United States Diversity Visa (DV Lottery) photo requirements
E-DV entries require a square 600x600 px JPEG of 240 kB or less on a plain white or off-white background, following the State Department visa photo rules. Photos that do not meet the rules disqualify the entry.
| Photo size | 50.8 x 50.8 mm (2 x 2 in) |
|---|---|
| Digital size | 600 x 600 px |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 50–69% of photo height |
| Eye line from bottom | 56–69% of photo height |
| Background | plain white or off-white |
| File format | JPEG |
| File size | up to 240 KB |
| Background editing allowed | No — crop and resize only |
| Last verified | 2026-09-27 |
Official source: travel.state.gov
How to take your United States Diversity Visa (DV Lottery) photo
- Stand about 50 cm in front of a plain white or off-white wall, with nothing else in the background.
- Use soft, even light from the front (a window in daylight works well). Avoid shadows on your face and behind you.
- Have someone else take the photo from 1–2 m away with the camera at eye level. Avoid arm-length selfies.
- Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression, mouth closed and both eyes open.
- Remove glasses, hats and headphones unless the rules allow them (religious or medical exceptions vary).
- Leave space above your head and below your shoulders so the tool can crop to the exact size.
FAQ
- Can I take my DV lottery photo with a phone?
- Usually yes, if the photo is sharp, evenly lit and taken from about 1–2 m away with the camera at eye level. Ask someone else to take it rather than using a selfie at arm's length, which distorts facial proportions.
- Can I wear glasses?
- Many authorities no longer accept glasses in photos, and others require no glare or tinted lenses. Check the official source linked on this page.
- What background should I use?
- The published requirement is: plain white or off-white. Stand about 50 cm in front of a plain wall to avoid shadows.
- Will my photo be accepted?
- We format your photo to the published spec, but acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.
Official source
Requirements are published by the issuing authority at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry.html. Last verified: 2026-09-27.
Disclaimer: We format your photo to the published spec; acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.