The official DV photo requirements
| File type | JPEG (.jpg) |
|---|---|
| Size | 600 × 600 pixels, square (height equals width) |
| File size | 240 kB or less |
| Color | Color |
| Head size | 50% to 69% of the image height, from the top of the head to the chin |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, no shadows |
| How recent | Taken in the last 6 months, not the photo from a previous year |
Common reasons for rejection: check before you enter
- No eyeglasses, and no headphones or wireless earpieces. Medical hearing devices are allowed.
- A religious head covering worn daily is allowed, as long as the full face is visible.
- Face the camera directly, both eyes open, neutral expression.
- No filters and no editing of features or background. A manipulated photo is grounds for disqualification.
- Do not copy a photo from a driver's license or another document, and do not use a distant selfie or full-length shot.
- Every person on the entry needs their own photo, including children, and no one else may appear in a child's photo.
This tool sets the size, file size and file type only. Lighting, background and pose are up to you, and the official entry system has the final say when you upload.
Read the latest DV lottery news and registration dates. Entry happens only at dvprogram.state.gov.
Source: the DV-2026 instructions published in the Federal Register (the latest published). We will update the tool as soon as DV-2027 instructions are published if the requirements change. Federal Register 2024-22482