DV Lottery Photo Checker
Find problems before you submit. Upload your finished DV photo and get a clear PASS, WARNING or FAIL for every rule, with a plain-language fix for each problem.
- Never uploaded
- Free, no sign-up
- No watermark
- Works on phones
- Works offline after one download
Not an official tool. The U.S. Department of State decides. Official rules
Your files are processed on your device and never uploaded.
Problems found? Fix them automatically with the DV Photo Tool →
Works offline after one download.
How to check your DV Lottery photo
- Upload the exact photo file you plan to submit.
- Wait a moment while the file and your face are measured on your device.
- Read the checklist. Fix every FAIL (the tool explains how), review the warnings, then check again.
DV photo requirements we check
| Requirement | Rule | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| File format | JPEG (.jpg) | travel.state.gov — Digital image requirements checked Oct 11, 2026 |
| Dimensions | Square, 600×600 to 1200×1200 px (600×600 recommended) | travel.state.gov — Digital image requirements checked Oct 11, 2026 |
| File size | 240 kB or less | travel.state.gov — Digital image requirements checked Oct 11, 2026 |
| Color | 24-bit color, sRGB | travel.state.gov — Digital image requirements checked Oct 11, 2026 |
| Compression | 20:1 or less | travel.state.gov — Digital image requirements checked Oct 11, 2026 |
| Head height | 50%–69% of the image height (top of hair to chin) | travel.state.gov — Photo composition template checked Oct 11, 2026 |
| Eye height | 56%–69% of the image height, measured from the bottom | travel.state.gov — Photo composition template checked Oct 11, 2026 |
| People | Exactly one person, facing the camera | travel.state.gov — Visa photo requirements checked Oct 11, 2026 |
| Background Guideline | Plain white or off-white, with no shadows. | travel.state.gov — Visa photo requirements checked Oct 11, 2026 |
| Head position Guideline | Centered and level: no more than 6% of the width off center, and tilted less than 5°. | travel.state.gov — Photo composition template checked Oct 11, 2026 |
| Eyeglasses | Not allowed | travel.state.gov — Visa photo requirements checked Oct 11, 2026 |
| Age of photo | Taken within the last 6 months; not reused from a previous entry | travel.state.gov — DV-2026 instructions (PDF) checked Oct 11, 2026 |
Guideline The official rule gives no number (it says “no shadows” or “centered”), so the limit shown is the one Picsawa checks against. The State Department makes the final decision.
Why use Picsawa
- Private by designFiles are processed on your device and never uploaded.
- Free, no sign-upNo account, no watermark and no daily limits.
- Works everywherePhones, tablets and computers, in any modern browser.
About the DV Lottery Photo Checker tool
The checker reads the real file data, not just the file name, so it catches PNG or HEIC photos renamed to .jpg, grayscale or CMYK files, wrong color profiles such as Display P3 or Adobe RGB, and files over 240 kB.
It then detects your face to measure head height, eye position, centering and tilt, and samples the area around your head to judge whether the background is plain and light. Sharpness (variance of the Laplacian) and exposure are measured on your face.
Some rules cannot be verified reliably by software, such as eyeglasses, a neutral expression or when the photo was taken. These are listed separately for you to check yourself. The checker still warns when it spots glasses (from the frame across your nose), closed eyes or a big smile.
Frequently asked questions
Does passing this checker guarantee my photo will be accepted?
No. The checker tests the measurable rules carefully, but the U.S. Department of State makes the final decision, and some rules need a human eye. Use it to catch problems early, and always review the official rules.
Why does my .jpg file fail the JPEG check?
Some phones and apps save PNG or HEIC data with a .jpg name. The checker looks at the actual bytes in the file. Re-save it as a real JPEG, or create it with our DV Photo Tool.
My background is white but it fails. Why?
The background is measured around your head. Shadows, a gray-looking wall from dim light, patterns or objects next to you can push it outside the limits. Light the wall evenly or use the white background option in the DV Photo Tool.
What does the head height percentage mean?
It is the distance from the top of your hair to the bottom of your chin, divided by the photo height. It must be 50% to 69%. If your hair is cut off at the top of the photo, the head height cannot be measured correctly.
Is my photo uploaded for checking?
No. All checks run in your browser. The face detection model is downloaded to your device and the photo never leaves it.
Not an official tool. This tool is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State. The final decision is made by the Department of State. Always check the official rules at travel.state.gov.