The personal photo is one of the most critical elements of the registration for the USA DV Lottery 2026. Any mistake in meeting the required specifications could lead to an immediate rejection of the application, even if all other details are correct. Therefore, the U.S. Department of State emphasizes the importance of adhering to precise guidelines when uploading the photo in the online registration form. In this article, we will review in detail the essential requirements for the photo in the USA DV Lottery registration and how to ensure it complies with the official criteria.
1. Photo Size and Dimensions
The U.S. Department of State requires the photo to be 600 × 600 pixels in size, which means it must be square-shaped and of high quality. Photos that do not meet these dimensions (such as rectangular or very small images) will be automatically rejected by the system.
2. White Background and Neutrality
One of the most important criteria is that the background must be white or very light and free of any shadows or distracting colors. Decorative or colorful backgrounds, or those containing additional objects, are strictly prohibited. The goal is to clearly highlight the facial features without any visual distractions.
3. Facial Features and Head Position
The face should be directly facing the camera, with the eyes open and the mouth closed. Tilting the head or taking the photo from the side is not allowed. The face must be fully visible from the top of the head to the bottom of the chin.
4. Expressions and Smile
The guidelines state that the facial expression should be neutral, without a broad smile or exaggerated facial expressions. The goal is to match the photo with facial recognition technologies, so it is best to keep the expression natural and calm.
5. Headscarves and Glasses
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Headscarves or religious coverings: Allowed, as long as they do not cover the main facial features (forehead, eyes, nose, mouth, and chin).
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Prescription glasses: Since 2016, wearing glasses in the photo is prohibited, even for medical reasons, unless there is a rare case requiring a medical certificate.
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Sunglasses or tinted glasses: Completely prohibited.
6. Photo Quality and Format
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The photo must be in color (JPEG format).
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Old photos or photos taken in group settings are not allowed.
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The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months before registration.
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No photo editing software or filters are allowed, as this may be considered tampering.
7. Applicant's Clothing
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The clothing should be simple and without excessive decoration.
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Military uniforms or any clothing that implies political or security affiliation are not allowed.
Conclusion
The USA DV Lottery 2026 photo is a critical factor in accepting or rejecting your application. Therefore, it is essential to follow all official guidelines carefully, from photo size and dimensions, through face position and background, to photo quality and clothing. Any small mistake in these requirements could result in losing the opportunity to participate in the U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery.
Ensure that your photo complies with all official criteria to increase your chances of your USA DV 2026 application being accepted.
