Free DV Lottery Photo Tool
Turn any photo into a Diversity Visa (Green Card Lottery) entry photo: exactly 600×600 pixels, JPEG, under 240 KB, with guides for the official head size and eye position. Free, and cropping runs in your browser.
Enter only at dvprogram.state.gov. Since DV-2027 entry needs a $1 fee and a scan of your passport bio page. We are not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State.
Drop a photo here or tap to upload
Free · Output 600×600 px JPEG, under 240 KB · Cropping runs in your browser
DV Lottery photo requirements
The DV Lottery photo rules are stricter than most passport photos because entries are checked automatically. A photo that does not meet them can disqualify the whole entry.
| Dimensions | Exactly 600 × 600 pixels (square) |
|---|---|
| File format | JPEG (.jpg) |
| File size | 240 KB or smaller |
| Color | Color photo, 24 bits per pixel. Black-and-white is not accepted |
| Head size | Chin to top of hair 50%–69% of the image height (300–414 px) |
| Eye position | Eyes 56%–69% of the image height measured from the bottom (336–414 px) |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, no patterns or shadows |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Expression | Neutral, both eyes open, facing the camera directly |
| Head coverings | Only for religious reasons; the full face must stay visible |
| How recent | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Scanned prints | Scan a 2×2 inch print at 300 dpi to get 600×600 px |
Source: U.S. Department of State, Diversity Visa Program instructions. Always check the current year's instructions before you submit.
Common reasons DV photos get rejected
Reusing last year's photo
The State Department disqualifies entries that submit the same photo as a previous year or a photo older than six months.
Wearing glasses
Glasses have been banned in DV photos since 2016, even clear prescription lenses.
Wrong head size
A face that is too small (a far-away selfie) or too large (a tight crop) falls outside the 50%–69% range.
File over 240 KB
Phone photos are usually 2–5 MB. The entry system rejects anything over 240 KB.
Shadowed or colored background
A grey wall or a shadow behind the head is a common reason photos fail review.
Missing family photos
Your spouse and every unmarried child under 21 need their own photo, even if they will not immigrate (unless they are already a US citizen or permanent resident).
Photo copied from another document
Scans of a driver's licence or passport photo, snapshots and full-length photos are rejected.
How to take a DV Lottery photo at home
- Stand about 1–1.5 m from a plain white wall with light coming from the front, not behind.
- Ask someone to take the photo at eye level. Avoid selfies held at arm's length; they distort the face.
- Remove glasses, hats and headphones. Keep your hair away from your eyes.
- Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression and both eyes open.
- Upload it above, fit your head to the oval, and download the 600×600 px file.
No white wall? Our AI photo generator replaces the background and fixes the lighting, then you can bring the result back here to resize it to 600×600 px. See also the green card photo requirements and the US visa (DS-160) photo guide.
Frequently asked questions
What size is the DV Lottery photo?
The DV Lottery photo must be a square JPEG of exactly 600×600 pixels, 240 KB or smaller, in color. The head (chin to top of hair) must fill 50%–69% of the image height and the eyes must sit 56%–69% from the bottom.
Is this DV photo tool really free?
Yes. Cropping, resizing to 600×600 px and compressing under 240 KB is free and runs in your browser. Only the optional AI background fix is paid ($2.99), and you preview it before paying.
Can I wear glasses in my DV Lottery photo?
No. Glasses are not allowed in DV Lottery photos. Remove them before taking the picture.
Can I use the same photo as last year?
No. The photo must be taken within the last six months, and submitting a photo used in a previous DV entry can lead to disqualification.
Does it cost anything to enter the DV Lottery?
Starting with DV-2027, a federal rule (Federal Register 2026-04737) added a $1 registration fee and requires valid passport details plus a scan of your passport bio page when you enter. Enter only on the official State Department site, dvprogram.state.gov, and be careful of sites that charge more to submit for you.
Do my spouse and children need photos?
Yes. Your spouse and each unmarried child under 21 need their own individual photo that meets the same requirements. Group photos are not accepted.