If you’ve ever tried booking your MOT test online or uploading a photo of your vehicle documents to an MOT website, you might have seen an annoying error message saying something like “Unsupported file format.” If that’s the case, chances are you’re trying to upload a HEIC file — a photo format used mainly by Apple devices.
This problem is more common than you think. Many users, especially those with iPhones, struggle to upload their MOT-related images — like vehicle documents, certificates, or car photos — because most websites simply don’t support the HEIC format yet.
In this article, we’ll explain why MOT websites don’t accept HEIC files, what the HEIC format actually is, and — most importantly — how to fix this issue quickly using a simple HEIC to JPG converter tool.
What Is a HEIC File?
HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container, a format introduced by Apple in 2017 with iOS 11. Instead of using the traditional JPG format, Apple switched to HEIC to reduce file size while maintaining image quality.
HEIC files are great for iPhone users because:
- They take up less storage space.
- They maintain high-quality visuals.
- They support multiple images in one file (useful for bursts or Live Photos).
However, there’s a catch — HEIC is not universally supported. While Apple’s ecosystem (iPhone, iPad, Mac) reads HEIC easily, many Windows PCs, Android phones, and online platforms — including MOT booking and garage websites — still rely on older formats like JPG, JPEG, or PNG.
Why MOT Websites Don’t Accept HEIC Files
There are a few key reasons why MOT and vehicle service websites reject HEIC uploads:
1. Compatibility Limitations
Most MOT websites are built using content management systems (CMS) and plugins that only support standard image formats like JPG, JPEG, or PNG. Because HEIC is relatively new and not universally compatible, the system can’t recognize it — leading to upload errors.
2. Browser and Server Restrictions
Not all web browsers or hosting servers support HEIC file decoding. If a site’s backend doesn’t have the right codecs or image processing libraries, it simply won’t display HEIC images correctly.
3. Security and Processing Concerns
Web developers often restrict file types for security reasons. Accepting unknown or newer formats could open potential vulnerabilities, so many MOT sites restrict uploads to “safe” formats only.
4. Lack of Awareness
Some MOT garages and booking platforms might not even be aware of the HEIC format. Their upload systems haven’t been updated in years, and they assume users will continue using JPG or PDF.
In short, it’s not your fault — the technology on these websites just hasn’t caught up yet.
When HEIC Files Cause Problems During MOT Uploads
You might encounter HEIC-related issues in several common situations:
- Uploading MOT certificates or vehicle inspection photos to a garage’s booking system.
- Submitting insurance or vehicle documentation that you’ve photographed with an iPhone.
- Sending proof of repairs or damage photos to a service centre or insurance company.
- Uploading MOT results or receipts to online portals that only accept JPG or PDF.
If your image upload fails and you’re using an iPhone or iPad, the culprit is almost always the HEIC format.
How to Fix the Problem (Quickly)
The good news? Fixing this issue is super easy. You don’t need any special technical skills — you just need to convert your HEIC file to a JPG.
Here are three simple methods:
1. Take a Screenshot
The simplest fix: open your photo, take a screenshot, and upload the screenshot instead.
Why it works: screenshots are automatically saved in JPG or PNG format, not HEIC.
However, this method might slightly reduce image quality — fine for casual uploads but not ideal for document clarity.
2. Change Your iPhone Settings
If you don’t want to deal with HEIC files in the future, you can change your iPhone camera settings:
- Go to Settings → Camera → Formats
- Select Most Compatible instead of High Efficiency
Now, all your new photos will be saved as JPGs, which every MOT website can accept.
3. Use an Online HEIC to JPG Converter (Recommended)
For existing HEIC images, the best solution is to use a free online HEIC to JPG converter.
Our HEIC to JPG Tool makes this process instant:
- Search on Google HEIC to JPG Conversion Tool. and Open the Website.
- Upload your HEIC photo.
- Click Convert.
- Download your new JPG file.
That’s it — your image is now compatible with any MOT website or booking system.
The HEIC to JPG Converter is designed for simplicity and privacy. No complicated downloads, no loss of quality — just quick and easy conversion for your MOT document uploads.
Step-by-Step: Upload Your MOT Image Successfully
Once you’ve converted your photo, follow these simple steps to ensure a smooth upload:
- Rename the file – use something simple like “MOT_Certificate.jpg.”
- Check the file size – most sites have a size limit (usually under 5MB).
- Use a common format – JPG, JPEG, or PNG works everywhere.
- Avoid special characters – don’t use symbols like #, %, or & in the filename.
- Upload again – your new JPG should now be accepted instantly.
Why Converting HEIC to JPG Is the Best Solution
While there are workarounds like changing phone settings, conversion remains the most reliable and immediate fix. Here’s why:
- Universal Compatibility: JPG files are accepted on 99% of websites.
- Instant Conversion: Takes seconds, even for multiple files.
- No Quality Loss: Modern converters maintain image clarity.
- No App Installation: Web-based converters save time and storage.
If you regularly upload vehicle-related images — like MOT certificates, service records, or insurance proofs — converting your HEIC files to JPG first will save you from endless frustration.
Bonus Tips for Easy MOT Uploads
Here are a few extra tips to make sure your MOT uploads go smoothly every time:
- Scan important documents instead of photographing them in poor lighting.
- Compress large JPGs if file size exceeds the website limit.
- Check your internet connection — slow uploads can time out.
- Use a desktop browser for better stability when uploading files.
And remember: even if the site says “Image format not supported,” converting to JPG will almost always fix it.
Conclusion
HEIC files are great for saving space and improving image quality on Apple devices, but they often cause headaches when uploading to older systems — like MOT booking and garage websites.
Most MOT platforms only recognize standard formats like JPG, JPEG, or PNG, which means HEIC uploads are automatically rejected. The good news is that the solution is simple and fast: convert your HEIC files to JPG using a HEIC to JPG Converter tool.
Whether you’re uploading an MOT certificate, vehicle photo, or repair document, converting your file ensures compatibility, clarity, and zero errors.
So next time your MOT website says “Unsupported file format,” don’t panic — just visit our HEIC to JPG Tool, convert your file in seconds, and complete your upload without hassle.
Because sometimes, the easiest fix is just a quick format change.
FAQs
1. Why do MOT websites reject HEIC files?
Most MOT websites are designed to accept common image formats such as JPG, JPEG, or PNG. The HEIC format, used mainly by iPhones, is still not widely supported on many web servers or browsers. Because of this incompatibility, MOT platforms often reject HEIC uploads automatically. Converting your HEIC file to JPG fixes this issue instantly.
2. What is a HEIC file and why does my iPhone use it?
A HEIC file is a “High Efficiency Image Container” format introduced by Apple. It allows high-quality photos at smaller file sizes, saving storage on your device. While great for iPhones, it’s not compatible with many websites, including some MOT systems, which only accept older image types like JPG or PNG.
3. How can I upload my HEIC image to an MOT website?
To upload a HEIC image successfully, first convert it to JPG using an online HEIC to JPG Converter. Once converted, your new JPG file will upload without errors. You can also change your iPhone settings to save photos as “Most Compatible” to prevent HEIC issues in the future.
4. What is the easiest way to convert a HEIC file to JPG?
The simplest method is to use an online HEIC to JPG tool. Just upload your HEIC image, click “Convert,” and download the new JPG version. This process takes only seconds and ensures the image will be accepted by MOT booking websites, garages, or insurance portals.
5. Is converting HEIC to JPG safe and secure?
Yes, using a trusted online converter is completely safe. The conversion process happens in your browser, and your files are not stored permanently on any server. Always use reputable HEIC to JPG tools that guarantee privacy and automatic deletion after conversion.
6. Why doesn’t my iPhone let me upload MOT photos directly?
Your iPhone captures photos in HEIC format by default, which isn’t recognized by many online systems. When you try uploading these to MOT or government websites, the system may reject them. To avoid this, either convert your HEIC image to JPG or adjust your camera settings to “Most Compatible.”
7. Can I open a HEIC file on my Windows computer?
Windows 10 and 11 can open HEIC files only if you install additional extensions from the Microsoft Store. However, not all software supports HEIC even after installation. Converting your HEIC files to JPG ensures you can open, view, and upload them anywhere, including MOT websites.
8. Will converting HEIC to JPG reduce image quality?
In most cases, no. Modern HEIC to JPG converters maintain excellent image quality while changing the file format. You might notice a tiny difference in size or detail, but it won’t affect readability — making JPGs perfect for MOT document uploads or vehicle photos.
9. Can I batch convert multiple HEIC files for my MOT documents?
Yes! Many online HEIC to JPG converter tools support batch conversion. You can upload multiple files at once and download them all as JPGs in seconds. This feature saves time if you’re preparing several vehicle photos or MOT-related documents for upload.
10. What are the benefits of using a HEIC to JPG converter for MOT uploads?
Using a converter guarantees your files will be accepted by MOT websites, no matter what device you use. It eliminates upload errors, ensures compatibility across browsers, and keeps image clarity intact. Plus, it’s fast, free, and doesn’t require any technical knowledge — perfect for quick MOT submissions.