Photo requirements
US visa & DV lottery photo
The US Department of State uses the same digital photo rules for the DS-160 visa application and the Diversity Visa (Green Card) lottery. Upload your photo here and IDsize crops it to exactly 600×600 pixels with the head at the right size.
- Checked against official sources
Official requirements
| Digital size | Square, at least 600×600 px and at most 1200×1200 px |
|---|---|
| File | JPEG, maximum 240 KB, in colour (sRGB) |
| Head size | 1 to 1⅜ inches, or 50–69% of the image height, from chin to top of head |
| Printed size | 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Editing | The photo must not be digitally enhanced or altered to change your appearance |
Checked against the official sources on 22 October 2026: travel.state.gov – Digital image requirements. Rules can change, so look at the official page before you submit.
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Tips for an accepted photo
- Take the photo within the last six months.
- Remove glasses. Head coverings are only allowed for religious or medical reasons.
- Use the same photo rules for every family member in a DV lottery entry. A wrong photo can disqualify the entry.
Questions
Is the DV lottery photo the same as the visa photo?
Yes. Both require a square JPEG of at least 600×600 pixels and no more than 240 KB, with the head taking up 50–69% of the image height.
Can I take the photo with my phone?
Yes. Stand in front of a plain, light wall with even light. IDsize crops and checks it for you.
What if my file is larger than 240 KB?
IDsize compresses the download automatically so it stays under 240 KB.