DV Lottery photo requirements — the exact specs
The US State Department publishes strict photo requirements for the Electronic Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery (also called the Green Card Lottery). These are the specifications you must meet for the current DV-2026 and DV-2027 programs:
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo dimensions | 600 × 600 px minimum (square, 2×2 inch) |
| File size | Between 10 KB and 240 KB |
| File format | JPEG only |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Head position | Facing directly forward, centered |
| Face coverage | 50% of the frame (head from chin to crown) |
| Expression | Neutral, both eyes open and visible |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Head coverings | Only for religious reasons |
Many applicants upload a photo that is technically correct but exceeds 240 KB. The EDV system will reject the submission. Always check your file size before uploading. The Bisnep tool outputs a file that meets this constraint automatically.
Why the DV Lottery photo is stricter than a regular passport photo
The key differences between a DV Lottery photo and a standard passport photo are the square format (2×2 inch, not 35×45 mm portrait) and the strict file size cap of 240 KB. Many applicants use a regular passport photo tool and then fail on one of these two points, causing their entry to be disqualified — often without a clear error message from the EDV portal.
How to generate your DV Lottery photo free with Bisnep
The Bisnep Passport & Visa Photo Generator supports the DV Lottery square format and automatically optimises the JPEG output to stay well within the 240 KB limit. Everything runs in your browser — your photo is never sent anywhere.
Open the Bisnep photo tool
Go to bisnep.com/passport-photo — no account or app needed.
Upload your photo
Select a clear, front-facing photo. Use a photo with a simple, light background for best results. Your file stays on your device.
Select "US Visa / DV Lottery (2×2 inch)"
The crop frame switches to a square 1:1 ratio. Position your face so it occupies about half the total frame height, centred.
Apply white background
Enable the white background option to ensure a clean, compliant background.
Download and verify size
Download the JPEG. Check the file size before uploading to the EDV portal — it should be under 240 KB. The Bisnep tool is optimised to ensure this.
The Bisnep photo tool runs entirely in your browser using the HTML5 Canvas API. Your photo, your name, your IP — none of it is logged or transmitted. Particularly important for government immigration documents.
Bisnep vs. other DV Lottery photo tools
Several online tools claim to generate DV Lottery-compliant photos, but many upload your image to their servers and some charge a fee. Here is how the main options compare:
| Feature | Bisnep | Persofoto | DVLottery.com | Visafoto |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free to use | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ Paid | ❌ Paid |
| No server upload | ✅ Yes | ❌ Uploads | ❌ Uploads | ❌ Uploads |
| Enforces 240 KB limit | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Varies | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Square 2×2 format | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Works on mobile | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| No sign-up | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Required | ✅ Yes |
The main advantage Bisnep offers over every alternative is that your photo never leaves your device. When your photo is a government identity document, that distinction matters.
Common DV Lottery photo rejection reasons
- File over 240 KB: The EDV portal rejects files above this limit with a generic error. Always check file size before submitting.
- Non-square photo: Uploading a standard portrait (35×45 mm) instead of a square 2×2 inch photo will cause rejection.
- Glasses: The US State Department does not permit glasses in visa photos, including the DV Lottery.
- Shadows on face or background: Uneven lighting is a common rejection reason.
- Coloured or patterned background: Must be plain white or very light off-white.
- Photo taken more than 6 months ago: The photo must represent your current appearance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same photo for the DV Lottery and a US visa?
Yes, if it meets both sets of requirements — which it will if it is a square 2×2 inch JPEG with a white background and the correct face framing. The specs are identical for both the DV Lottery and DS-160 US visa applications.
Can I submit the DV Lottery entry on my phone?
Yes. The EDV portal is mobile-accessible, and the Bisnep tool works in Safari on iOS and Chrome on Android. You can generate and submit entirely from your phone.
Does the photo need to be taken professionally?
No. The US State Department does not require professional photography. A clear photo taken with a smartphone in good lighting against a white or light grey wall, processed with the Bisnep tool, is fully compliant.
What happens if my DV Lottery photo is rejected?
If your entry is disqualified due to a photo issue, you cannot resubmit for that program year. This makes getting the photo right on the first attempt critical. Use the comparison table above and double-check file size and dimensions before submitting.