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USDV Lotterychecked November 10, 2026

United States DV Lottery photo

Status on November 10, 2026

DV-2027 registration has not opened. A federal court in San Diego ordered the State Department to open it by 1 November 2026, but on 29 October 2026 the Ninth Circuit stayed that order while the government appeals. No new registration date has been announced.

If registration opens, each entry needs a photo that meets the rules below, valid passport details with a scan of the passport's biographic and signature page, and the $1 registration fee. Entries are only accepted on the official E-DV website, dvprogram.state.gov.

Be wary of any site that says it is taking DV-2027 entries now. We update this note when the State Department or the courts change the position.

2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm)

United States DV Lottery photos are 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm), with the head 22–35 mm from chin to crown, on a white / off-white background.

2 in 2 in 22–35 mm

Checks

  1. Add a photo to see the crop and the checks.

United States DV Lottery photo rules

2 in 2 in 22–35 mm
Print size
2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm)
Pixels at 300 dpi
600 × 600 px
Pixels at 600 dpi
1200 × 1200 px
Head height
22–35 mm
Digital file
600 × 600 px, JPG, ≤ 240 KB
Background
white / off-white
Glasses
Not allowed unless medically needed
Expression
neutral, both eyes open
Editing
The agency forbids software edits and background replacement.

“Photos must not be digitally enhanced or altered to change your appearance in any way.”

  • Digital image: JPEG, square, 600 x 600 px, 240 kB or less.
  • A scanned print must be 2 x 2 in, scanned at 300 ppi.
  • Since 10 Apr 2026 every entry also needs valid passport details and a scan of the passport biographic and signature page (limited exemptions).
  • Entering costs a $1 registration fee, paid at the time of entry. There is no other cost to enter.

What we do: crop, straighten and resize your photo to the exact size. We never retouch your face or change the background.

How it works

  1. Take the photo

    Stand in front of a plain light wall, face the camera, keep your mouth closed. Ask someone else to take it at arm's length or more.

  2. Check it here

    Pick the document and add the photo. Face landmarks and the background mask are computed in your browser.

  3. Fix what failed

    Each failed check says what to change. Retake the photo until every line passes.

  4. Get the file

    Order the full-resolution file and, for printed documents, a 4 × 6 in sheet to print at any photo counter.

Questions

What size is a United States DV Lottery photo?

2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm). The head, measured from chin to crown, must be 22–35 mm.

What background colour does a United States DV Lottery photo need?

White / off-white. Plain, evenly lit, with no shadows or objects behind you.

Can I wear glasses in a United States DV Lottery photo?

Not allowed unless medically needed

Can I take a United States DV Lottery photo at home?

Yes, as long as it meets the rules above. Take it against a plain wall in daylight, then check it here. We crop it to the exact size without editing it.

Will you remove the background or retouch my face?

No. Most passport offices reject edited photos, so we only crop, straighten and resize.