UK Firearms & Shotgun Licence Photo Requirements

If you're applying for a firearm or shotgun certificate in the UK, you'll need a suitable passport-style photograph.

For a paper application, the photo should measure 35 mm wide × 45 mm high. If you're applying online, you'll need to provide a digital photo instead.

Below are the main photo requirements to check before submitting your application.

UK Firearms / Shotgun Licence Photo Specifications

Photo size: 35 × 45 mm
Equivalent size: 3.5 × 4.5 cm
Background: Plain cream or grey
Expression: Neutral
Eyes: Open and clearly visible
Mouth: Closed
Position: Facing the camera directly
Head covering: Permitted for religious or medical reasons
Sunglasses / tinted glasses: Not permitted
Printed photo paper: Good-quality gloss or matt photographic paper
Paper application: One photograph
Online application: Digital photograph required

Photo Background

Take the photo against a plain cream or grey background. There should be no patterns, furniture, other people or distracting objects behind you.

Try to avoid strong shadows on the wall or around your head. Standing a little away from the background and using even lighting usually gives a cleaner result.

Face, Position and Expression

Face the camera directly with your head upright, eyes open and mouth closed. Keep a natural, neutral expression and make sure your full face is easy to see.

Avoid tilting your head or turning to one side. The photograph should be clear, recent and a good likeness of your current appearance.

Glasses

Sunglasses and tinted glasses should not be worn.

If you normally wear prescription glasses, check that your eyes can be seen clearly and that the lenses do not create glare or reflections. If they do, it is better to remove the glasses for the photo.

Head Coverings

Head coverings are generally not worn in the photograph unless they are required for religious or medical reasons.

Your face should still remain clearly visible.

Printed Photo Requirements

If you're submitting a paper application, you will normally need one printed photograph.

The photo should:

• measure 35 × 45 mm

• be clear and in focus

• show a true likeness of you

• have a plain cream or grey background

• be printed on good-quality gloss or matt photographic paper

Before sending your application, check that the photo has not been cropped too tightly around your head or face.

Digital Photo Requirements

Online applications require a digital photograph.

Use a clear, well-lit image with your face centred and looking straight at the camera. Avoid filters, beauty effects or heavy editing that changes your appearance.

How 123PassportPhoto.com Helps You Create a UK Firearm Licence Photo

Our online photo maker 123PassportPhoto.com makes it easy to prepare a compliant UK firearm or shotgun certificate photo without needing a professional studio.

Simply upload a photo taken with your smartphone or digital camera, and the tool will automatically adjust it to the correct 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) size.

The system helps you:

• crop your image to the correct UK firearm/shotgun licence dimensions

• centre your face properly according to official requirements

• adjust the photo to a standard passport-style format

• ensure the final result is ready for printing or digital submission

This saves time and reduces the risk of your application being rejected due to incorrect photo size or positioning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a UK firearms licence photo?

A UK firearm certificate photo should be 35 mm wide × 45 mm high.

What size is a UK shotgun licence photo?

The standard size is 35 × 45 mm, the same overall dimensions as a UK passport-style photograph.

How many photos do I need?

For a paper application, one photograph is normally required.

Do I need a digital photo for an online application?

Yes. If you apply online, you will need to upload a digital photograph.

Can I smile in the photo?

A neutral expression with your mouth closed is the safest choice.

Can I wear glasses?

Do not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses. Normal prescription glasses may be suitable as long as your eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare across the lenses.

Can I wear a head covering?

A head covering may be worn when required for religious or medical reasons, provided your face remains clearly visible.

Can I take the photo with my phone?

Yes. A smartphone photo can be suitable if it is clear, properly lit and taken from directly in front.

Is a firearms licence photo the same size as a UK passport photo?

Yes. The required passport-style photo size is 35 × 45 mm.