How it works

NYC Gun License Photo Size

The current New York City firearm application photo requirements are:

Our photo tool prepares a square 1000 × 1000-pixel image, which is within the accepted NYC size range.

Who Can Use This Photo Format?

This photo format is intended for New York City applications handled by the NYPD License Division, including:

• NYC handgun license applications
• NYC concealed carry license applications
• NYC premises handgun license applications
• NYC rifle and shotgun permit applications
• Other standard NYC firearm license applications requiring the same digital applicant photograph

The NYPD License Division processes handgun licenses and rifle/shotgun permits for New York City. Applications can be submitted through the NYPD licensing portal.

Important: Requirements Outside New York City May Differ

This page covers New York City firearm license and permit applications.

New York counties outside NYC may use different application procedures and photograph specifications. Some county licensing authorities may request printed passport-style photographs, different dimensions or additional copies.

Applicants outside New York City should check the current instructions provided by their county clerk, sheriff’s office or local licensing authority before creating their photograph.

How to Create Your Photo Online

Step 1: Take a Photo and then Upload the Image to our photo tool

Ask another person to take a clear photograph and upload it to our photo tool

Step 2: Crop and Position the Photo

Our photo tool will center your face, adjust the background and crop it so that your photo meet the requirements.

Step 3: Download the Finished Image

Download the prepared square photograph.

Common Photo Problems to Avoid

Your photograph may need to be replaced when:

• It is smaller than 600 × 600 pixels
• It is larger than 1200 × 1200 pixels
• It is rectangular instead of square
• It does not show you from the chest up
• Your face is covered or difficult to identify
• The image is blurry or pixelated
• The photograph is excessively dark
• A filter changes your appearance
• Your face has been digitally retouched
• The image is a screenshot containing borders or interface elements
• The wrong document-photo template was selected

Always review the latest application instructions before submission. The licensing authority makes the final decision on whether a photograph is acceptable.

NYC Handgun License Photo Requirements

For a standard NYC handgun license application, submit one color photograph taken within the past 30 days.

The photograph must:

• Be square
• Measure between 600 × 600 and 1200 × 1200 pixels
• Show you from the chest up
• Clearly display your face
• Contain no clothing or adornment that obscures identification

These specifications apply to standard NYC handgun license application categories.

NYC Rifle and Shotgun Permit Photo Requirements

The standard NYC rifle and shotgun permit application uses the same basic digital photograph specifications.

Submit one recent color photograph that:

• Was taken within the past 30 days
• Has a square aspect ratio
• Measures between 600 × 600 and 1200 × 1200 pixels
• Shows you from the chest up
• Clearly shows your identity

Frequently Asked Questions

What size should an NYC gun license photo be?

The photograph must be square and measure between 600 × 600 and 1200 × 1200 pixels.

How recent must the photograph be?

The photograph must have been taken within the past 30 days.

How many photographs do I need?

The standard NYC application requirement is one color photograph.

Check your individual application instructions in case the licensing authority requests additional supporting photographs for a special application category.

Can I take the photograph using my phone?

Yes. A modern phone camera can produce a suitable photograph.

Use good lighting, position the camera at eye level and avoid filters. Upload the original image so it can be cropped and resized without unnecessary loss of quality.

Can I wear glasses?

Avoid dark or tinted glasses that obscure your eyes or make identification difficult.

Ordinary clear glasses may still create reflections, so removing them can help produce a clearer photograph.

Can I smile in the photograph?

Use a natural expression and keep your full face visible. Avoid exaggerated expressions that significantly change your appearance.

Where do I submit my application?

Standard NYC handgun license and rifle/shotgun permit applications are handled through the NYPD License Division. The NYPD provides access to its online licensing portal from its Permits and Licenses webpage.

Source: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCrules/0-0-0-135179?utm_source=chatgpt.com