Your U Card

The U Card is the official University of Minnesota ID card and is your key to campus. It never expires, so keep it even if you leave the University.

The basics

Reading a U Card

The below U Card design was launched in August 2023. Older card designs follow a similar format.

The front and back of a U Card showing numbers 1-2 on the front and 3-9 on the back.

The front and back of a U Card. Twin Cities example shown.

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1. Preferred name

Your preferred name can be set in MyU and must be updated before your U Card is printed.

2. Contextual identifier

The identification text will display your role (students) or department (staff).

3. Role(s)

This shows your role within the University, whether it be staff, academic staff, affiliated staff, retiree or student.

4. University ID number

All individuals (with the exception of sponsored and affiliated staff) will have a University ID Number. This number is a unique 7-digit code, specific to you.

5. U Card number

This is the number encoded onto your U Card, connecting your card to the University system.

6. Print date

This is the date your U Card was printed and is used to evaluate your card by our office.

7. iClass (smart card) number

Also referred to as "smart card" or "proximity" number. This is the "tap" number on your U Card and is used to associate you to multiple University systems, including door access.

8. MiFare (transit) number

(Twin Cities only) — This associates your card to the Metro Transit system. Staff can use their U Card for the Employee Transit Pass, and students use it for the Universal Transit Pass.

9. Campus mascot

The campus mascot not only shows off University spirit, but also helps the U Card Office identify the campus the card was printed on.

Basic care instructions

Wallets are the number one cause of U Card damage. Friction from tight slots and the heat/pressure of sitting on your wallet can break your card over time.

  Do  Do not
  • Store your U Card in a protective sleeve or case
  • Keep your U Card in a secure place
  • Monitor your U Card account balances
  • Carry your U card with you on campus
  • Punch a hole in your U Card or bend it
  • Lend your U Card to anyone
  • Scratch the magnetic stripe
  • Put your U Card near a magnet
  • Place your U Card on a wireless charger

Footnotes

1 The replacement fee is waived for stolen cards if you have a valid police report.
2 The MiFare (transit) number is only included on Twin Cities U Cards.