The rules
| Rule | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (DV lottery) | Exactly 600 × 600 pixels, square |
| Visa forms (DS-160) | Square, between 600 × 600 and 1200 × 1200 pixels |
| Format | JPEG |
| File size | 240 KB or less |
| Head height | 50–69% of the image height |
| Eye height | 56–69% of the image height, measured from the bottom |
| Background | White or off-white |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| How recent | Taken in the last 6 months |
How to make one
- Take the photo against a plain white wall, facing a window, with no glasses.
- Open the US visa / DV photo maker. It crops to 600 × 600 and positions the head and eyes in range.
- If a form rejects the file size, use resize to KB to bring it under 240 KB without changing the pixel size.
Common reasons entries fail
- Photo is not square, or is resized rather than cropped, so the face is stretched.
- File is over 240 KB.
- Head too small (taken from too far away) or too large.
- Old photo reused from a previous year's entry.
- Background replaced or photo retouched.
DV-2027 status
Registration for the DV-2027 lottery has not opened. See the latest DV-2027 update.
Questions
What size photo do I need for the DV lottery?
A square JPEG of exactly 600 × 600 pixels, 240 KB or smaller.
How do I reduce my DV photo below 240 KB?
Re-save it as JPEG at a lower quality without changing the 600 × 600 pixel size. Our resize-to-KB tool does this automatically.
Can I wear glasses in a DV lottery photo?
No. Glasses are not allowed in US visa photos.
Sources
Checked on 2 Nov 2026. Prices and rules change; always confirm with the official source before you apply. SnapToSubmit is an independent service, not a government website.