New Zealand firearms licence photos must be 35×45mm — the same size as a New Zealand passport photo. Plain white background, no glasses, neutral expression. The photo is submitted with your licence application to NZ Police. Processing takes 3–6 months and the licence costs NZD 126.50.
The firearms licence is issued under the Arms Act 1983. It's required to own or possess firearms in New Zealand. The application is thorough — NZ Police conduct a background check, an interview, and a home visit as part of the vetting process. Getting the photo right is one of the simpler requirements, but a non-compliant photo can delay an already long process.
NZ Firearms Licence Photo Specifications (35×45mm)
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Print size | 35×45mm |
| Digital equivalent | 413×531 pixels |
| Background | Plain white |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Recency | Within 6 months |
| Head size | 32–36mm from chin to crown |
| Quantity | 2 photos (front and back) |
Two identical photos are required. One goes on the front of the application form; the second is retained in the police file. Both must come from the same session and meet the same specifications.
Get a compliant passport photo online
The NZ Firearms Licence Application Process (NZ Police)
A New Zealand firearms licence involves more than submitting a form. NZ Police assess applicants as "fit and proper" persons — the standard set under the Arms Act. The steps:
- Complete the licence application — available from NZ Police or the Arms Licensing team.
- Attach two passport-size photos — 35×45mm, compliant with the specs above.
- Submit supporting documents — proof of identity, proof of address.
- Pay the NZD 126.50 fee (as of 2026; check the NZ Police Arms Licensing page for current fee schedules).
- Undergo a police interview — a firearms officer visits your home to assess your suitability. They check your storage arrangements — a secure gun safe is required.
- Background check — criminal history, mental health history, and domestic circumstances are assessed.
- Receive your licence — if approved, the licence arrives by post. The process takes 3–6 months from application submission to issuance; some cases take longer depending on interview scheduling and background check complexity.
The licence is valid for 10 years.
Firearms Licence Endorsements and Additional Photos
A standard firearms licence covers Category A and B firearms (most common rifles and shotguns). If you want to own Category C, D, or E firearms (military-style semi-automatics, prohibited weapons with exemptions, etc.), you need an endorsement on your licence.
Each endorsement category has its own photo requirement — you submit additional photos for the endorsement application, with the same 35×45mm spec. The endorsement application is separate from the standard licence application and involves additional vetting.
Most applicants start with a standard licence. Endorsements are applied for subsequently if needed.
Why the NZ Firearms Licence Photo Matches the Passport
NZ Police adopted the NZ passport photo standard for the firearms licence because it's a high-security identity document. The passport standard — white background, no glasses, full-face visibility, neutral expression — is designed to support accurate facial recognition and identity verification.
The no-glasses rule exists because frames and lenses distort and partially obscure the eye area. Even clear, non-tinted prescription glasses are not permitted. Remove them for the photo.
Where to Get a Compliant NZ Firearms Licence Photo
Any pharmacy or photo studio offering passport photo services in New Zealand can produce a 35×45mm print to government specifications. Unichem pharmacies, Life Pharmacy locations, and most Postshops can produce compliant photos. Tell them it's for a New Zealand government document — the spec matches the passport exactly.
Before submitting, verify your photo against NZ Police requirements using the passportsize-photo.online checker. The checker flags background colour issues, lighting problems, and head size compliance in about 30 seconds. A photo rejected at NZ Police means a delay in a process that already takes months.
Renewing Your NZ Firearms Licence (Every 10 Years)
A standard NZ firearms licence is valid for 10 years. Renewal applications follow the same process as the initial application — including a new round of photos and a police interview. You can apply for renewal from 12 months before your licence expires.
If your appearance has changed significantly in the years since your last photo — which is likely over a 10-year span — the police may request updated photos even before your renewal date. This is not common, but it does happen.
NZ Firearms Storage Requirements for Licence Approval
Obtaining a firearms licence does not give you the right to store firearms carelessly. NZ Police expect you to have a secure storage arrangement before granting a licence — this is checked during the home visit.
A steel gun safe, bolted to the floor or wall, with separate locked storage for ammunition, is the standard setup. The officer will inspect it. If the storage isn't adequate, the licence won't be issued regardless of whether the photo and paperwork are correct.
Expression and Appearance Rules for NZ Firearms Photos
- Neutral expression — mouth closed, no smile, no frown
- Eyes open — both eyes fully visible, looking directly at the camera
- No glasses — all types banned without exception, including clear prescription lenses
- Hair away from face — forehead and both eyes clearly visible
- Head coverings — permitted for religious or medical reasons; full face from chin to forehead must remain visible
- No heavy makeup or accessories — the photo should represent your everyday appearance
- Clean, even lighting — no shadows on face or background
- Recent photo — taken within the last 6 months
New Zealand Documents Compared: Firearms vs Passport
| Document | Size | Background | Glasses | Smile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firearms Licence | 35×45mm | White | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| NZ Passport | 35×45mm | White | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Kiwi Access Card | 35×45mm | White | Not allowed | Not allowed |
All three New Zealand identity documents share the same specification. One photo session covers every NZ document application. If you are applying for both a passport and a firearms licence around the same time, a single set of 35×45mm prints handles both.
Common NZ Firearms Licence Photo Rejection Reasons
- Glasses present — even clear prescription lenses are rejected
- Non-white background — light blue, grey, or off-white backgrounds fail
- Shadows on background — uneven lighting creates grey patches behind your head
- Wrong size — submitting photos cropped for a different country's standard (e.g., US 2×2 inch)
- Photo too old — must resemble your current appearance; taken within 6 months
- Only one print submitted — NZ Police require two identical prints
Quick Checklist for NZ Firearms Licence Photos
- Size: 35×45mm (two identical prints)
- Background: white
- Expression: neutral, mouth closed
- No glasses (any type)
- Photo taken within 6 months
- Application form (POL 67F) completed
- NZD 126.50 fee ready
- Referees identified and contacted
- Secure storage arranged for home visit
For more on New Zealand identity and travel documents, see the New Zealand documents overview. For a compliant licence photo, the passportsize-photo.online checker checks your image against the 35×45mm standard before you print.
