DV Lottery photo
DV Lottery photo requirements: 51 × 51 mm. Check background, head position, expression, glasses and print or digital format. Official document-specific guidance
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What this page covers
This page summarizes the photo rules for DV Lottery photo. The main print format is 51 × 51 mm.
Use the checklist below to confirm background, face position, glasses and lighting, then prepare the file online with PhotoDocs.
The reference source for this profile is U.S. Department of State.
Source and verification
This page follows document-specific public guidance published by U.S. Department of State.
Official document-specific photo rules were verified on 2026-04-06 using U.S. Department of State.
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Photo requirements
How to take this photo correctly
- Start with a recent, sharp portrait for DV Lottery photo.
- Keep the pose aligned with the rule: Straight full-face, face centered, without tilt.
- Use a clean setup that matches the required background: White or off-white background.
- Check eyewear before submission: Glasses are not allowed.
Common reasons this photo gets rejected
- The background does not match the rule: White or off-white background.
- The head is tilted, too close to the edge or cropped too tightly.
- Glasses, glare, hair or shadows make the eyes hard to see.
- The facial expression does not match the rule: Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open.