How to Solve the DV Lottery Confirmation Number Problem

You applied for the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery and you are eager to check your status. But when you enter your confirmation number, it doesn’t work. What can you do?

Don’t panic! This is a common problem that many applicants face, and it can be solved easily. In this guide, we will show you the possible causes of this error and how to fix them.

Fix 1: Check for Typographical Errors

The most likely reason why your confirmation number is not working is that you made a mistake when typing it. A single wrong letter or number can make the difference between a valid and an invalid confirmation number.

To avoid this, you need to be careful when entering your confirmation number. Make sure you:

1. Type the confirmation number exactly as it is shown in the notification letter.
2. Use uppercase letters as provided.
3. Avoid spaces or special characters.
4. Verify the number multiple times before submitting it.

Fix 2: Use the Correct Website

Another possible reason why your confirmation number is not working is that you are using the wrong website to check your status. The only official website for the DV lottery is the U.S. Department of State website.

To access the correct website, you need to:

1. Visit dvprogram.state.gov
2. Click on “Forgot Confirmation Number” from the Enter Entrant Information page.
3. Provide some personal information to retrieve your confirmation number.

Fix 3: Use a Different Browser

A third possible reason why your confirmation number is not working is that you are using a web browser that is incompatible with the DV lottery website. Some browsers may have issues with displaying or recognizing the confirmation number.

1. Close the web browser you are currently using to access the DV lottery website.
2. Open a new web browser such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, etc.
3. Try accessing the DV lottery website again with the new browser.

Fix 4: Check the Timing

Another factor that can affect your confirmation number is the timing of your status check. Depending on when you applied and when you are checking, the system may not have updated your information yet.

To avoid this, you need to:

• Be patient and wait for some time if you are checking shortly after the registration period has ended. The system may be overloaded with the high volume of applicants and take longer to process your entry.
• Check the status within the correct time frame. For DV-2024, for example, you have until September 30, 2024, to check the status of your entry. If you check before or after this period, you may get an error message.
• Try again later if you have recently applied for the DV lottery. It may take a few days or weeks for your information to be updated in the system. In this case, you may need to wait and try again later.

Fix 5: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Sometimes, your browser’s cache and cookies can interfere with the confirmation number recognition. Cache and cookies are temporary files that store information about your browsing history and preferences. They can help speed up your browsing experience, but they can also cause technical issues.

To fix this, you need to:

• Clear your browser’s cache and cookies. This will delete the temporary files and free up some space on your browser. It will also refresh your browser and make it more compatible with the DV lottery website.
• Follow the steps below to clear your browser’s cache and cookies, depending on which browser you are using:

Google Chrome

1. Click on the three dots in the top right corner, then select “Settings.”
2. Scroll down and click on “Privacy and security,” then “Clear browsing data.”
3. Select “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.”
4. Choose the time range and click “Clear data.”

Mozilla Firefox

1. Click on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner, then select “Options.”
2. In the left menu, click on “Privacy & Security.“
3. Under “Cookies and Site Data,” click on “Clear Data.”
4. Check the boxes for “Cookies” and “Cached Web Content,” then click “Clear.”

Safari

1. Click on “Safari” in the top menu, then select “Preferences.”
2. Click on the “Privacy” tab in the Preferences window.
3. Click on “Manage Website Data.”
4. Select the websites you want to remove data from or click “Remove All” to clear all data.

Step 6: Contact the U.S. Department of State

If none of the above steps work, you may need to contact the U.S. Department of State’s Kentucky Consular Center for assistance. They are the official authority for the DV lottery and they may be able to help you with your confirmation number issue.

To contact them, you need to:

1. Send an email to [email protected] or call +1 (606) 526-7500.
2. Provide the necessary information to confirm your identity, such as your name, date of birth, country of eligibility, etc.
3. Explain the problem you are facing with your confirmation number and ask for guidance on how to resolve it.

By following these steps, you should be able to fix your DV lottery confirmation number problem and check your status successfully. We hope this guide was helpful and informative. Good luck with your DV lottery application!