New Zealand Firearms Licence Photo Guide
Get your New Zealand firearms licence photo right by following official sizing and digital file rules. Use the tool above to help prepare your picture.
Official Size and Application Methods
For a paper application, provide two identical, untrimmed 35 × 45 mm prints[1][2].
Online applications use a digital photo. Paper applications require two identical, untrimmed 35 × 45 mm prints[1][2].
The cited sources do not set a precise head-height measurement. For a digital application, check the file format, size, pixel dimensions and aspect ratio; for paper, use an untrimmed 35 × 45 mm print[1][2].
Background and Lighting Standards
Your photo must have a plain, light-coloured background[1][2].
Good lighting helps your face show clearly without heavy shadows under your nose or chin. Face a bright window or use soft indoor lighting to keep your skin tones natural.
Avoid busy patterns, textures, or dark objects behind you. A clean, brightly lit wall works best for both digital uploads and paper prints.
Facial Expression and Headwear Rules
The authority requires a neutral expression[1][2].
Head coverings are allowed for religious or medical reasons. Your facial features, from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead and across both sides of your face, must be clearly shown[1][2].
The cited sources do not specify rules about glasses[1][2], but taking them off can help prevent unwanted glare on the lenses.
Digital File Limits and Formats
If you apply online, your digital image must use a portrait 4:3 aspect ratio[1][2]. The file format must be JPG or JPEG[1][2].
Your file size must be between 25 KB and 10 MB[1][2]. Additionally, the image dimensions must measure between 900 and 4500 pixels wide, and between 1200 and 6000 pixels high[1][2].
Your photo must meet these limits for the authority to accept it[1][2].
Paper Prints and Infant Rules
If you submit a paper application, you must provide two identical high-quality prints that are untrimmed[1][2].
The cited sources do not give separate photo rules for infants[1][2].
Taking Your Photo at Home
You can take your photo at home by following a few simple steps. Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera surface to avoid distortion.
Ask a friend or family member to take the picture while keeping the camera lens at your eye level. Check that your head and shoulders are framed correctly within the 35×45 mm proportions.
You can use the tool above to crop your image to the correct size and prepare a 4x6 print sheet for a kiosk. The tool above also lets you check your framing before you print or upload.
Checking Your Photo
Before you send your application, look closely at your picture to check the lighting and background. Make sure there are no shadows behind your head and that the wall behind you is plain and light-coloured.
Check that your expression is neutral[1][2]. Your eyes must look directly at the camera lens with a natural gaze and your mouth should be closed.
Before You Apply
Read through the application details provided by the Firearms Safety Authority before you submit your paperwork or digital files[1][2].
Gather all required forms and check that your photo meets every listed rule for either digital or paper submission[1][2].