United Kingdom Firearms / Shotgun License (35x45 mm) Photo Size Requirements and Online Tool
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| Passport picture size | Width: 35 mm, Height: 45 mm |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Background color | White |
| Printable photo | Yes |
| Digital photo for online submission | Yes |
| Digital photo size | Width: 826 pixels , Height: 1062 pixels |
| Photo Paper type | matte |
Do not worry about the photo size requirements. Our online tool makes correct photos, ensuring the photo size and head size are correct. Background will be enhanced as well.
Last Update: August 2, 2026
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:
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measure 35 × 45 mm
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be clear and in focus
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show a true likeness of you
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have a plain cream or grey background
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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:
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crop your image to the correct UK firearm/shotgun licence dimensions
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centre your face properly according to official requirements
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adjust the photo to a standard passport-style format
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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.
If you want to make passport/visa photos for other countries, click the button below.
Make Passport/Visa Photo for Other Countries
How to make United Kingdom Firearms / Shotgun License photo online
Step 1: Take a picture with a digital camera or a smartphone
Make sure someone takes your passport photo for you. Selfies are not accepted. Make use of your tripod if you have one. By using a tripod, you will be able to keep the camera level and steady. Ideally, the person should be around 1 meter away from the camera.
Step 2: Choose a venue with appropriate lighting
Face a bright window or the door when taking a photo. In this way, shadows can be avoided on the face and in the background. It is essential that the face is evenly lit. Ensure that the face is free of shadows and glares.
Note: You do not need to worry about the background, since our online passport photo generator will automatically do it for you.
Step 3: Dress appropriately for your passport photo
Uniforms should not be worn. Put on regular street clothes for your photo.
Eyeglasses should not be worn. You should remove any sunglasses, tinted glasses, or glasses that you wear if you are taking a passport photo.
Ensure that your face is fully visible. Make sure your hair doesn't cover your face or obscure your eyes. In the case of very long bangs covering your eyebrows, pin them back with bobby pins. Although it's better to show your ears as well, that won't stop your photo from being accepted.
Passport photos don't allow hats unless they're religious headgear such as a headscarf or yarmulke.
Step 4: Pose for a passport photo
Face the camera straight on and look straight at it. Avoid tilting or rotating the head.
It is important that the shoulders are visible, and there should be enough space around the head to crop the picture.
Make sure the camera is at the same level as the head.
Step 5: Maintain neutral facial expressions
The government prefers you to have a neutral facial expression.
Under the new international passport rules, it is usually not acceptable to smile or have your mouth open.
Good and bad examples of passport photos
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