U.S. Department of State
US Diversity Visa (DV Lottery) photo requirements
The online Diversity Visa (DV) entry requires a digital photo with strict, precise specifications. Because the entry is rejected if the photo does not comply, it is worth getting exactly right before you submit.
The tool below is pre-set to the official DV digital-image rules — a square 600×600 pixel JPEG of 240 KB or less. Drop your photo in to check it and fix it in your browser.
Official source: travel.state.gov — Digital Image Requirements
Official source checked on 2026-07-08. This records when we compared our summary to the linked government page — not when the tool was QA-tested. Requirements can change; always confirm the current rules on the official page before you apply.
Specifications
- Dimensions
- 600 × 600 px (square); up to 1200 × 1200 px
- File format
- JPEG (.jpg)
- Maximum file size
- 240 KB
- Color
- Color, 24-bit sRGB
- Head size
- Chin to crown 50%–69% of image height (about 22–35 mm)
- Background
- Plain white or off-white
- Age of photo
- Taken within the last 6 months
Check and fix your photo
The tool below is set to the official digital limits. Drop your photo in to check it and download a version that fits.
The DV photo must be square (width equal to height). ExactPic checks the size range and format; make sure your crop is square before you upload.
Drop an image here, or click to browse
JPG, PNG, WebP, or GIF
Step by step
- 1
Take or scan a compliant photo
Use a recent color photo on a plain white background, facing the camera with a neutral expression.
- 2
Crop to a square
The DV photo must be square. Crop to 1:1 with your head centered and the correct head height.
- 3
Check and fix below
Drop the photo into the pre-set checker to confirm the 600×600 to 1200×1200 size and 240 KB limit, then download.
Private by design. Any photo you check here is processed entirely in your browser and never uploaded. ExactPic is not affiliated with U.S. Department of State and does not guarantee acceptance — always follow the official guidance.
Other portals
Official source checked: 2026-07-08