the signature satisfies every limit Protean has published.
Is my photo uploaded to Toololo?
No. It is processed in your browser.