Eligibility & Accepted IDs

To receive a U Card, you must present valid identification in person. The requirements for your identification depend on whether you are obtaining your first card or a replacement.

Identification requirements

To ensure campus security, exceptions to these requirements cannot be made. You and your physical ID must be present; photos of identification are not accepted.

Approved primary IDsApproved secondary IDs
  • Passport or passport card
  • US Driver's License
  • US State or Agency ID Card
  • US Military/Dependant ID Card
  • US Coast Guard Merchant Card
  • Tribal Card

Eligibility

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Students

Undergraduate and Graduate

  • Fully or part-time enrolled students are eligible.
  • Undergraduates must have paid their enrollment fee.

Transfer Students

Transferring between University of Minnesota campuses:

  • Free replacement card for the campus at which you are enrolled.

Transferring to the University of Minnesota:

  • Fully or part-time enrolled students are eligible. Undergraduates must have paid their enrollment fee.

PSEO and CIS

  • PSEO students enrolled in at least one class are eligible.
  • CIS students are not eligible.

Continuing Education

  • Students must be fully enrolled in at least one class.

Alumni

  • Once you graduate or are no longer enrolled, you are no longer eligible for a U Card.

Faculty and staff

All team members (faculty, academic staff and staff) and Regents must be entered into the Human Resources system before a card can be issued. A U Card may not be issued until the first day of employment.

Retirees

When entered into the Human Resources system correctly, retired faculty, retired academic staff and retired staff are eligible for a U Card. The retiree's department is responsible for ensuring eligibility. 

Sponsored accounts and POIs

Sponsored accounts

  • Visiting students and short-term employees must be sponsored by a University department. A $30 card fee applies to receive a U Card.

Persons of Interest

  • Eligible once officially entered into the Human Resources system.