The paper PAN application (Form 49A) asks for two recent colour photographs of 3.5 × 2.5 cm, which is 25 mm wide and 35 mm high. That is smaller than an ordinary passport photo, and a photo cut to the wrong size is a common reason for a form to be sent back.
This page opens the photo maker at the PAN size with a white background, and prints as many copies as fit on one sheet. Everything runs in your browser; the photo is not uploaded.
How to make a PAN card photo
- Country and Document are already set to India and PAN card.
- Drop a recent colour photo of your face and shoulders.
- Drag and zoom so your face fills the frame and is centred, with a little space above the hair.
- Keep Background on "As required" for white, choose Print on, and select "Make photo".
- Print the sheet at "Actual size" and cut along the lines.
The rules in brief
- Size: 2.5 cm wide × 3.5 cm high (25 × 35 mm), in colour.
- Two recent photos for the paper Form 49A.
- Plain white background, face clearly visible.
- Don't staple or clip the photos to the form, and don't sign across them unless the form's box asks for it.
Applying online instead
Online PAN applications through Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL have their own upload rules for the photo and signature, set out on those portals. Make the photo here with Print on set to Single photo, then use Resize image to match the pixel size and KB limit the portal shows, and Signature for forms for the signature. The paper form's rules are in the official Form 49A.
Frequently asked questions
Is the PAN photo the same as a passport photo?
No. A PAN photo is 2.5 × 3.5 cm, while an Indian passport photo is 3.5 × 4.5 cm. Pick the size the form asks for.
How many photos fit on a 4 × 6 inch sheet?
With the default 2 mm gap, a 4 × 6 inch sheet holds 12 PAN-size photos, and an A4 sheet many more. The result notes tell you the exact number.
Do I need a white background?
A plain white background is the safe choice for PAN. If your wall isn't white, the tool replaces it on your device.