New York City Handgun License Photo Requirements

This guide explains the official photo requirements for the New York City Handgun License, a 1200x1200 px photo used for United States (USA) handgun license applications. Meeting every specification below — correct dimensions, head height, background and expression — is essential to avoid rejection and get your application processed the first time.

Key Features:

• Country: United States (USA)
• Jurisdiction: New York
• Document Type: Handgun License
• Issued by: NYPD License Division
• Primary Specifications: Digital upload. Square, 600x600 to 1200x1200 px, color, chest up. Taken within 30 days.

Photo Checking Standards for New York City Handgun License

When you choose the New York City Handgun License, the following are checked automatically:

1. Dimensions: Square digital image, 600x600 to 1200x1200 pixels.
2. Head Size and Position: Chest up, face clearly visible.
3. Background: Plain white or off-white, no shadows or patterns.
4. Lighting and Contrast: The face is evenly lit, without harsh shadows or glare.
5. Facial Expression: A neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open.

6. Obstructions: Nothing that hides your identity.

7. Background: The background must conform to the specified color (usually white or light gray) and be free of shadows.

8. Lighting and Contrast: The face must be evenly lit without harsh shadows or glare.
9. Facial Expression: A neutral expression with closed mouth is required.
10. Obstructions: Glasses (if allowed) must not have glare; no red-eye, and no hair covering the eyes.

Common Rejection Reasons

Photos for the New York City Handgun License are often rejected for:

• Wrong size or head size: the photo is not Square digital image, 600x600 to 1200x1200 pixels, or the head is too large or too small.
• Too old: it was not taken within the last 30 days.
• Wrong background: it is not plain white or off-white, no shadows or patterns, or it has shadows.
• Glasses, hats or glare: nothing that hides your identity.
• Poor lighting: shadows across the face or background.

• Expression: smiling with teeth showing, or eyes not fully open.

• Poor Lighting: Harsh shadows on the face or background.

• Incorrect Background: The background color is not correct or has patterns/shadows.
• Improper Expression: Smiling, frowning, or having teeth visible.
• Glasses Glare: Reflections on eyeglass lenses.
• Head Size: The head is either too large or too small within the frame.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size photo does the New York City Handgun License need? A: Square digital image, 600x600 to 1200x1200 pixels. Chest up, face clearly visible.

Q: How recent must the photo be? A: Taken within the last 30 days.

Q: What do I submit? A: Digital upload with the online application.

Q: Can I wear glasses or a hat? A: Nothing that hides your identity.

Q: What background is needed? A: Plain white or off-white, no shadows or patterns.

Q: How can I create this photo? A: Choose the New York City Handgun License on our main page and upload a photo; it is sized, framed and checked against these rules automatically.

Q: Can I smile in this photo? A: No, a neutral expression with a closed mouth is required for almost all official ID photos.

Q: How can I create this photo? A: You can easily generate a compliant photo by selecting this standard on our main page.

Official Specs & References

For the most up-to-date and legally binding guidelines, refer to the issuing authority: NYPD License Division.

Official Reference: New York City Handgun License – Official Photo Requirements

What the authority asks for (our summary):

• Size: Square digital image, 600x600 to 1200x1200 pixels.
• Head: Chest up, face clearly visible.
• Background: Plain white or off-white, no shadows or patterns.
• Glasses and headwear: Nothing that hides your identity.
• How recent: Taken within the last 30 days.
• What to submit: Digital upload with the online application.
• Color.