DV Lottery Photo Tool [+Human Expert Check]
Get your biometric photograph within 3 minutes, with your smartphone, comfortably from home.
or
![DV Lottery Photo Tool [+Human Expert Check]](/_optimized/headerLP.5197a17a-opt-1920.WEBP)
How do our mobile and web apps work?
Snap the perfect biometric passport photo in under 3 minutes!
Find out just how simple it can be!
Take or upload a photo
Use a photo you already have or take a new one. We'll double-check it and make sure it passes all compliance tests.
Get your photo tuned-up by AI
Our AI system will crop, resize, and adjust the background of your image.
Get expert verification
One of our experts will carefully review your passport photo, providing you with feedback in under a minute!
Key benefits of using our passport photo tool
Get comfy at home, grab your phone, and snap a few pictures. End up with a result you’re 100% satisfied with!
Independence
No need to drive or wait in line. Take a photo wherever you are with only your smartphone.
Trusted service
Over a million users worldwide, 18 million photos processed, and thousands of 5-star reviews on TrustPilot.
Professional support
Questions or doubts about your photos? Our photography experts and support agents will be happy to help you out.
Acceptance guarantee
Once you place your order, our AI and human expert will verify your photo to ensure it's 100% compliant.
Passport photo-taking tips
Follow these guidelines to create the perfect passport picture.
Consider the distance
Keep your front-facing camera 16–20 inch (40–50 cm) away from the face. For rear cameras, keep a 4–6 foot (1–2 meter) distance.
Keep your head and body straight
Look directly into the camera and avoid tilting your body. Remember, portrait mode is unacceptable for passport photos.
Prepare good lighting
Take your passport photos in a daylight setting, like near a window on a sunny day. Shadows on your face or in the background are not permitted.
DV Lottery Photo Requirements
Size
2x2 in
Resolution
301 dpi
Is it suitable for online submission?
Yes
Is it printable?
Yes
Background Color
White
Image definition parameters
Head height: 1.29 in
Bottom of the Photo to the Eye Line: 1.18 in
Vule is a seasoned editor with a rich background in writing and editing, specializing in content related to passport photography. His skill lies in transforming complex information into clear, engaging narratives, making intricate topics accessible and relatable to a broad audience. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Vule ensures that every piece of content is not only factually accurate but also captivating and informative.
Karolina is a seasoned legal expert with a Master of Law and legal advisor credentials, specializing in passport photo compliance. She ensures adherence to international standards set by entities like the US Department of State and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Equipped with her advocate license and extensive legal background, she brings a unique blend of legal acumen and technical knowledge. Her expertise is pivotal in navigating the intricate and rigorous standards set by key global authorities. Her approach, marked by meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of international law, ensures stringent adherence to the evolving passport and visa photo regulations worldwide.
Dreaming of a life in the United States?
You're not alone.
Every year, over 11 million hopefuls apply for the DV Lottery, eyeing one of the 55,000 immigrant visas.
But—
Before the Statue of Liberty welcomes you with open arms, you need to get that DV Lottery photo right.
Let's snap to it:
DV Lottery Photo Requirements
First impressions count, especially when it's a photo that could change your life.
So—
Let's break down the essentials:
General Photo Guidelines
- Freshness: Your photo should be recent, taken within the last 6 months
- Reusability: Never use an image from a prior year's entry or pictures from other official documents
- Manipulation: Any photo alterations or manipulations will disqualify you
Photo Composition
- Color: Photos must be in color
- Focus: Ensure your photo is in focus
- Size: The head should measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 and 35 mm) or occupy 50–69% of the image's height
- Background: Opt for a plain white or off-white backdrop
- Position: A full-face view, directly facing the camera
- Expression: Keep a neutral facial expression with both eyes open
- Attire: Wear your daily clothing. Avoid uniforms, except for daily-worn religious attire
- Head coverings: Hats or head coverings that hide the hair or hairline are a no-go unless it's for religious reasons. Ensure no shadows fall on your face
- Accessories: No headphones, wireless devices, or eyeglasses. Hearing devices or similar are acceptable if worn regularly
Digital Image Specifications
- Format: JPEG (.jpg) file
- File size: Must be 240 kB or less
- Dimensions: A square aspect ratio, 600x600 pixels
Scanning: If scanning an existing photo, it should be 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) and scanned at 300 pixels per inch
DV Photo Checker
Let's be honest:
The myriad of photo requirements for the DV lottery can be dizzying.
It’s like setting off fireworks on the Fourth of July: one dud and the whole show loses its sparkle.
But—
Fear not.
We've created a handy Google Sheets checklist to help you ensure every aspect of your photo is on point.
If manually ticking off boxes isn’t your cup of tea, that’s OK.
Our diversity visa photo validator can run all the checks for you, ensuring your photo is up to the mark. It uses AI to verify (among others):
- Is your image properly exposed?
- Are your eyes open?
- Is your mouth closed?
- Are there any unwanted shadows?
It’s like having a friend who knows all about DV lottery picture requirements and giving your photo a once-over.
Plus, it’s not just technology doing the work.
An actual human will also review your photo to ensure it's 100% compliant. If something is off, they'll guide you to re-take the image at no extra cost.
Sounds too good to be true?
PhotoAiD isn’t new to the game. We’ve helped 1+ million users worldwide and processed over 18 million photos, earning thousands of 5-star reviews on Trustpilot.
Now—
If you don’t have a DV lottery photo yet, no worries. Up next, we'll explain how to capture that perfect shot from the comfort of your home using our DV lottery photo editor software.
DV Photo Tool
Let's now get down to the nitty-gritty of our DV lottery photo editor.
Think of it as a pocket-sized expert that can help you snap the perfect photo with your smartphone.
Here's how it works:
- Grab your phone, set it on a tripod, or get a friend to help. Dress as per the guidelines and take a photo.
- Upload the photo.
- Our DV lottery photo tool will crop, resize, and adjust the background of your photograph.
- One of our experts will review your photo and provide feedback in under 60 seconds.
- Get your image.
Done and dusted.
Plus—
If you're more of a DIY enthusiast and want to craft that perfect shot yourself, PhotoAiD has got you covered.
We have a suite of free tools you may want to try, including:
Sources:
Discover other documents we support
Frequently asked questions
The correct DV lottery photo size is 2x2 inches (51x51 mm).
The DV-2026 lottery registration opens on October 2, 2024, at 12:00 pm EDT and closes on November 7, 2024, at 12:00 pm EST.
To apply for the DV lottery, submit your entry via the E-DV site during the registration period.
Yes, you must list all living, unmarried children under 21, including natural, legally adopted, and stepchildren. This applies even if you’re no longer married to their parent. You must also include your spouse unless legally separated. Missing this information can disqualify your entry.
Countries with low immigration rates to the US can apply. The following are ineligible because over 50,000 of their natives immigrated to the US in the past five years: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (including Hong Kong), Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland), Venezuela, and Vietnam.
It’s best to submit your application yourself. If someone helps, stay involved and keep your confirmation number. Don’t let others hold it. Some may charge money or misuse it.
It’s the only way to check your status. Without it, you won’t know if you’ve been selected. Store it safely, and don’t share it.
Starting May 3, 2025, go to dvprogram.state.gov. Click on Entrant Status Check and enter your confirmation number and details. This is the only way to see if you’ve been selected.
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