Questions
The photo rules, this site, and the entry form. Entering is free at dvprogram.state.gov.
What are the DV Lottery photo requirements?
Color JPEG, exactly 600×600 pixels, file size “Equal to or less than 240 kB (kilobytes) in file size,” plain white or off-white background, head 50–69% of the image height, eyes 56–69% from the bottom, taken within the last 6 months, no glasses. Each person on the entry needs a separate photo. The requirements page quotes the State Department pages these figures come from.
Is this the official DV Lottery website?
No. dvlotteryphoto.com is an independent photo service and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State or any government agency. The only entry site is dvprogram.state.gov, and entering there is free.
Does buying a photo enter me into the lottery?
No. Buying or downloading a photo does not enter the Diversity Visa program and does not affect the chance of selection. The entry is the form submitted at dvprogram.state.gov while registration is open.
Can you guarantee my photo will be accepted?
No. This site does not guarantee that the U.S. Department of State will accept the photo, and it does not promise selection. The Department’s photo page says: “A Department of State employee will make the final decision whether your visa photo is acceptable or not for your application.”
Do you change my face?
No. The tool crops and resizes to 600×600, and turns a plain light background white. It does not change facial features. The State Department photo page says: “Photos must not be digitally enhanced or altered to change your appearance in any way.”
Can I wear glasses?
The DV-2026 instructions say “Do not wear eyeglasses.” The general visa photo page says eyeglasses are no longer allowed in new visa photos, except in rare cases when they cannot be removed for medical reasons, with a signed statement from a medical professional. Sunglasses are not allowed. This checker cannot apply a medical exception.
Can I wear a hijab or head covering?
The photo page says: “Do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for a religious purpose. Your full face must be visible, and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face.” Hats and headphones are not accepted.
Can I reuse last year's photo?
No. The photo must be taken within the last 6 months and must show current appearance. The DV-2026 instructions say that submitting the same photograph used with a prior year’s entry will make you ineligible for a DV. DV-2027 instructions are not published. Read the instructions in force on travel.state.gov before submitting.
Does my spouse or child need a photo?
Yes. Each person on the entry needs a separate photo. Finish one, then choose Make another photo. This site handles one photo at a time.
How do I photograph a baby?
The photo page says no other person should be in the photo, and the child should look at the camera with eyes open. One published method is to lay the baby on a plain white or off-white sheet and keep shadows off the face. Another is to cover a car seat with a plain white or off-white sheet. The requirements page quotes both tips.
When does DV-2027 entry open?
As of Oct 24, 2026, dvprogram.state.gov said the DV-2026 entry period was October 2 to November 7, 2024, and that entries are not being accepted. It published no DV-2027 opening, closing, or results date. Some news reports have said early November. That date is not on a State Department page.
What if my photo is rejected or I'm not happy?
Payments are off, so there is no charge and nothing to refund. When paid downloads start, the refund page will state the redo window, the contact address, and how long photos are kept. Acceptance of a photo is decided by the U.S. Department of State.