United States diversity visa lottery (dv) photo requirements
| Photo size | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) |
|---|---|
| Head height (chin to top of hair) | 25–35 mm |
| Eye line from bottom | 28–35 mm |
| Background | white or off-white |
| Glasses | not allowed |
| Digital file | exactly 600×600 px · max 240 KB |
| Taking it yourself | Allowed |
Exactly 600x600 px JPEG, <=240 kB; head 50-69% of image height. Reusing an old photo or one from a prior entry gets the entry disqualified; scanned prints must be 2x2 in at 300 ppi.
Source: official guidance. Rules change; confirm with the issuing authority before you submit.
Tips for a photo that passes
- Face the camera straight on with a neutral expression, mouth closed and both eyes open.
- Stand about 50 cm (20 in) in front of a plain wall and face a window for soft, even light, so there are no shadows on your face or behind you.
- Have someone else take the photo at eye level from about 1.2 m (4 ft), rather than a close-up selfie that distorts features.
- Take off your glasses. No hats or head coverings unless worn daily for religious or medical reasons.
- Keep hair away from your eyes and make sure the top of your head and your chin are both visible.
How to make your United States Diversity Visa Lottery (DV) photo here
- Upload or take a photo using the tool above.
- We detect your face, scale your head to 25–35 mm, center it and replace the background with white or off-white.
- Check the green guide lines, fine-tune if needed, and download your digital file and 4×6 print sheet.