Obtain an ID Card

Welcome to Harvard! Your Harvard ID card will work in many University systems, including door access, libraries, dining services, athletics, and more. 

Please note: You must confirm your identity with a government-issued credential before receiving your Harvard ID card. Identity validation is a Harvard University security requirement. You cannot pick up your ID card without this documentation. A physical credential is required; no photos, screenshots, or copies of official government IDs are accepted.

Your government-issued credential should display your:

  • Official name
  • Date of birth
  • Photograph,
  • Examples are passport, driver’s license, state-issued ID card, and foreign driver’s license. 

There is a charge for replacing lost ID cards. Cards that do not work will be replaced at no cost if the broken card is exchanged for the new card.  

Are you a...

New Student

Employee

Harvard-Sponsored Role

New Student

  • If you are an incoming Harvard student you will use Harvard University's ID Card Photo Submission Portal to submit a recent photo. Your approved photo will be used for your ID card and may be used in secure internal Harvard Systems for official University business. Your registrar will let you know if you need to meet a deadline for uploading your student photo. 
  • Please check with your school’s Registrar’s office to find out when and where you will pick up your Harvard ID card as each school distributes ID cards differently. ID cards cannot be mailed. If you are studying remotely, you will get your card when you come to campus.   
  • Student ID cards are enabled with a Chip that can be loaded with money for use on the MBTA subways and buses.  It works like a MBTA Charlie Card. Standard Charlie Cards are reusable cards that can be loaded with money to pay bus and subway fares.  We do not track Charlie Card usage, the value on the card or keep records of chips issued.  You will need to register your card at https://mycharlie.mbta.com/# so that if you lose your card or it gets damaged the MBTA will place the value that was on your chip on a separately issued Charlie Card and mail it to you.  If you do not register at MyCharlie there will be no record of the value on the card and you will not be able to recover the funds you placed on it in the event of loss or damage.

 

Harvard Employees  

  • Harvard Faculty and staff can receive a Harvard ID card after they start working. Please visit the nearest ID card office to have your ID printed.

Harvard-Sponsored Role & Library Borrower

  • You must have an active Sponsored Role and your sponsor must indicate that you require an ID card when processing your HSR role. If they do not indicate a role is required, we cannot print a card. 
  • If your role is extended, you do not need to get a new card and can continue to use the same ID card during your tenure at Harvard.