New York Pistol License (County) Photo Requirements

This guide explains the official photo requirements for the New York Pistol License (County), a 51x51mm (2x2in) photo used for United States (USA) pistol 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: Pistol License
• Issued by: County pistol licensing officer
• Primary Specifications: 51x51mm (2x2in), color. 1 or 2 identical prints depending on the county; some counties want your name on the back.

Photo Checking Standards for New York Pistol License (County)

When you choose the New York Pistol License (County), the following are checked automatically:

1. Dimensions: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), square.
2. Head Size and Position: 1 to 1-3/8 inches (25-35mm) from chin to top of head, centred.
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: Not stated in the agency's instructions; we recommend no glasses, hats or sunglasses, as for a passport photo.

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 Pistol License (County) are often rejected for:

• Wrong size or head size: the photo is not 2x2 inches (51x51mm), square, or the head is too large or too small.
• Too old: it was not recent (Nassau County: within 30 days).
• Wrong background: it is not plain white or off-white, no shadows or patterns, or it has shadows.
• Glasses, hats or glare: not stated in the agency's instructions; we recommend no glasses, hats or sunglasses, as for a passport photo.
• 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 Pistol License (County) need? A: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), square. 1 to 1-3/8 inches (25-35mm) from chin to top of head, centred.

Q: How recent must the photo be? A: Recent (Nassau County: within 30 days).

Q: What do I submit? A: 1 or 2 identical prints, depending on the county.

Q: Can I wear glasses or a hat? A: Not stated in the agency's instructions; we recommend no glasses, hats or sunglasses, as for a passport photo.

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 Pistol License (County) 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: County pistol licensing officer.

Official Reference: New York Pistol License (County) – Official Photo Requirements

What the authority asks for (our summary):

• Size: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), square.
• Head: 1 to 1-3/8 inches (25-35mm) from chin to top of head, centred.
• Background: Plain white or off-white, no shadows or patterns.
• Glasses and headwear: Not stated in the agency's instructions; we recommend no glasses, hats or sunglasses, as for a passport photo.
• How recent: Recent (Nassau County: within 30 days).
• What to submit: 1 or 2 identical prints, depending on the county.
• Erie County: color or black-and-white, name on the back, no selfies.
• Suffolk County takes the photo at your interview.