Why Government Websites Reject Your iPhone Photos (And How to Fix It)
Updated: January 2026
It is a frustrating scenario: You are filling out an important online form—maybe for a passport, a driver’s license renewal, or an IRS filing. You snap a photo of your document with your iPhone, hit “Upload,” and getting a big red error message:
Why does this happen if your photo looks fine on your phone? In this guide, we will explain why official portals hate iPhone photos and the instant, free way to make your documents acceptable.
The Invisible Problem: HEIC Format
The issue isn’t the quality of your photo; it is the file extension. By default, modern iPhones save images as .HEIC files.
While Apple devices love this format, most government and corporate database systems were built 10 or 20 years ago. They were designed to only recognize “Universal” formats like JPG or PDF. When their system sees an HEIC file, it treats it like a foreign language and rejects it immediately.
Websites Known to Reject HEIC Files
If you are trying to use any of the following services, you must convert your files first:
- IRS.gov & Tax Portals: When verifying identity or uploading evidence.
- State DMV Sites: For license renewals or Real ID uploads.
- Passport Applications: Strictly requires JPG compliance.
- Job Boards (Indeed/LinkedIn): Often reject HEIC resumes or portfolio images.
- Banking Apps: Mobile check deposits sometimes fail with HEIC.
The Solution: Convert Before You Upload
You do not need to retake the photo. You just need to change the “container” the photo is sitting in.
Option 1: Use Our Secure Converter (Recommended)
Since these are sensitive documents (like IDs or Tax forms), you should avoid using cloud converters that upload your image to a random server.
Use our Home Page Tool instead. It converts the file locally on your device, so your ID never leaves your possession.
Convert to JPG Securely »Option 2: What if they ask for a PDF?
Sometimes, a site (especially for legal contracts or leases) will strictly demand a PDF document, not an image.
If you need to turn that iPhone photo into a formal document, use our partner tool at FillPDFNow.com. It allows you to convert images to PDF and even sign them online.
Doing Business Filings?
If you are currently wrestling with the IRS website to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for a new business, the file format is often just the first hurdle.
For a faster, guided experience that handles the paperwork for you, check out TaxIDFast.com. We ensure all your files and forms are submitted correctly the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn’t the government just update their website?
Updating government infrastructure costs millions of dollars and takes years. It is much easier (and cheaper) for them to force users to upload JPGs than to rebuild their intake systems to understand Apple’s HEIC format.
Is converting the file safe for my ID?
It depends on where you convert it. If you use a standard “cloud” converter, you are sending a copy of your ID to their server. If you use a Client-Side tool (like ours), the conversion happens on your own phone/computer, which is 100% safe.