Green Card Lottery (DV Program) Photo Maker
The Diversity Visa entry form only takes a square 600×600 pixel JPEG of 240 KB or less. A bad photo is one of the most common reasons entries are disqualified, so get the numbers right before you submit.
🔒 100% in your browser — your photo is never uploaded
1. Choose a photo — front-facing, even light, plain light background.
2. Adjust — drag to move, slider to zoom.
3. Optional: replace background
⚠️ Many authorities reject photos that are digitally altered. For the safest result, take the photo against a plain light wall and skip this step.
Background editing is disabled for this photo type because the issuing authority prohibits edited or background-replaced photos. Use a real plain wall.
4. Checks
- Waiting for a photo
Automated checks are guides only — they can't judge expression, glasses, shadows or focus.
5. Download (free)
Requirements at a glance
| Photo size | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) |
|---|---|
| Digital output (this tool) | 600 × 600 px JPEG |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 25.4–34.9 mm |
| Eye line from bottom | 28.6–34.9 mm |
| Background | plain white or off-white |
| File size | max 240 KB (auto-compressed) |
| Print resolution | 300 DPI |
| Photos per 4×6 / A4 sheet | 6 / 20 |
| Background editing | avoid; optional tool available |
Official source: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html. Checked 2026-10-20. Rules change — always confirm with the issuing authority before applying.
Exact DV photo specification
According to the State Department, a DV entry photo must be a JPEG (.jpg), equal to or less than 240 kB, in a square aspect ratio and 600×600 pixels. Unlike the DS-160, the DV form does not accept larger images such as 1200×1200 — so this page outputs exactly 600×600. If you scan an existing print instead, it must be a 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) photo scanned at 300 pixels per inch.
The person in the photo must meet the normal visa composition rules: head 50–69% of image height, eyes between 56% and 69% of the height from the bottom, full face, neutral expression, eyes open, plain white or off-white background, taken in the last six months, and no eyeglasses.
One photo per person — including children
Every person listed on the entry needs their own recent photo: you, your spouse, and each unmarried child under 21, even if they do not plan to immigrate. Group photos are not accepted. A photo you submitted in a previous year's entry should not be reused, and entries that reuse an old photo or a photo of a different person can be disqualified.
Babies and toddlers
Lay your baby on a plain white sheet, or cover a car seat with a white sheet, and photograph from directly above or in front. No other person or hand may be visible. Eyes should be open where possible.
Selected? You will need printed photos too
If you are selected, each applicant must bring two identical printed 2×2 inch photos on photo-quality paper to the immigrant visa interview. Switch the tool to the 4x6 print sheet and print one 4×6 at any photo counter to get six.
The official DV entry is free and only available at dvprogram.state.gov. Never pay a website that claims to submit your entry or guarantee a win.
How to make a Green card lottery with this tool
- Pick a photo taken in the last few months against a plain white or off-white background, face lit evenly from the front.
- The tool finds your face and scales it so the head is about 30 mm tall on a 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) photo.
- Drag or zoom until every check is green — the eyes must sit inside the green band.
- Download the 600×600 px JPG (compressed under 240 KB) for online forms, or a 4×6 sheet with 6 photos to print.
FAQ
What size must a DV lottery photo be?
Exactly 600x600 pixels, square, JPEG, 240 KB or less.
Can I use a 1200x1200 photo for the green card lottery?
No. The DV photo must be 600x600 pixels. Use the default download on this page.
Do my children need photos for the DV lottery?
Yes, every person on the entry needs an individual recent photo, including children who will not immigrate.
Can I wear glasses in my DV photo?
No. Glasses are not allowed except in rare medical cases with a signed medical statement.
Is this tool affiliated with the DV program?
No. It is an independent free tool. The only official entry site is dvprogram.state.gov.