DV Lottery photo
2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) · 600 × 600 px · head 25.4–35 mm · white or off-white
Made on your phone in about a minute. Free, no sign-up, and your photo never leaves your device.
- 01Upload
- 02Adjust
- 03Download
Your photo stays on this device. Nothing is uploaded.
- Stand in front of a plain, light wall in even daylight.
- Ask someone to take it from about 4 ft (1.2 m) away, at face height.
- Look straight at the camera. Take off glasses and hats.
How to get a DV Lottery photo that passes
- 01
Take the photo
Stand about 2 ft (60 cm) in front of a plain, light wall. Ask someone to take the photo from about 4 ft (1.2 m) away with the camera at face height. Use daylight from a window in front of you, not overhead light. Take off your glasses, keep both eyes open and your mouth closed.
- 02
Check the crop
The tool finds your face, sizes your head and makes the background plain automatically. If a check turns amber or red, drag or zoom until it turns green.
- 03
Download or print
Download the digital photo for online forms, or the 4 × 6 in sheet to print at a photo kiosk. Print at actual size and cut along the grey lines.
| Photo size | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) |
|---|---|
| Head height | 25.4–35 mm |
| Background | White or off-white, plain, no shadows |
| Digital file | JPEG, 0 KB–240 KB |
| Our download | 600 × 600 px |
| Digital file | Square JPEG, 600 × 600 px, 240 KB or less |
| People | One person per photo, including each family member |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Taken | Within the last 6 months |
| Editing | No filters or digital changes |
| Source | U.S. Department of State: Photo requirements (Diversity Visa) |
| Last verified |
Questions people ask
What size is a DV Lottery photo?
The entry photo must be a square JPEG, 600 × 600 pixels, and 240 KB or less. If you scan a printed photo, it must be 2 × 2 inches scanned at 300 pixels per inch.
Can I wear glasses?
No. Glasses are not allowed in US visa photos, including DV entries.
Do my spouse and children need photos?
Yes. Every family member listed on the entry needs their own photo that meets the same rules.
Can I reuse an old photo?
No. The photo must have been taken in the last 6 months. Reusing a photo from an earlier entry can get you disqualified.
Is the DV Lottery free?
Yes. Entering the Diversity Visa program on the official State Department website is free.