What size is a DV Lottery photo?
It must be square. Check the official instructions for the current program year for exact pixel minimums and maximum file size.
DV Lottery Guide
DV Lottery Photo Requirements for Online Entry
The Diversity Visa program requires a digital photograph that meets State Department entry rules. Prepare a square, well-lit, recent photo with a plain background for each person on the entry.
- Square digital color photo required
- Plain light background
- Recent photo of each person on the entry
- Follow the current program year’s pixel/file rules
- Create online from $19.95
What the DV Lottery photo must show
DV entry photos must clearly show a single person against a plain light background, facing the camera, with eyes open and no heavy shadows. The composition is square (passport-style), not a casual rectangular selfie crop.
Every person listed on the entry — including children — needs their own compliant photo file.
- One person per file
- Square aspect ratio
- Plain white or light background
- No glasses glare, hats, or filters
- Taken recently enough to match current appearance
Digital file rules change by program year
Exact minimum pixel dimensions, maximum file size, and file format are published with each DV program year. FastPassPhoto produces a high-quality square JPEG; before you submit, open the official DV instructions for the year you are entering and confirm the current technical limits.
How to create a DV Lottery photo online
Upload a clear photo to the DV Lottery tool, download the square digital file, and save a backup. Repeat for each family member on the entry. Pricing starts at $19.95 per person.
Common DV photo rejections
Entries get rejected for group photos, busy backgrounds, baby photos with hands covering the face, outdated pictures, and files that are not square or are too compressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can babies be on a DV entry photo?
Yes, but the infant must be alone in the frame with the face visible — no hands holding the face into frame from outside.
Is a passport photo OK for the DV Lottery?
If it is recent, square, and meets the year’s technical rules, passport-style photos are the right approach. Always verify the current DV photo instructions.