India PAN Card Photo — Updated Size 4.5cm × 3.5cm (Forms 95/96)
PAN Card photo requirements changed when the Indian Income Tax Department replaced old forms 49A/49AA with new Forms 93–96. The new photo size is 4.5cm × 3.5cm (45×35mm). We provide correctly-sized PAN Card photos in the USA with same-day pickup at Walgreens or CVS.
PAN (Permanent Account Number) is issued by the Indian Income Tax Department for tax purposes. Applications are processed through Protean (formerly NSDL) or the Income Tax India portal.
Old vs New PAN Card Photo Size — At a Glance
This is the most important thing to check before you order anywhere. Most US-based photo labs and many websites are still using the old, discontinued specifications.
| Specification | Old Forms 49A/49AA — Discontinued | New Forms 95/96 — Current |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size | 25×35mm (3.5cm × 2.5cm) | 45×35mm (4.5cm × 3.5cm) |
| Form numbers | 49A, 49AA | 93, 94, 95, 96 |
| Status | Discontinued | Current — use these |
| Available at Walgreens/CVS? | No | No — order from us |
Which PAN Form Do I Need?
The correct form depends on your residency and entity type. NRIs and foreign nationals must submit physical documents — online application is not available for Forms 95/96.
| Form No. | Who Should Use It | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 93 | Individual — Indian citizen | Rule 158, Sec. 262 |
| 94 | Non-individual Indian entities | Rule 158, Sec. 262 |
| 95 | Individual — foreign national / NRI | Rule 158, Sec. 262 |
| 96 | Non-individual foreign entities | Rule 158, Sec. 262 |
Full details in this official document or on the Income Tax India portal.
Where to Apply for PAN
Printed PAN Card Photo Requirements (Forms 95/96)
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | 45×35mm (4.5cm × 3.5cm) |
| Quantity | 2 photos to be affixed on the form |
| Background | Plain white (light blue acceptable for NSDL scanning) |
| Color | Full color |
| Head coverage | 50–60% of the frame, showing up to shoulders |
| Expression | Neutral, eyes open, full face front view |
| Attachment | Affixed — do not staple or clip photos to the form |
Digital Image Requirements (Online Application — Forms 93/94 Only)
| Parameter | Photograph | Signature |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 200 DPI | 200 DPI |
| Color mode | Color | Color |
| File format | JPEG | JPEG |
| Max file size | 20 KB | 10 KB |
NSDL Scanning Note — Background Color
The official spec requires a white background, but NSDL's scanning process sometimes produces better results with a very light blue background. Based on feedback from thousands of customers, we may use a very light blue background if your photo lacks sufficient contrast against white. You can specify your preference when ordering — we will follow your instructions.
Pricing
How to Order — 3 Simple Steps
Take a photo at home
Plain background, good natural light, camera at eye level, shoulders visible. No glasses recommended.
Upload your photo
Upload here or email it to us for free pre-approval before paying.
Receive your photos
Same-day pickup at Walgreens, CVS, or Walmart — or digital delivery by email.
