🔫 CCW & Gun Permit Photo Resizer
Ensure your Concealed Carry Permit application is compliant. Instantly resize your photo to the **Standard 2x2 Inch (720x720px)** format required by Texas, Florida, Virginia, and Federal ATF forms.
📸 Upload Your Photo
PASSPORT STYLE: This tool generates a standard 2x2 inch square photo. Ensure you are facing forward with a plain white background.
📋 Official Photo Specs (Most US Gun Permits)
🔫 The Ultimate Guide to CCW & ATF Gun Permit Photos
Applying for a Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit, Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), or submitting Federal ATF eForms (Form 1 or Form 4) requires meticulous attention to detail. While background checks and training are critical, a surprising number of applications are delayed or rejected simply due to a non-compliant photograph.
Whether you are applying for a Texas License to Carry (LTC), a Florida Concealed Weapon License, or registering an NFA item with the ATF, the photo requirements are strict and specific. This guide covers everything you need to know to take, crop, and submit the perfect gun permit photo from the comfort of your home.
1. The Golden Standard: 2x2 Inches
Across almost all jurisdictions in the United States, the "Passport Style" photo is the universal standard for identification. This consistency allows agencies to use standardized equipment and software for printing licenses.
Physical Requirements
- Size: Exactly 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm).
- Head Height: 1 to 1.3/8 inches (25-35 mm).
- Background: Plain white or off-white.
- Paper: Matte or glossy photo quality.
Digital Requirements (eForms)
- Resolution: 720x720px (ATF Recommended).
- Aspect Ratio: Strictly Square (1:1).
- File Size: Maximum 3MB (ATF Limit).
- Format: JPEG / JPG.
2. Federal ATF eForms (NFA Items)
If you are buying a suppressor (silencer), seeing to register a Short Barreled Rifle (SBR), or dealing with any other NFA item, you will likely use the ATF eForms system (typically Form 1 or Form 4). The ATF is notoriously strict.
⚠️ Critical ATF Rule: No Glasses
Unlike some older dmv rules, the ATF strict prohibits glasses in digital photos. Even if they are prescription, you must remove them to avoid rejection due to glare.
- Recency: Photo must be taken within the last 1 year.
- Expression: Neutral facial expression or a natural smile. Eyes must be clearly open.
- Background: Plain white or off-white only. No textured walls or door frames visible.
- Head Covering: Only for religious reasons, and it must not obscure the face.
3. State-Specific Guidelines
Texas License to Carry (LTC)
Texas makes it easy for residents. If you have a valid Texas Driver License or ID, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) will typically simply download and use that photo for your LTC, saving you the hassle of uploading a new one.
However, you MUST submit a new photo if:
- You hold an out-of-state driver license.
- Your current ID photo is outdated or no longer resembles you.
- You are applying as a non-resident.
Florida Concealed Weapon License
Florida accepts applications both in-person and online.
- In-Person: If you visit a Tax Collector's office or Department of Agriculture regional office, they will take your photo on-site.
- Online: You must upload a standard color passport photo. This tool is perfect for cropping your digital photo to the required square aspect ratio before uploading to the Florida portal.
4. Step-by-Step: Taking Your Photo at Home
You don't need a professional studio. A smartphone and a white wall are all you need. Follow these steps to ensure compliance:
Lighting is Everything
Stand facing a window with indirect sunlight. This provides even lighting without harsh shadows on your face. Do not use a flash, as it causes "red-eye" and shadows behind your head.
Prepare the Background
Stand about 2-3 feet away from a plain white or off-white wall. This distance prevents your body from casting a shadow on the wall behind you.
Position & Pose
Have a friend take the photo (Selfies distort the face). Camera should be at eye level. Look straight ahead. Shoulders should be visible and square to the camera.
5. Common Reasons for Rejection
| Issue | Why it fails | The Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Glasses | Glares obscure eyes. | Remove them completely. |
| Shadows | Hides facial features. | Step away from the wall; face a window. |
| Filters | Alters skin tone/shape. | Use original, unedited photo files. |
| Selfies | Distorts nose/chin size. | Use a tripod or ask a friend. |
| Low Resolution | Pixelated when printed. | Use our tool to ensure 720x720px quality. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this tool work for Virginia CHP? ▼
Yes. Virginia generally follows the standard passport photo rules for Concealed Handgun Permits.
Can I use a photo from 2 years ago? ▼
No. Photos must be taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance.
What if my photo is larger than 3MB? ▼
The ATF eForms system has a strict 3MB limit. Our tool automatically compresses your image to ensure it is under this limit while maintaining high quality.
Is my data safe? ▼
Absolutely. This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your photo is never uploaded to our servers; the processing happens locally on your device.