How to Prepare Your Passport Scan for DV-2027
The principal applicant must upload a digital scan of their passport's biographic page as part of the entry form (DS-5501). Failure to include a compliant scan results in automatic disqualification.
1. Locate the Correct Page
The Biographic Page: This is the page containing your photograph, full name, date of birth, place of birth, and passport number.
The Signature Page: If your signature is on a separate page from your biographic data, you must scan and include both in a single image file.
2. Technical Specifications
3. Step-by-Step Scanning Process
- 1.
Preparation
Clean your passport cover and the scanner glass to ensure no smudges or dust particles.
- 2.
Positioning
Place the passport flat on the scanner. Use a piece of white paper behind it if the scanner lid doesn't close fully.
- 3.
Capture
Scan the entire biographic and signature page(s) at minimum 300 DPI. Ensure the "Machine Readable Zone" (text lines at the bottom) is clear.
- 4.
Verification
Open the file to confirm your photo is visible and every letter of your name and passport number can be read.
- 5.
Naming
Save the file clearly (e.g., MyName_Passport_DV2027.jpg) to avoid uploading the wrong file.
4. Upload Checklist
5. Rare Passport Exemptions
Note:Simply “not having time” to obtain a passport is not a valid exemption.
- Stateless individuals who legally have no nationality
- Citizens of countries where the government refuses to issue passports
- Rare individual waivers approved by the Secretary of Homeland Security and Secretary of State
Need help ensuring your application meets all technical requirements?
Check Eligibility