An official Diversity Visa website belongs to the U.S. government and ends in .gov. The Department of State states that sites ending in .com, .org, or .net are not official, even when they offer useful information, and that it does not endorse them. This website is also an information site and is not official.
Quick answer
| Check | Official sign | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Address | Ends in .gov | Ends in .com, .org, .net, or imitates a government name |
| 2. Entry fee | None for DV-2026; $1 for DV-2027 per the final rule | Charges for “registration” or “processing” |
| 3. Promises | Random selection, no guarantees | Claims of better odds or guaranteed acceptance |
| 4. Payment method | Fees paid at the consular cashier or to USCIS | Check, money order, wire, or Western Union in advance |
| 5. Imagery | Not a proof either way | Eagles, flags, and seals used to look official |
| 6. Requests | Entry form fields listed in the instructions | Asks the entrant to hand over, send, or buy the confirmation number, or asks for the email password |
| 7. Messages | No emails about selection | Emails or letters announcing a win |
Check 1: the address
The Department of State instructions for DV-2026 say that only internet sites that end with the “.gov” suffix are official U.S. government websites. The entry system and Entrant Status Check are on dvprogram.state.gov. Older consumer advice from the FTC names a different .gov address for entry, so the safest practice is to read the current year’s instructions and type the address by hand. Never reach the entry form through an advertisement or a message.
Check 2: what the site charges
For DV-2026 there was no cost to submit an entry. The final rule published March 11, 2026 says that every DV-2027 entry requires a $1 fee collected during the official entry process. Any website that charges more than the official amount for the entry itself is not the official site. See DV lottery costs and how to avoid scams.
Check 3: what the site promises
Selection is a random computer drawing. The FTC says nothing can increase the chances of winning. A site that promises better odds, guaranteed acceptance, or a special method is not describing the program accurately.
Check 4: how the site wants to be paid
The FTC lists advance payment by check, money order, or wire transfer as a red flag. The Department of State says it will not ask people to send money by mail or by services such as Western Union for embassy processing. Visa fees are paid in person at the embassy or consulate, with a U.S. government receipt.
Check 5: government imagery
The FTC press release of October 2003 describes alleged operators who used official-looking eagles, flags, seals, and misleading domain names. Design is easy to copy and proves nothing.
Check 6: what the site asks for
The confirmation number and the email account used on the entry belong to the entrant. A site or person that asks to hold either is a risk, because whoever holds them controls access to the result and to the entry itself. See protecting the DV confirmation number.
Check 7: how the site communicates results
Results appear only in Entrant Status Check. A site that shows “your result” without the entrant’s own confirmation number, or that emails a win, is not following the official process.
Where this website fits
This site summarizes public sources, lists its sources at the end of each guide, does not accept entries, and does not charge for entering. The official instructions always take priority over any summary.
Frequently asked questions
Is a .org website ever official for the DV lottery?
Not according to the instructions, which say that only .gov sites are official government websites.
Can a website that looks professional still be a scam?
Yes. Appearance is not evidence. Use the address, the fee, and the payment method as tests.
Is it safe to enter personal details on an unofficial site?
The Department warns that personal data sent to non-government sites may be used for identity fraud or theft.
What if a site says it is “approved” by the government?
The Department states that it does not endorse, recommend, or sponsor information or material on other websites.
Related reading
- DV lottery scams: common types and warning signs
- Fake DV lottery winner emails and letters
- DV lottery costs and how to avoid scams
- Where to report Diversity Visa fraud
About this guide
This website is for information only. It is not affiliated with the U.S. government, does not give legal advice or consultations, and does not offer application services. Entries are submitted only on the official entry site, and the current official instructions control, because rules change each year.
Last verified: October 2026. Sources: Department of State instructions for DV-2026; final rule published March 11, 2026; FTC consumer advice on the Diversity Visa lottery scam; FTC press release of October 2003.