Nanoscaled Y1−xDyxVO4 phosphors can be obtained via the modified chemical coprecipitation method. With the precipitant and centrifugation, the phosphors can be quickly synthesized within 2.5 h. From the X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, the phosphor with a 1000 ℃ thermal treatment possesses optimal crystallinity. All YVO4:Dy3+ phosphors exhibiting a tetragonal structure can emit two light bands. One is located at 484 nm and the other at 576 nm. These two emission peaks appear as a result of the following electron transitions, 4F9/2 → 6H15/2 and 4F9/2 → 6H13/2. From the relation between the photoluminescence (PL) intensities and Dy3+ concentrations, the Y1−xDyxVO4 phosphor with 0.8% Dy3+ ions possesses the optimal emission. When the concentration of Dy3+ ions increases to 1.0%, the concentration quenching effect is observed. According to the Commission Internationale de L’Eclairage (CIE) diagram, the color coordinates of Y0.992Dy0.008VO4 phosphor are located within the white-light area.