DV Lottery Photo Tool
Upload your photo. We crop and size it to the official DV rules and show you any problems before you submit.
- 600 × 600 px
- JPEG
- ≤ 240 KB
- Head 50–69%
- Eyes 56–69% up
Original
DV-ready
Sample image, not your photo. The rules circling it are the real DV entry requirements.
Exact DV size
A square 600 × 600 JPEG under 240 KB, checked again after it is saved.
Problems explained
Each rule shows its real measurement, so you know what to fix or retake.
Ready for DV-2027
This year's entry needs your photo and a passport page scan. We cover both.
DV-2027 registration is expected to open 1 November 2026
A court order requires a 30-day registration period to open by 1 November. Confirm the dates before you enter.
Official site: dvprogram.state.govThis year you need 2 files
For you, your spouse and each child on the entry
JPEG scan, new for DV-2027
Watch for scams. You enter yourself, only at dvprogram.state.gov. Nobody can raise your chances, and this site is not a government service.
How to make your DV photo
Four steps from your phone photo to a DV-ready file.
- Size600 × 600 px
- FileJPEG · 238 KB
- Head height61% · 50–69%
- Eye line60% · 56–69%
- BackgroundPlain and light
Before you take the photo
Most rejected photos fail because of the original shot, not the size.
- Plain white or off-white wall behind you
- Even light, no shadows on face or wall
- No glasses; neutral face, both eyes open
- Someone else takes it, at eye level
- No filters, beauty or portrait mode
- Space above your head, shoulders visible
DV entry photo requirements
For the digital entry photo only. If you are selected, the interview needs printed 2 × 2 inch photos instead.
The file
- Size
- Exactly 600 × 600 px, square
- Format
- JPEG (.jpg)
- File size
- 240 KB or less
- Colour
- 24-bit colour
The photo
- Head
- 50–69% of image height
- Eyes
- 56–69% up from the bottom
- Background
- Plain white or off-white
- Taken
- Within the last 6 months
Source: U.S. Department of State photo requirements · Last verified [date before launch]
Questions
Is this the official DV Lottery website?
No. We only help prepare the photo. You enter the lottery yourself at dvprogram.state.gov.
Can I reuse last year's photo?
No. Use a new photo taken within the last 6 months.
Does everyone on my entry need a photo?
Yes. Your spouse and each eligible child need their own photo.
Do I need printed photos to enter?
No. The entry takes a digital file only. Printed photos are needed later, only if you are selected.