United States · Visas

DV lottery photo (Green Card lottery)

DV lottery photo (Green Card lottery): 600 × 600 px; 600 × 600 px JPEG, max 240 KB; head 50–69% of the photo height; plain white or off-white background; glasses not allowed; taken in the last 6 months.

DV lottery photo (Green Card lottery) requirements

From the official government page. Our tool measures your photo against each of these.

DocumentDiversity Visa online entry
Photo size600 × 600 px
Digital file600 × 600 px JPEG, max 240 KB
Head size50–69% of the photo height
BackgroundPlain white or off-white
GlassesNot allowed
Photo ageTaken in the last 6 months
Eye line56–69% of the photo height, measured from the bottom

Rules checked against the official page on 25 Oct 2026.

Tips for your DV lottery photo (Green Card lottery)

  • Square JPEG, exactly 600 × 600 pixels, 240 KB or less.
  • From DV-2027 you also upload a scan of your passport page.
  • Stand in front of a plain, light wall, a step away from it so no shadow falls behind you.
  • Face a window so light falls evenly on both sides of your face.
  • Ask someone to take the photo about 1.5 m away, at your eye level, with space above your head.

Questions

What size is the DV lottery photo (Green Card lottery)?

600 × 600 px. The digital file is 600 × 600 px JPEG, max 240 KB.

What background do I need?

Plain white or off-white, with no patterns, objects or shadows. Our tool checks the background and tells you if it needs a retake. We never replace backgrounds, because edited photos are rejected.

Can I wear glasses?

Not allowed.

Can I take this photo at home?

Yes. Ask someone to take it with a good camera or the back camera of a phone, in daylight, in front of a plain light wall. The tool shows you every measurement before you download.

Is it free?

Yes. You only need a free account to download. No card and no subscription.

Is my photo uploaded?

No. The checks run inside your browser, so your photo stays on your device.

PicRule is an independent photo service. We are not connected to any government. You apply on the official government website.