Get an i‑card

The i‑card is the official ID for University of Illinois students, employees, and retirees. An i‑card is essential to access many campus-based services, including student first-day processes. However, there's no requirement to have or carry an i‑card—if you don't need one. If you must present, swipe, or tap your i‑card in person to obtain an on-campus service, then read on.

This page explains who is eligible to receive photo i‑cards, requirements, and how to get one. Jump to the section Online students to learn what token you may use to display your university role and status.

Who is eligible to receive photo i‑cards

You must be able to visit an ID Center to receive a physical i‑card. The following groups are eligible:

  • Students on campus who are eligible to register for the current or immediate next term are eligible for Student i‑cards.
  • Faculty and staff who have an active appointment in Banner are eligible for Employee i‑cards. Extra help workers may receive an ID with sponsorship; contact your department for details.
  • Retirees who are no longer working for the university qualify for a Retiree i‑card.
  • Emeriti faculty who present printed proof of their title at an ID Center may receive a photo i‑card bearing their honorific (instead of the label "Retiree").
  • UIC Law, Peoria, and Rockford students and employees have authorized card pick-up locations on-site, available only for their college or campus. See Submit your photo online for more information: these locations must follow special photo submission processes.

Online students

Current distances learners are invited to use ViewMyAffiliation to show their association with the U of I System. VMA displays your library account number for use with university libraries' online resources. See Submit your photo online for more information about ViewMyAffiliation.

Distance learners typically do not need a physical i‑card, because they're not using fee-based campus services. Campus service providers may deny the ViewMyAffiliation display when it is presented in person instead of a physical i‑card.

Requirements

Keeping university records current is key to safeguarding your protected information and meeting government reporting requirements. At least two, and sometimes all three of the following conditions apply any time an i‑card or other ID is issued:

  1. The legal name, birth date, and sex on your current government ID cannot conflict with your university record. ID Centers cannot update information for those who have a record in system records (Banner).

    Who has a Banner record? Current and former students and employees do. And anyone who has even submitted or saved an application to attend any U of I university has a permanent Banner record, too. See the Name changes page to find more information and helpful links.
  2. Your affiliation as a current student, current employee, or retiree must be shown as such in university records.
  3. All UI Health and Hospital affiliates (internal and external) must have a sponsor-submitted UI Health Hospital ID Authorization form to receive any UI Health i-card or ID, whether it's a first ID or a replacement for an expiring or lost ID.

How to get an i‑card

Your first i‑card is free but some replacements cost $20. See how to replace your card for more information.

ID Centers require a current proof of identity before issuing any ID. The entire name shown on your proof of identity must match what is on your university record in Banner. A new photo is required for every photo ID issued.

Here's the complete process to get an i‑card:

  1. Confirm your current status is accurate in university records:
    • Students must be eligible to register in the current or next term.
    • Faculty and staff appointments must be completed and active in Banner.
    • Retirees should phone their ID Center to confirm their status.
  2. Decide whether to submit your own i‑card photo in advance. Photo submission may take several days and is an option, not a requirement. Visit the page for your campus to learn more:

    Your photo must be approved first before you can have it printed on your i‑card at an ID Center.

  3. When you're ready to get your i‑card, make sure you have a valid proof of identity with you and proceed as follows:
    • Students: visit your ID Center.
    • University faculty and staff: visit your ID Center.
    • All UI Health and Hospital: Sponsor authorization is required to obtain any UI Health ID. For more information, contact or visit Chicago ID Center West.
    • Retirees: phone your ID Center before your visit. Have your UIN or NetID handy when you call.

ID Centers

The university's ID Centers issue all i‑cards and can answer your card-related questions: