DV Lottery Photo Requirements (DV-2028)
The photo is the #1 reason DV entries get rejected — an estimated 5–15% of submissions are disqualified over it. These are the exact rules, and the tool below produces a file that meets them.
Free · Runs in your browser · 2 minutes
Example — your photo will appear here
The official requirements
- Size: Exactly 600×600 pixels, square aspect ratio.
- Format & weight: JPEG, at most 240 KB, 24-bit color.
- Head height: 50–69% of the photo height, from the chin to the top of the head.
- Eye line: Between 56% and 69% of the photo height from the bottom.
- Background: Plain white or off-white.
- Face: No glasses, neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open, full-face view.
- Freshness: Taken within the last 6 months.
Why photos get rejected
- ✗ Photo is not exactly 600×600 px
- ✗ File is over 240 KB
- ✗ Head is outside the 50–69% range
- ✗ Eyes are not in the 56–69% band
- ✗ Glasses, shadows, or a colored background
FAQ
What size must a DV lottery photo be?›
Exactly 600×600 pixels, square. Larger or rectangular photos are rejected. The tool on this page outputs exactly that.
Why is the 240 KB limit so strict?›
The DV system rejects files over 240 KB outright. We compress the final JPEG to fit under the limit automatically.
Can I smile in a DV lottery photo?›
No. Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open, looking straight at the camera.
Do I need a white background at home?›
No. Any reasonably even wall works — the tool replaces the background with plain white in your browser.
When is the DV-2028 entry window?›
The registration window opens in early October. Entries are free on the official site. We can email you a deadline reminder — leave your email below the result.
Disclaimer: DocuPhoto is not a government agency and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State. Requirements are collected from public official sources (verified 2026-09-15). Final acceptance of a photo is decided by the receiving authority.