Make United Kingdom Firearms / Shotgun License Photo Online

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United Kingdom Firearms / Shotgun License Photo Requirements

Sample Photo
Photo Print Size:
35×45 mm
Head size:
Head must occupy 70 to 80% of the photograph measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
Background color:
White
Resolution:
≥300 dpi
Paper type:
Matte
Digital Photo Size:
826×1062 pixels

Don't worry about the size requirements. Our tool will automatically create correct United Kingdom Firearms / Shotgun License photos for you.

Paper Firearm or Shotgun Certificate Photo

When submitting Form 201 on paper, include one printed photograph.

Official guidance identifies the following format as suitable:

  • Size: 45 mm high × 35 mm wide
  • Style: Ordinary passport-style photo
  • Background: Plain cream or grey
  • Paper: Good-quality gloss or matt
  • View: Full face, directly facing the camera
  • Expression: Neutral, with eyes open and mouth closed

Digital Photo for an Online Application

A digital photograph must be used when applying online.

Many police application portals request:

  • JPG or JPEG format
  • A file size no larger than 1 MB
  • A passport-style composition
  • A plain cream or grey background

Is 826 × 1062 Pixels Required?

No universal national rule requires a digital firearm-certificate photo to measure exactly 826 × 1062 pixels.

That resolution corresponds approximately to a 35 × 45 mm image prepared at 600 pixels per inch. It can be offered as the output of the photo tool, but it should not be described as a statutory or nationwide upload requirement.

How to Take the Photo at Home

Stand or sit in front of a plain cream or grey wall. Make sure there are no pictures, furniture, people or other objects behind you.

Position the camera at eye level and look directly into the lens. Use soft, even lighting so that your face is clear and accurately represented. Avoid strong light from one side, shadows across the face and red-eye caused by direct flash.

Keep your head upright and use a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Remove sunglasses and tinted glasses. Leave enough space around your head and shoulders for the photograph to be cropped to a passport-style format.

The image must remain a true likeness. Do not use beauty filters, AI-generated facial alterations or editing that changes your identifying features.

Common Photo Mistakes

A photograph may need to be replaced when:

  • The background is patterned or cluttered instead of cream or grey
  • Another person or object appears in the image
  • The face is turned, tilted or partly hidden
  • The applicant is smiling or has their mouth open
  • The eyes are closed or obscured
  • Sunglasses or tinted lenses are worn
  • Red-eye is visible
  • The image is blurry, dark or heavily compressed
  • Filters or retouching alter the applicant’s appearance
  • A digital file exceeds the police portal’s limit
  • A printed image is on poor-quality paper
  • The photograph is no longer a true likeness

FAQ 

What size is a UK firearm certificate photo?

For a paper Form 201 application in Great Britain, an ordinary passport-style photograph measuring 45 × 35 mm is suitable.

How many photographs do I need?

The current Form 201 instructions require one photograph for a paper grant or renewal application. A digital photograph is used for an online application.

Is a firearm certificate photo the same as a passport photo?

An ordinary passport-style photograph is suitable, but the required background for Form 201 is specifically described as plain cream or grey. Follow the firearms-application requirements rather than assuming every passport-photo rule applies.

Can I take the photo with my phone?

A phone can be used to create the source image for an online application, provided the finished photograph is clear, passport-style, a true likeness and meets the file requirements of the relevant police portal.

Does the background have to be white?

No. The current Form 201 instructions specify a plain cream or grey background.

Can I wear glasses?

Ordinary clear glasses are not expressly prohibited, but sunglasses and tinted glasses are not allowed. The eyes and facial features should remain clearly visible.

Does a referee need to sign the photograph?

The current Form 201 photograph section does not instruct applicants to have the photograph signed or endorsed. Follow any additional instructions issued by your local police force.

Do I need another photo when renewing?

Yes. Official guidance requires a photograph for both the grant and renewal of a firearm or shotgun certificate.

Does the same requirement apply in Northern Ireland?

No. Northern Ireland uses a separate PSNI firearms application process. Applicants should use the current instructions supplied by the PSNI.