US NFA Firearms Application (ATF Form 1/4) Photo Requirements

This guide explains the official photo requirements for the US NFA Firearms Application (ATF Form 1/4), a 51x51mm (2x2in) photo used for United States (USA) nfa firearms application 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: Federal (United States)
• Document Type: NFA Firearms Application
• Issued by: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
• Primary Specifications: 51x51mm (2x2in), Head about 32mm (1-1/4in). Taken within 1 year. eForms upload: JPG or PNG up to 3 MB. Also for Form 5320.23 responsible persons.

Photo Checking Standards for US NFA Firearms Application (ATF Form 1/4)

When you choose the US NFA Firearms Application (ATF Form 1/4), the following are checked automatically:

1. Dimensions: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), square.
2. Head Size and Position: About 1-1/4 inches (32mm), full face.
3. Background: Plain, light background.
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: Head bare; no hats.

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 US NFA Firearms Application (ATF Form 1/4) 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 taken within the last year.
• Wrong background: it is not plain, light background, or it has shadows.
• Glasses, hats or glare: head bare; no hats.
• 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 US NFA Firearms Application (ATF Form 1/4) need? A: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), square. About 1-1/4 inches (32mm), full face.

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

Q: What do I submit? A: Paper forms: prints attached as instructed. eForms: JPG, JPEG or PNG upload up to 3 MB.

Q: Can I wear glasses or a hat? A: Head bare; no hats.

Q: What background is needed? A: Plain, light background.

Q: How can I create this photo? A: Choose the US NFA Firearms Application (ATF Form 1/4) 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: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Official Reference: US NFA Firearms Application (ATF Form 1/4) – Official Photo Requirements

What the authority asks for (our summary):

• Size: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), square.
• Head: About 1-1/4 inches (32mm), full face.
• Background: Plain, light background.
• Glasses and headwear: Head bare; no hats.
• How recent: Taken within the last year.
• What to submit: Paper forms: prints attached as instructed. eForms: JPG, JPEG or PNG upload up to 3 MB.
• Applies to Form 1, Form 4 and each responsible person on Form 5320.23.

Additional Official References:

• 27 CFR 479.85 – Form 4 transferee photographs
• ATF eForm 1 user guide
• ATF eForm 4 user guide