UK Firearm and Shotgun Certificate Photo Requirements

If you’re applying for a firearm certificate or shotgun certificate in Great Britain, you’ll need to provide a suitable photograph as part of your application. In most cases, a standard passport-style photo measuring 45 mm high by 35 mm wide will meet the requirement.

Photo requirements at a glance

• Photo size: 35 mm wide × 45 mm high

• Online application: Submit a digital photograph

• Paper application: Include one printed photograph

• Background: Plain cream or grey

• Expression: Neutral, eyes open, mouth closed

• Position: Facing the camera directly, head straight

• Glasses: No sunglasses or tinted lenses

• Head coverings: Only for religious or medical reasons

• Printed photo paper: Gloss or matt photo paper

• Image quality: Clear, recent, and free from red-eye

Official photograph requirements

Your photo should clearly show your full face and be a true likeness of you. Face the camera directly with your head upright.

The background must be plain cream or grey, with no other people or objects visible. Avoid clutter, shadows, or anything that could distract from your face.

Keep your expression neutral. Your eyes should be open and visible, and your mouth closed. Sunglasses and tinted glasses are not allowed, and you should avoid glare or reflections on lenses.

Head coverings are only acceptable if worn for religious or medical reasons, and your face must still be fully visible.

Digital photos for online applications

When applying online, you’ll need to upload a digital photo. Make sure the image is clear and suitable for cropping to the standard 35 mm × 45 mm format.

A good digital photo should:

• Clearly show your face

• Be taken in natural, even lighting

• Use a plain cream or grey background

• Be sharp and high resolution

• Reflect your natural appearance

• Avoid filters or heavy editing

• Be free from red-eye, glare, or shadows

Printed photos for paper applications

If you’re applying using a paper form, you’ll need to include one printed photograph.

A standard passport-style photo (45 mm × 35 mm) is suitable. Print it on good-quality gloss or matt photo paper for best results.

Avoid using standard printer paper, low-resolution prints, or damaged photos, as these may be rejected.

How Our Passport Photo Tool Works

1. Select your country and photo type.

2. Upload your photo. Once your photo is uploaded, your face will be detected automatically, and you will see how the image will be cropped. You can adjust the crop frame if the automatic cropping is not perfect

3. Go to the Download page to download both the printable image and the digital image for online submission.

Common mistakes to avoid

Try to avoid the following issues:

• Smiling or opening your mouth

• Tilting or turning your head

• Wearing sunglasses or tinted glasses

• Glare covering your eyes

• Strong shadows on your face

• Red-eye

• Blurry or pixelated images

• Filters or heavy editing

• Printing on low-quality paper

Frequently asked questions

What size should a UK firearm or shotgun certificate photo be?

A passport-style photo measuring 45 mm high by 35 mm wide is generally accepted for applications in Great Britain.

How many photographs do I need?

For online applications, you’ll need a digital photo. For paper applications, include one printed photograph.

Can I smile in the photograph?

No. You should keep a neutral expression, with your eyes open and your mouth closed.

Can I wear glasses?

You can wear clear prescription glasses, but your eyes must be fully visible. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not allowed.

Can I wear a religious head covering?

Yes, if it’s worn for religious or medical reasons. Your face must still be clearly visible.

Official sources

• GOV.UK shotgun and firearm certificates
• GOV.UK firearms licensing guidance
• GOV.UK firearm certificate in Northern Ireland