Aadhaar and PAN Card Photo & Signature Guidelines

Uploading incorrect photos or signatures while applying for Aadhaar or PAN cards is one of the most common reasons for application rejections. Many applicants unknowingly submit documents that do not meet official standards, leading to delays and additional hassles. Here's what you need to know to ensure your documents are accepted on the first attempt.

Aadhaar Photo Guidelines:

When applying for or updating your Aadhaar card, the quality and formatting of your photo matter a lot. Here are the official guidelines:

• Background: Use a white or very light-colored background to ensure clear contrast with your face. Avoid patterned or dark backgrounds.
• Pose: You must be facing the camera directly with a neutral expression—no smiling or frowning. Both eyes should be open, and ears should be visible.
• Lighting: Ensure your face is well-lit with no shadows. Uneven lighting or reflections can cause rejection.
• Dress Code: Avoid wearing headgear unless it is for religious reasons. Make sure nothing obstructs your face.
• File Format: JPEG format is mandatory.
• File Size: The file size must be between 20 KB and 50 KB. Files that are too large or too small may be automatically rejected by the system.

Proper adherence to these guidelines ensures that your biometric information is correctly linked with your identity.

PAN Card Photo Guidelines:

The PAN card application has a different set of requirements. These must be followed strictly for both online and offline applications.

• Photo Size: The required photo size is 3.5 cm x 2.5 cm. It should not be larger or smaller than this standard.
• Format: JPEG is the only accepted format for both photo and signature uploads.
• File Size:
  • Photograph: Must be under 20 KB in size.
  • Signature: Must be under 10 KB.
• Signature Requirements:
  • Use a pen with blue or black ink.
  • Sign on plain white paper.
  • The signature must be scanned clearly and must match the one you use on official documents.
  • Blurry, smudged, or poorly scanned signatures are a common reason for application delays.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

❗Photos that are blurry, overexposed, underexposed, cropped too closely, or have shadows can get rejected. Also, avoid selfies or photos with filters.

❗Signatures that are unclear, pixelated, or captured in poor lighting often result in rejection as well. It’s crucial to sign with a steady hand and scan using a good-quality scanner or app.

✅ Tip for Applicants:

Use our dedicated Aadhaar/PAN photo and signature tool to automatically:

• Crop your photo and signature to the correct size in pixels and KB.
• Remove or adjust the background to match official guidelines.
• Check clarity and lighting before submission.

This tool can save you time and prevent unnecessary rejections, helping you complete your application successfully in one go.