diff --git a/api/src/routes/id-upload.ts b/api/src/routes/id-upload.ts
index 13ace7e..89dec37 100644
--- a/api/src/routes/id-upload.ts
+++ b/api/src/routes/id-upload.ts
@@ -169,9 +169,9 @@ router.post("/api/v1/id-upload/:token", async (req: Request, res: Response) => {
       paths.front = minioPath;
       console.log(`[id-upload] Stored ${minioPath} (${buffer.length} bytes)`);
     } else {
-      // Fallback: store base64 reference in DB
-      paths.front = `base64-pending:${buffer.length}bytes`;
-      console.warn("[id-upload] MinIO upload failed — stored reference only");
+      console.error("[id-upload] MinIO upload failed for", minioPath);
+      res.status(500).json({ error: "Upload failed — please try again, or upload the file from your computer instead." });
+      return;
     }
 
     // Update token
diff --git a/site/public/portal/upload-id/index.html b/site/public/portal/upload-id/index.html
index f25ee6a..9379bf6 100644
--- a/site/public/portal/upload-id/index.html
+++ b/site/public/portal/upload-id/index.html
@@ -96,6 +96,7 @@
       <div style="font-size:32px;margin-bottom:8px">❌</div>
       <p style="font-size:16px;font-weight:600;color:#991b1b">Upload Failed</p>
       <p id="error-msg" style="font-size:13px;color:#7f1d1d;margin-top:8px"></p>
+      <p style="font-size:12px;color:#7f1d1d;margin-top:8px">If the problem continues, you can upload your ID from the intake form on your computer instead.</p>
       <div class="actions">
         <button type="button" id="retry-btn" class="btn-outline">Try Again</button>
       </div>