DV photo guide
DV photo checker
Updated . By the DV Lottery Guide editorial team.
DV Lottery Guide is an independent site and is not affiliated with the U.S. government.
A DV photo check looks at the digital file you will upload with the entry: square 600×600 JPEG, 240 KB or smaller, plain background, head size, and no eyeglasses. The free checker reports those problems. The DV Photo Maker makes a new 600×600 file when the original needs a background or size fix.
What gets checked?
| Check | DV-2026 rule |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 600×600 pixels, square |
| File | JPEG, 240 KB or smaller |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Head size | 50% to 69% of the image height, chin to top of head |
| Eyes and expression | Both eyes open, neutral expression, facing the camera |
| Eyeglasses | Not allowed |
| Age of the photo | Taken within the last 6 months |
Free check or a new photo?
- If you already have a recent photo, run the free photo checker.
- If the background, crop, or file size fails, open the DV Photo Maker. That service is paid and separate from the $1 entry fee on dvprogram.state.gov.
- Upload the finished JPEG on the official entry form only.
Questions
Is the free checker the same as entering the lottery?
No. A checker only looks at the photo file. The entry form is only on dvprogram.state.gov.
What if the check fails?
Fix the photo, or use the DV Photo Maker, which produces a 600×600 JPEG with the background corrected and the file size checked.
Does a passing check guarantee a visa?
No. A compliant photo is one entry requirement. Selection and visa issuance are separate.
Sources
Photo rules on this page follow the DV-2026 instructions. Separate DV-2027 photo instructions have not been published. Entry is only at dvprogram.state.gov.