DV Lottery Photo Requirements – Full Checklist & Guide

Don’t Let a Photo Ruin Your Chance to Win the Green Card

Every year, thousands of DV Lottery applications are rejected—not because of missing info, but because of one small, overlooked detail: the photo. The U.S. State Department has very specific DV Lottery photo requirements, and failing to meet them can disqualify you instantly.

In this guide, you’ll get the official DV Lottery photo requirements , plus how to check and validate your photo for free using FileProton’s DV Lottery Photo Checker.

Let’s make sure your application has every chance of success.

✅ What Is the DV Lottery?

The Diversity Visa Lottery (DV Lottery) is a U.S. government program that awards 50,000 immigrant visas annually to people from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S.

To apply, you need:

• A completed online application
• A valid passport (in most cases)
• A digital photo that meets official requirements

📸 DV Lottery Photo Requirements (Updated)

Your photo is not just a formality. It must follow strict technical and visual specifications. Here’s the complete list:

🖼️ 1. Photo Size & Dimensions

• 600×600 pixels
• Must be square (1:1 aspect ratio)

🌐 2. File Format

• Must be in JPEG (.jpg) format
• File size should not exceed 240KB

💡 3. Image Quality

• Must be in focus
• No overexposure or shadows
• No digital alterations or filters

📸 4. Head Position

• Head must be directly facing the camera
• Should cover 50–69% of the photo’s total height (roughly from chin to crown)

👤 5. Expression & Eyes

• Neutral expression (no smiles, no frowns)
• Eyes must be open
• No eyeglasses allowed (rule changed in 2016)

🎨 6. Background

• Must be plain white or off-white
• No shadows or textures
• No patterns or scenery

👕 7. Clothing & Accessories

• Wear everyday clothing
• No uniforms (unless religious wear that is worn daily)
• No hats, headphones, or head coverings (unless worn for religious purposes)

⚠️ Common Mistakes That Get Photos Rejected

Avoid these at all costs:

• ❌ Using an old passport or visa photo
• ❌ Wearing glasses or headgear
• ❌ Background isn’t white or evenly lit
• ❌ Head is too large or too small
• ❌ Image is blurry, low-quality, or digitally enhanced

Even something as simple as a slight shadow on the background can get your application disqualified.

🛠️ How to Check If Your DV Lottery Photo Meets Requirements

✅ Step-by-Step Using FileProton’s DV Lottery Photo Checker:

1. Go to FileProton’s tool
   ➤ https://fileproton.com/dv-lottery-photo-checker/
2. Upload your photo
   Drag and drop or browse from your device
3. Wait for automatic analysis
   FileProton checks:
   • Dimensions
   • File size & format
   • Head position
   • Background contrast
4. Get instant feedback
   If your photo fails, you’ll see exactly what’s wrong.
5. Fix and re-upload until it passes
   Use a basic photo editor or take a new picture.

💡 Pro Tip: The tool doesn’t store your photo—it’s fully secure and private.

🧠 Why FileProton is Better Than Manual Checks

Yes, you can try to follow all the specs manually, but human error is risky when rejection means starting over.

FileProton’s DV Lottery Photo Checker:

• ✅ 100% free
• ✅ No sign-up required
• ✅ Mobile-friendly
• ✅ Highlights exact issues with your photo
• ✅ Updates regularly with new government requirements

📝 DV Lottery Photo vs. Passport Photo: Are They the Same?

Not quite. While they look similar, DV Lottery photos have tighter restrictions.

📷 How to Take the Perfect DV Lottery Photo at Home

You don’t need to go to a studio. Just follow these tips:

• Stand in front of a blank wall
• Use a smartphone or digital camera
• Turn off overhead lights to avoid shadows
• Use natural lighting if possible
• Keep camera at eye level
• Use a tripod or timer for stability
• Wear plain clothing in contrast with background

💾 After the Photo is Ready…

• Save it as JPG
• Keep the file size under 240KB
• Double-check that it’s 600×600 pixels
• Use FileProton’s checker to verify before submitting

🚨 What Happens If Your Photo is Wrong?

• Your entry may be disqualified without notice
• You won’t be informed until results are released
• Your application won’t be processed—even if all other info is perfect

📌 Bottom line: Don’t risk it. One photo = your entire chance.

🔄 What If You’re Submitting as a Family?

• Each spouse and child must have their own photo
• All must meet the same requirements
• Use FileProton to check each photo individually

❓ FAQ – DV Lottery Photo Requirements

Q1: Can I use a photo from last year’s application?

Only if it was taken within the last 6 months and meets the new requirements.

Q2: Can I wear religious headwear?

Yes, as long as it doesn’t obscure your face.

Q3: Are selfies allowed?

Only if they meet all technical requirements (especially head positioning and lighting).

Q4: Can I edit my photo?

Only minor cropping or rotation is allowed. No retouching, filters, or background editing.

Q5: What if I don’t have a white background at home?

Use a white sheet or wall. Some tools (not recommended) remove backgrounds, but that may get your photo flagged.

✅ Final Checklist – DV Lottery Photo

✔️ 600×600 pixels
✔️ JPG format
✔️ Under 240KB
✔️ Plain white background
✔️ Head faces forward, centered
✔️ No glasses or shadows
✔️ Neutral expression
✔️ Valid photo for each applicant
✔️ Verified with FileProton Photo Checker

🧭 Final Thoughts

Your DV Lottery photo is more than just a picture—it’s a requirement that can make or break your application.

The U.S. government won’t check it for you. If it doesn’t match the specs, your application goes straight to the reject pile.

Don’t take that risk. Use a tool like FileProton’s DV Lottery Photo Checker to verify every photo before submitting.

✅ Free
✅ Instant feedback
✅ 100% private

📸 A perfect photo gives your application the green light. Let’s make sure yours gets there.

🔗 Helpful Resources:

• DV Lottery Official Photo Requirements
• FileProton – Free DV Lottery Photo Checker
• DV Lottery 2025 Entry Page