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Obtaining your UNC STUDENT ID Card

You have the option of obtaining your student I.D. Card by coming into the UNC Card Office during open hours OR via electronic photo submission. For first time students choosing the electronic submission option, please complete the Student ID Questionnaire. You will need to log in using your admissions credentials.

For graduate students and international students choosing the electronic submission option, please send an email to: UNC Card Office. Please be sure to use a computer or mobile device with Outlook or other email software installed.

Once you’ve submitted all the required materials, you will receive confirmation that your card request has been received and printed.

If you are attending orientation in person, we will hold your I.D. for pickup on your orientation date. If you will not be attending orientation in person, we can mail your official UNC I.D. Card to your permanent address on file with the University. Please verify your address on URSA and make sure it matches what you are submitting in your request. If for any reason we cannot mail your card, you will receive an email notification.

Requirements for First Time Students

  • Please fill out and submit the Student I.D. Questionnaire found through Your Admissions Portal.
  • If you have already received or requested a student I.D., check the box to submit the questionnaire and mark your enrollment prep checklist item complete.
  • If you are submitting a request for the first time, please submit a photo copy of a Valid Government Issued Photo I.D. as well as a photo of yourself that follows the below photo standards.

Requirements for Graduate and International Students

  • You must be registered for classes prior to submitting your request. You must submit your request from your active Bear email account. We cannot guarantee that requests from an outside email address will be received or opened.
  • In your email, you must include your bear number, a phone number where you can be reached, and your current mailing address. Please note, if your mailing address does not match what you have listed in URSA, we will hold your card until it is updated. Attach a copy of your driver's license or government issued I.D. for verification of your identity. Also attach a jpg photo of yourself using the following criteria.

Photo Standards

Please submit an electronic photo that meets the below standards. If you have any questions, please refer to the U.S. Passport Office  photo guidelines:

  • Color photo only
  • Format to approximately 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) in size
  • Only head and shoulder shot taken within the last 6 months
  • Photo must be taken in front of a plain white or off white, light gray, or light blue background
  • Photo should be in a jpg format and saved with first and last name dot jpg (example - klawzbear.jpg)
  • Do not include friends, pets, or props in the photo
  • No headphones or wireless devices - only photo of student in the picture
  • Taken with a natural smile, and with both eyes open
  • Taken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis
  • Uniforms, clothing that looks like a uniform, and camouflage attire should not be worn in photos except in the case of religious attire that is worn daily.
  • You may only wear a hat or head covering if you wear it daily for religious purposes. Your full face must be visible and your head covering cannot obscure your hairline or cast shadows on your face.
  • If you normally wear glasses, a hearing device or similar articles, they may be worn for your photo. No dark glasses and no glasses with dark lenses.