Updated · Rules checked against travel.state.gov
DV-2027 entry period: not announced yet (checked September 25, 2026). The State Department has said the DV-2027 entry dates will be announced later. Enter only at dvprogram.state.gov, and read the official instructions for that year when they're published.
DV entry photo rules
These rules come from the State Department's Diversity Visa instructions. On September 25, 2026, the instructions posted there were still the DV-2026 edition, so check the current program year's version before you enter.
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| File format | JPEG |
| File size | 240 kB or less |
| Shape | Square: the height equals the width |
| Dimensions | 600×600 pixels |
| Head height | 50–69% of the image height, from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head |
| Composition | The same as US visa photos, including eyes at 56–69% of the image height |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Expression | Neutral, both eyes open, facing the camera |
| Eyeglasses | Not allowed |
| Head coverings | Only if worn daily for a religious purpose, with the full face visible |
| Devices | No headphones or wireless hands-free devices; hearing devices you normally wear are allowed |
| How recent | Taken within the last 6 months |
Rules that can make an entry ineligible
- A photo that doesn't fully meet the specifications. The instructions say this applies to your photo and to your family members' photos.
- A manipulated photo. The instructions say a manipulated photo makes you ineligible, so don't edit, retouch or replace the background. This tool doesn't offer background changes for DV photos.
- Last year's photo. Submitting the same photo you used for a previous year's entry makes you ineligible. Take a new one every year.
You also need a separate photo of your spouse and of each unmarried child under 21 listed on your entry. You don't need one for a family member who is already a US citizen or permanent resident. The photos go in with the entry itself at dvprogram.state.gov and can't be sent separately later.
The $1 entry fee and the passport scan
Entering used to be free, but that changed with the 2027 program year (DV-2027). Every entry now costs $1, paid when you submit it, and there are no fee waivers. The State Department announced the fee in the Federal Register on September 16, 2025.
A rule published March 11, 2026, in effect since April 10, 2026, also requires a valid, unexpired passport. You enter its details on the form and upload a scan of the passport's biographic and signature page, as a JPEG of 5 MB or less. A few people are exempt, such as stateless entrants. This tool makes the photos, not the passport scan.
Enter only at dvprogram.state.gov, and read the instructions for the current program year for the dates.
Make DV photos with this tool
- Check that the document above the buttons says DV lottery entry. It's already selected on this page.
- Take each family member's photo separately against a plain white or off-white wall.
- Let the tool crop each photo to a 600×600 square with the head in the 50–69% range, then fix anything the checks flag.
- Before you save each photo, go through the reminder next to the save button: no glasses or hats, taken in the last 6 months, and no filters or edits.
- Save the JPG for each person with the main button. It's exactly 600×600 pixels and compressed to 240 kB or less.
- Give each file a clear name, like the person's first name, so you attach the right photo to the right person on the form.
Save each year's DV photos in a folder named for that year. When the next entry period opens, you'll know exactly which files not to reuse.
Photos of babies and toddlers
The DV instructions ask that no other person be in a child's photo and that the child look at the camera with eyes open. They suggest laying a baby on a plain white or off-white sheet, or covering a car seat with one, and making sure there are no shadows on the baby's face. Because children's eyes must be open, Baby photo doesn't relax any checks for DV photos. Pick a shot where your child's eyes are open and looking at the camera. See how to take a baby passport photo for both setups.
Scanning a printed photo
The instructions also allow scanning a recent printed photo. It must be 2×2 inches and scanned at 300 pixels per inch, which gives exactly 600×600 pixels. Choose the scan in the tool. If it's square and already meets the size rules, the tool measures it as it is. Otherwise it crops it first and tells you. The 6-month rule and every other rule still apply to the scanned photo.
If you're selected
Selectees need two 2×2 inch printed photos later in the process. Pick Green card / immigrant visa in the document list and save the 4×6 print sheet, then see how to print passport photos at Walgreens, CVS or Walmart. For more on visa photos, see the US visa photo for the DS-160 page.
Questions
When is the DV-2027 entry period?
It hadn't been announced when we checked on September 25, 2026. The State Department has said the dates will be announced later. Enter only at dvprogram.state.gov once the official instructions are out.
How do I know if my DV photo is good?
Check it on this page. The tool measures the 600×600 size, head and eye position, background, light and focus, and saves a JPG of 240 kB or less. Then go through the reminder yourself: no glasses, taken in the last 6 months, no edits, and not last year's photo.
How do I convert a photo to 600x600?
Choose it on this page. The tool crops a square around your face with the head in the 50–69% range and saves a JPEG of exactly 600×600 pixels and 240 kB or less. Resizing by hand often stretches the image or leaves the head out of range.
Can I use the same photo I used for last year's DV entry?
No. The instructions say that submitting the same photo as a prior year's entry makes you ineligible.
Do my spouse and children need photos?
Yes. Each person listed on your entry needs their own photo meeting the same rules. You don't need one for a family member who is already a US citizen or permanent resident.
Can I wear glasses in my DV photo?
No. The instructions say not to wear eyeglasses.
Does it cost money to enter the DV lottery?
Yes, $1. Starting with the 2027 program year, every entry costs $1, paid when you submit it at dvprogram.state.gov, with no fee waivers. Before that, entering was free. Making your photos with this tool is free.
Do I need a passport to enter?
Yes, for most people. Since April 10, 2026, you enter your valid passport's details and upload a scan of its biographic and signature page with your entry. A few people, such as stateless entrants, are exempt.
Can I use my DS-160 visa photo?
The composition rules are the same, but the DV file must be exactly 600×600 pixels and 240 kB or less, taken in the last 6 months, and never used for a previous DV entry. It's safer to make a fresh DV photo.