Photo submission errors
Receiving an error message when trying to submit your photo? These tips should help!
File Type Error
If your photo shows that it is a .jpg/.jpeg, but you are receiving an error, your photo was taken in high efficiency mode, also know as .heic.
To resolve this:
- Open iPhone settings and select Camera
- Choose Formats from the onscreen options
- Select the Most Compatible format.
- Take a new photo of yourself and ID document and submit.
You may also use photo software, such as Adobe Photoshop, to save your image as an acceptable file type.
What is .heic?
Newer iPhones take images in this high efficiency automatically, which results in the photo file being saved as an .heic file. This file type is not recognized by our photo submission portal. It will, however, show the file in your phone as a .jpg, which is what you are seeing.
Sizing Errors
Photo must be less than 2MBPhoto is too big and should be cropped. Be sure you leave space above and below your head. ACT Card photos are not full body images and should be cropped to collarbone to the top of head.
Sizing Errors
Photo must be greater than 300KBPhoto is too small and a different photo should be selected. If these images are resized, they will be too blurry to use. Images saved from social media will often be too small.
Still experiencing issues submitting your photo?
Things to remember
Photo + ID placementBe sure that in the photo submission portal you are placing your headshot-style image in the first upload spot and the photo of your ID document in the second.
Things to remember
Other tips- Photos should be taken with device camera, not through the submission portal
- When taking a photo, be sure Live Mode is turned off
- Filtered photos/AI assisted photos will not be accepted
- Filters also affect the size of the image
Approved Photos
These photos are approved based on the ACT Card photo submission criteria.
Accepted
No glare on glasses; Can see eyes clearly
Accepted
Straightforward, headshot-style image
Accepted
Bright, neutral background to see features clearly
Common reasons for photo denial
- Not attaching photo of ID in second upload spot
- Filters/AI
- Head/camera angled
- Full body images (should be headshot)
- Hands on/near head or face
- Hats (graduation caps included)
- Sunglasses
- Black and white image
- Group photos/other visible people, pets or objects in photo/background
- Glare on glasses; closed eyes
- Blurry/low quality photos
- Inappropriate expressions
- Poor lighting/shadows on face
- Airpods/headphones/masks
Denied Photos
These photos are denied based on the ACT Card photo submission criteria.
Denial reason listed below image.
Denied
Sunglasses; Airpods
Denied
Head angled; Hands on/near face/head
Denied
Cropped too close to top of head; hat; people in background
