US DV Lottery photo: size, rules, and how to prepare it
For an online Diversity Visa (DV) entry, prepare a square digital photo that is 600 × 600 pixels and no larger than 240 kB. Follow the face, background, and photo-age rules closely; the U.S. Department of State makes the final decision about whether a photo meets its requirements.[1][2]
Photo size and face position
The online entry photo must be 600 × 600 pixels. It must show a square image, with your head facing the camera and centered in the frame.[1][2]
The head height must be 25.4–34.9 mm (1–1⅜ inches), measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. The eyes must be 28.6–34.9 mm (1⅛–1⅜ inches) from the bottom of the photo, equal to 56–69% of the image height. The Department does not set a separate top-margin measurement.[1][3]
The 2 × 2 inch (50.8 × 50.8 mm) size and 300 ppi resolution apply when you scan an existing print. They do not replace the 600 × 600 pixel requirement for an online entry.[1]
Background, light, and appearance
Use a plain white or off-white background.[1] For an even result, stand in front of a blank wall or hang a plain white or off-white sheet. Keep the light bright and even so your face is clear and the background has no strong shadows. These lighting steps are practical advice; the official background requirement is plain white or off-white.[1]
Show a neutral facial expression with both eyes open. The DV instructions do not state a separate rule that your mouth must be closed.[2] Do not wear glasses in the photo.[1]
A head covering worn daily for a religious purpose is permitted if your full face is visible and the covering casts no shadows on your face.[1]
Children and photo age
For a baby or child, no other person may be in the photo. The child should look at the camera with eyes open. Official guidance suggests placing a plain white or off-white sheet behind the child.[2]
Use a recent photo that shows your current appearance. The State Department says the photo must be taken within the last six months. Do not reuse a photo from a previous DV entry.[1][2]
Take the photo at home
Ask another person to take the picture if you can. Stand or sit in front of the plain background, with your face toward the camera. Place the camera at eye level, about 1–1.5 m away, and use bright, even light. These are practical tips to help you get a clear, straight-on image.
Keep your head upright and centered. Look at the lens with both eyes open and a neutral expression. Check that your whole face is visible, there are no glasses, and the background is plain white or off-white. Retake the picture if you see shadows across your face or a distracting object behind you.[1][2]
Crop the image to a square and resize it to exactly 600 × 600 pixels. Keep the file at or below 240 kB. The tool above can crop and prepare the image in your browser; your photo stays on your device. Before using the file, check that the crop still shows your full head and places the eyes within the stated range.[1][3]
Submit the digital file and prepare for an interview
The DV entry uses a digital photo uploaded with the online entry. It must be JPEG format, square, 600 × 600 pixels, and no larger than 240 kB. A printout or a 4 × 6 inch kiosk sheet does not replace this digital file.[1][2]
If you are selected, bring two identical printed photos to your visa interview. Each photo must be 2 × 2 inches (50.8 × 50.8 mm).[1]
A photo may be refused if it has the wrong pixel size or file size, an unsuitable background, shadows, glasses, a non-neutral expression, closed eyes, or a face that is too large, too small, or off center.[1][3][2] The Department may also reject a photo that does not show your current appearance or was used for a previous DV entry.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
What size is the US DV Lottery photo?
For the online entry, it must be 600 × 600 pixels and no more than 240 kB. If you are selected, bring two printed 2 × 2 inch (50.8 × 50.8 mm) photos to the interview.[1][2]
Can I wear glasses in a DV Lottery photo?
No. The State Department does not allow glasses in the photo.[1]
Can I smile in my DV Lottery photo?
The DV instructions call for a neutral facial expression and both eyes open. They do not state a separate closed-mouth rule.[2]
Can I use a photo with a head covering?
A head covering worn daily for a religious purpose is allowed if your full face is visible and the covering casts no shadows on your face.[1]