U.S. DV PHOTO · BABIES AND TODDLERS

How to take a U.S. visa photo of a baby or toddler

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The hardest part is often getting a clear frame without another person in it. For a U.S. Diversity Visa entry, the child must be alone in the photo, facing the camera with eyes open. The same file rules still apply: square 600 × 600 JPEG, at most 240 kB.

Set the background before taking the picture

The Department of State DV instructions suggest laying a baby on their back on a plain white or off-white sheet, or covering a car seat with the same kind of sheet to support the child. Check the face for shadows, especially when shooting from above.

Keep toys, pacifiers and other people out of the frame. The child should look toward the camera with eyes open. A helper can position the child, then move fully out of the photograph.

Use the normal DV file rules

JPEG format
Square image, exactly 600 × 600 pixels
File size no more than 240 kB
Full face, front view, centered head, plain light background

For a scanned print, the source photo must be 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), scanned at 300 ppi. The Department of State says not to use photos copied or digitally scanned from a driver’s license or another official document.

Take several originals, then inspect the saved file

Babies move. Take a few unedited camera photos and choose one where the face is sharp, the head is supported, and the background is smooth. Avoid using a blanket with folds close to the face; the folds can cast shadows or create a visible pattern.

Choose a clear original with the child alone.
Crop to a square without stretching the image.
Check the face position and leave the whole head visible.
Export a 600 × 600 JPEG under the file-size limit.
Open the exported image at full size and check focus, eyes, shadows and framing.

Does a perfect crop guarantee approval? No. The Department of State says the receiving authority makes the final decision. Follow the instructions for the exact visa process, and do not assume every child-photo exception is the same across visa categories.

U.S. DV photo instructions checked September 23, 2026. Requirements can differ by visa route.