DV Lottery photo rules in plain words
The U.S. Department of State is strict with entry photos. The file must be exactly 600x600 pixels, a JPG of at most 240 KB, on a plain white or off-white background. The matching printed size, used later, is 51x51 mm (2.01 x 2.01 in) at 300 DPI.
- Head size: 25-35 mm from chin to crown.
- Eye line: 28-35 mm from the bottom of the photo.
- Glasses: not allowed.
- Head covering: religious only, with the face fully visible.
- Age of photo: taken within the last 6 months.
Why the photo matters so much
A non-compliant photo disqualifies the entry, so the photo is not just a formality. Entries are submitted online, so only the digital file counts at that stage. If you are later selected, you bring 2 printed 2x2 in photos to the interview.
How to take the photo at home with a phone
Stand in front of a plain white wall, with soft daylight in front of you. Hold the phone at eye level, look straight into the lens and keep a neutral expression. Both eyes should be open and your face evenly lit, without shadows on either side.
- Take off your glasses.
- Keep hair away from the eyes and your whole head in the frame.
- Do not use filters, flash or beauty modes.
IDPhotoly processes the image in your browser without uploading it, crops it to a square, replaces the background and checks the head and eye-line measurements. The final file is a 600x600 px JPG.
Common reasons for rejection
- File over 240 KB. The DV entry limit is much smaller than for a normal passport upload.
- Wrong pixel size. The photo must be exactly 600x600 px.
- Glasses. They are not allowed.
- Old photo. It must be taken within 6 months.
- Head or eye line out of range. The head must be 25-35 mm and the eye line 28-35 mm from the bottom.
Uploading and printing
For the entry, upload the 600x600 px JPG on the official form. Keep the file under 240 KB, and do not re-save or resize it after the check. If you are selected, print 2 photos at 2x2 in (51x51 mm) at 300 DPI for the interview. Payment is one-time, and you receive a full refund if an authority rejects the photo.
Final checks before you submit
Open the downloaded file and confirm its properties before you upload it: the dimensions should read 600x600 pixels and the size should be below 240 KB. Do not pass the file through messaging apps or editors, which often recompress images and change the size. Keep a copy of the original so that you can match your interview photos to the one you submitted.