DV Lottery Photo Requirements, Size & Checker (DV-2028)
Official guide to Diversity Visa Green Card Lottery photo requirements. Validate 600 × 600 px dimensions, 54–240 KB size, 50–69% head height, and avoid silent disqualification.
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Official DV-2028 Digital Photo Specifications
Mandatory photo criteria published by the U.S. Department of State for the Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) program
The image must be exactly square (1:1). Minimum dimensions are 600×600 pixels (equivalent to 2×2 inches / 51×51 mm at 300 DPI). Maximum dimensions are 1200×1200 pixels.
The file must be less than or equal to 240 KB and greater than 54 KB. It must be in standard JPEG format. Compression ratio must not exceed 20:1.
The head height (top of hair to chin) must span 50% to 69% of total height. The eye line must sit between 56% and 69% from the bottom of the photo.
Plain white or off-white background with zero shadows or textures. Photo must be taken within the last 6 months to reflect current appearance.
No Eyeglasses (Zero Exceptions)
Eyeglasses, reading glasses, and tinted lenses are completely prohibited in all DV lottery photos.
Never Reuse Past Photos
Reusing a photo from previous DV entries triggers automated facial recognition disqualification.
How to Submit Photos on dvprogram.state.gov
4-step walkthrough for a flawless Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) entry
Take Fresh Portrait
Take a high-resolution selfie or portrait in natural daylight. Maintain a neutral expression and look directly at the lens.
Validate & Fix
Run your image through our free AI validator above to crop to 600×600 px, isolate pure white background, and compress under 240 KB.
Prepare Family Photos
Prepare separate, compliant digital photos for your spouse and each child under 21 listed in Part 2 of the entry form.
Upload & Save Number
Submit on dvprogram.state.gov during Oct–Nov, and save your unique Confirmation Number.
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Top 5 DV Lottery Photo Disqualification Causes
Why thousands of Green Card Lottery entries are rejected before the lottery draw
1. Reusing Old or Previous Year’s Photos
Top DisqualificationThe State Department runs automated image matching across previous year databases. If the same photo was used in DV-2027, DV-2026, or on an existing visa, the entry is automatically disqualified.
Prevention: Always take a brand new photo within 6 months of the registration period.
2. Background Shadows or Off-White Tone
Lighting FlawShadows behind the head or ears or walls with beige, grey, or yellow tones trigger automated rejection during selection processing.
Prevention: Use our AI background remover to generate a pure, shadowless white background (RGB 255, 255, 255).
3. Digital Alteration, AI Filters, or Skin Smoothing
Retouching ViolationUsing selfie filters, AI generative enhancers, or altering facial features (eyes, nose, scars, skin texture) violates strict State Department anti-fraud guidelines.
Prevention: Only perform geometric cropping and background isolation. Never apply beauty filters or AI face generation.
4. Non-Compliant Family Member Photo
Family Entry RiskIf you enter with a spouse or children, a photo failure on even ONE child or spouse photo disqualifies the entire family entry.
Prevention: Validate every individual family photo through our checker before starting your application.
U.S. Department of State — Electronic Diversity Visa Program
Official instructions and photo standards published at travel.state.gov and dvprogram.state.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions about DV Lottery Photos
Essential questions answered to ensure your Green Card Lottery photo passes selection review
Q:What are the exact DV Lottery photo requirements for DV-2028?
The DV Lottery photo must be a square JPEG image (1:1 aspect ratio) measuring between 600 × 600 pixels and 1200 × 1200 pixels at 300 DPI. The file size must be between 54 KB and 240 KB in 24-bit sRGB color. The background must be plain white or off-white with no shadows.
Q:Can I reuse my photo from last year’s DV lottery entry?
No. Reusing a photo from a previous DV lottery entry is the #1 cause of silent disqualification. The U.S. State Department uses automated facial recognition algorithms that compare new entries against historical submissions. If the same photo is detected from an earlier year, your entry is disqualified automatically.
Q:Can I wear glasses in my Green Card Lottery photo?
No. Eyeglasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses are strictly prohibited in all Diversity Visa photos. Entries submitted with glasses are automatically rejected or disqualified during selection review.
Q:Do my spouse and children need photos for the DV Lottery entry?
Yes. You must submit individual, compliant photos for yourself, your spouse, and all unmarried children under 21 years of age (including legally adopted and stepchildren), even if they do not plan to immigrate with you. A non-compliant photo for any family member will disqualify the entire application.
Q:Can I take my DV Lottery photo at home with a smartphone?
Yes. You can take a clear portrait against a plain wall in good lighting. Upload it to our free validator tool above to verify biometric head height (50%–69%), crop to 600×600 px, remove background shadows, and compress between 54 KB and 240 KB.
Q:What are the photo rules for babies and infants in the DV lottery?
Infants must have a plain white background with no other person or hands visible in the frame. For babies under 1 year of age, having eyes partially open or closed is acceptable. Laying the baby on a smooth white sheet from above is recommended.
Q:Can I edit or retouch my DV lottery photo using Photoshop or filters?
No. Any digital alteration that changes your facial features, skin tone, eye color, or proportions is strictly forbidden. While background removal and geometric cropping are permitted, AI skin smoothing or beauty filters will result in permanent disqualification.
Q:Where do I submit my DV-2028 photo?
The official photo must be uploaded directly on the U.S. Department of State E-DV website at dvprogram.state.gov during the official registration window (typically open from early October to early November each year).
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