Getting a qualified photo for the DV Lottery 2026 is crucial for a successful application. A single mistake in your photo can lead to disqualification, so it’s essential to follow the official requirements closely. From the proper size and background to lighting and face positioning, every detail matters. In this guide, we’ll show you how to take a photo that meets the U.S. Department of State’s standards, ensuring your entry is valid for the 2026 Diversity Visa Lottery.
DV Lottery 2026 Photo Requirements
Whether you need to sign up for DV Lottery 2026 or you are selected, you should submit a qualified DV lottery photo. Therefore, it is important to learn about the official standards of a proper photo listed as follows. As the DV lottery application is made online, you have to submit a digital photo.
DV Lottery Photo Size & Format
- Size: a minimum of 600×600 pixels and a maximum of 1200×1200 pixels with a square aspect ratio
- Resolution: at least 300 dpi; 600 dpi is favorable.
- File size: less than 240 KB
- File format: JPG
- Color depth: 24-bits
- It must be a colored photo instead of a black-and-white one.
- Head measurement (from chin to top of head): 300-414 pixels or 1-1.375 inch
- Measurement from eye level to the bottom photo edge: 336-414 pixels or 1.125-1.375 inch
- If you provide a scanned printed photo, the print is supposed to be 2 x 2 inches and scanned with a resolution of 300 dpi.
DV Lottery Photo Validity
The photo for the DV lottery photo must be taken within the last 6 months before the application date. That is to say, if your appearance has changed a lot after taking the photo during this period, you have to retake a new one that presents your current look. The old photo of the last DV lottery application is not qualified and will be rejected by the government.
Photo Quality
The photo for the diversity visa lottery must be clear, sharp, and in focus. A scanned photo must be clear of scratches, stains, blurring, folding marks, or watermarks. Don’t retouch it or change any facial features with the software.
Photo Background
The applicant should be the only one that appears in the picture. The background should be neutral and light-colored, such as white, off-white or light gray. The backdrop should be clear of any other items, persons, patterns, stains or uneven texture. The DV lottery photo tool we are going to introduce, AiPassportPhotos will automatically deal with it.
Pose and Facial Expressions
Applicants are required to show their whole face and forehead. Ears are not mandatory to be visible. You must face straight forward, so all facial characteristics would be captured, including the jawline and temples. Look at the camera and keep your eyes open. Keep a neutral expression, which means you can’t laugh, grin or frown because exaggerated movements would distort facial features. A natural smile is acceptable, but make sure to close your mouth and not show your teeth.
Lighting
The diversity visa lottery photo must show natural skin color and not have shadows, so the subject should be evenly lit. Avoid underexposed or overexposed in case of red eye effect, color difference and ununiform highlights. Take off your accessories if they cast shadows on the background, your face, neck and shoulders.
Headgear
Hats and head coverings are not allowed unless for religious or medical reasons. Remember to remove the headband or other decorations on the baby. If you have to wear it, please offer a signed statement from a religious leader or doctor indicating that you have to wear it in daily life or for treatment. Your face can’t be covered in any case.
Hair & Glasses
There are no specific requirements on hairstyles as long as it does not obscure any part of the face. Otherwise, you should tie it up, especially your eyes. Just carefully organize your hair behind you if you let it down.
Glasses have been prohibited in the diversity visa lottery since 2016 because the reflection from the lenses would obscure the recognition of your eyes and the frame would cast shadows on your face.
How to Take a DV Lottery Photo at Home
Although it is suggested to use professional ID photo services in retail stores or studios, it is also acceptable to take a shot at home with your camera or phone if you have gotten acquainted with the photo requirements and the following photography tips. Plus, taking DV lottery photos can save you time and money.
Use a Tripod or Ask Other People for Help
If you hold your camera and take a selfie, it is not acceptable because it is too close to pose properly. Generally, the rear camera makes more clear photos than the front one. Therefore, you can set up your camera on a tripod or ask your friend or family to help. Then you can stand or sit 1-1.5 meters away from it. Set a timer or use a Bluetooth remote to control your camera.
Make Use of Natural Light
Lighting is the most difficult part while taking DV lottery photos at home. Improper lighting would lead to shadows and influence exposure. The best solution is to find a well-lit room on a sunny day and take advantage of natural daylight. Face the window from which you can see the sunlight and let it illuminate both sides of your face.
Dress Properly
There is no specific requirement for attire. This is good news. You can wear casual clothes. Please note that uniforms, vests, off-shoulder tops or any other fancy dress are not recommended. Besides, don’t wear light-colored clothes that might blend into the background.
Pose Properly
Remember that you are not a model and not taking a fashion shot. Just pose for the DV photo according to the official requirements and try to be natural and relaxed. Make sure your head and shoulders appear in the frame.
How to Use DV Lottery Photo Tool
The biggest problem of taking biometric photos at home is resizing the picture accurately and checking compliance, and that is what AiPassportphotos does. Here is the step-by-step guide to using an online DV lottery photo tool to crop your picture with a few clicks.
- Step 1. Upload a photo on AiPassportphotos
After taking the photo by following the steps above, you can upload it to this DV photo editor online free. The built-in AI technology will scan and check your face, lighting, photo quality, etc. If all these are qualified, it will automatically continue.
- Step 2: Wait for automatic resizing
If necessary, the DV lottery photo tool will carefully outline the figure and replace the background that satisfied the authority’s requirements, so you don’t have to worry about not having a white wall at home.
Compared with manual cropping in Photoshop or other photo editors, AiPassportphotos doesn’t require users to enter size values or drag the mouse to resize, which is more efficient and easier to use.
- Step 3: Preview and Download the photo
Now your photo is ready. Preview and see whether you are satisfied with it. If not, you can reupload another one. If yes, feel free to click the “Free Download” button to save it without any fee.
The final result is guaranteed to be 100% compliant with the official requirements. You can save the digital template with one photo or printable templates with 4 identical ones.
Besides making DV Lottery images, this intelligent ID photo maker can also make qualified photos for most document types around the world, such as passports, visas, driving licenses, citizenship cards and so on. All of them require one click.
How to Check Photo for DV Lottery 2026
Ensuring your DV Lottery 2026 photo meets all the official requirements is crucial to avoid disqualification. Whether you use online tools or check them yourself, verifying the photo’s compliance and avoiding common mistakes when taking DV photos can save you time and effort. Here are three effective ways to check your DV Lottery photo before submission.
Use Online DV Lottery Photo Checker
The U.S. Department of State offers an official tool to help applicants check their photos. You can use the Online DV Lottery Photo Checker to ensure your image meets the required standards for picture size.
However, this tool only crops your picture and will not detect your face or adjust the background and your head position. Your DV photo might be rejected if you are not familiar with the photo requirements. Hence, you might use AI tools such as AiPassportPhotos to detect your face and adjust the head position precisely.
Use Online DV Photo Editor
For additional accuracy, you can use the AiPassportPhotos tool. This online photo editor scans your face and adjusts the picture to meet DV Lottery photo specifications.
It ensures proper size, resolution, background, and facial alignment, making it a convenient option for ensuring your photo is qualified.
Check the Photo Yourself
You can also manually verify your photo by comparing it to the official DV Lottery photo requirements. Ensure the photo is 600×600 pixels, the background is plain white, and the head size and position follow the guidelines. Be sure to review all specifications before submitting.
FAQs
How many photos are required for my DV lottery application?
One digital photo is needed for online applications. If there are co-applicants, they should also submit one.
Do I need to take a new DV lottery photo if I have added or removed tattoos?
Yes, if they are on your face. The DV lottery photo should reveal your real and current biometric face.
Do I need to retake the photo if I have lost weight?
Yes, if your figure and appearance have changed a lot. And it is also applicable if putting on a lot of weight.
Do I need to retake the photo if I got a new gender identity?
Yes, if you have legally updated your gender identity, you will need to retake your photo for the DV Lottery or any official U.S. government document. The photo must reflect your current appearance and meet all the official requirements, including accurate gender representation.
Can I wear makeup or jewelry in the photo for a diversity immigrant visa?
Yes, but make sure the makeup is light and does not change your facial features. Jewelry should not cover your face, cast shadows or reflect light.
Summary
After reading this passage, you must have been clear about DV lottery photo requirements. Taking a shot on your own could be quite simple if you follow the photography tips, including equipment settings, lighting, dress code and pose. With the help of a DV lottery photo tool, you can start working confidently.