Condensed guide. Read the full US Diversity Visa (DV lottery) entry photo requirements or the rejection diagnostic.
Specification
| Photo size | 50.8 × 50.8 mm (2 × 2 in) |
|---|---|
| Pixels at 300 / 600 dpi | 600 × 600 px / 1200 × 1200 px |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 25.4–35 mm |
| Eye line from bottom | 28.4–35 mm |
| Head width | not specified |
| Space above the crown | not specified |
| Background | pure white |
| Background editing | not allowed (retake instead) |
| Glasses | not allowed |
| Expression | neutral or a natural closed-mouth smile |
| Recency | taken in the last 6 months |
| Print requirements | no printed photo |
| Digital upload | 600×600 px JPEG, 0–240 KB (Electronic Diversity Visa entry form) |
| Self-taken photos | accepted |
| Prints needed | none |
| Infant rules | eyes may be closed, mouth may be open (under 1) |
| Official source | US Department of State – Electronic Diversity Visa entry |
Check the official source. Some values on this page could not be confirmed from the official page when it was last checked (2026-10-28).
- dvprogram.state.gov and travel.state.gov block automated fetches. The DV entry photo rules (JPEG, exactly 600×600 px, no larger than 240 KB, 24-bit colour, head 50–69 per cent of height, eyes 56–69 per cent from the bottom, white or off-white background, taken in the last six months, no glasses) are the long-standing published values; re-check the current DV instructions.
- Exactly 600×600 px; the tool does not offer other sizes for this document.
Can I take it myself? Yes
Yes. The State Department expects most entrants to take their own photo and provides a photo tool for cropping; it does not require a photographer. What disqualifies entries is reusing a previous year's photo, glasses, a non-white background and files outside the exact 600×600 pixel and 240 KB limits. This tool exports exactly 600×600 and compresses to under 240 KB, and the checker verifies the head and eye bands on the square.
Why US DV lottery photos get rejected
- Photo reused from a previous entry. Take a new photo within the last six months; the department compares against prior entries.
- Not exactly 600×600 or over 240 KB. Use the DV preset here; it is exact.
- Glasses. Remove them.
- Background not white or off-white. Retake against a white wall; editing is not allowed.
- Head too small or eyes too low. Head 50–69 per cent of the height, eyes 56–69 per cent from the bottom; the checker shows both.
US DV lottery photo FAQ
What are the DV lottery photo requirements?
JPEG exactly 600×600 px, no larger than 240 KB, 24-bit colour, head 50–69 per cent of the height, eyes 56–69 per cent from the bottom, white or off-white background, taken in the last six months, no glasses.
Can I reuse last year's photo?
No. A photo older than six months or reused from a previous entry disqualifies the entry.
Does my spouse need a photo?
Yes, and every child, even those who will not travel.
Are glasses allowed?
No. Glasses have not been allowed in US visa and DV photos since 2016.
Can I take it myself?
Yes, with someone else holding the camera against a white wall.
Why 240 KB?
It is the form's hard limit. The export here compresses the 600×600 JPEG to just under it.
Related documents
US passport
50.8×50.8 mm · head 25.4–34.9 mmUS visa photo (DS-160)
50.8×50.8 mm · head 25.4–35 mmUS green card photo (Form I-485)
50.8×50.8 mm · head 25.4–34.9 mmLast verified 2026-10-28 against US Department of State – Electronic Diversity Visa entry. Spotted a mistake? Report an error.