DV photo guide
DV photo size is 600×600 pixels
Updated . By the DV Lottery Guide editorial team.
DV Lottery Guide is an independent site and is not affiliated with the U.S. government.
The DV entry photo is a square JPEG of exactly 600×600 pixels, 240 KB or smaller. The head, from chin to top of head, must be 50% to 69% of the image height (22 mm to 35 mm, or 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches).
What are the size numbers?
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Pixel size | 600×600 |
| Shape | Square. Height equals width. |
| Format | JPEG (.jpg) |
| File size | 240 KB maximum |
| Head height | 50% to 69% of the image |
| Paper original, if scanned | 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) at 300 ppi |
How do you get 600×600?
- Crop to a square so the head is centered and fills about half to two-thirds of the frame.
- Export as JPEG at 600×600 pixels.
- Confirm the file is 240 KB or smaller. See the 240 KB guide.
- Or start from the DV Photo Maker, which sets the pixel size for you.
Questions
Is 600×600 a minimum?
No. The DV-2026 instructions say the digital image is 600×600 pixels. A larger square, such as 1200×1200, is not the stated size.
Can I upload a 2×2 inch scan?
Only if you scan it at 300 pixels per inch so the file is 600×600, and the print itself is 2×2 inches (51×51 mm).
Where do I make a 600×600 file?
Use the DV Photo Maker. It outputs a 600×600 JPEG and checks the 240 KB limit.
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.