Student ID card

Student ID card

What is a McMaster Student ID card?

Your ID card identifies you as a McMaster University student: it displays your student number, name, photo, and contains an encoded magnetic strip. You will be able to use this card to obtain a variety of University services.

Please note: your card remains the property of McMaster University and if you cease to be a McMaster student, the card must be returned to the Office of the Registrar.

Why do I need one?

Your McMaster Photo ID identifies you as a McMaster University student and permits you access to services on campus. In addition, you must present your student card in the Registrar’s Office to make inquiries about your personal academic record.

Exams: McMaster ID card required

McMaster student photo ID cards are required at all examinations.

Students who seat themselves at an examination without student ID cards may be required to withdraw from the examination.

Students arriving without student ID cards will be required (before being seated) to obtain a single use verification for that exam only;  a $30.00 fee applies. No extension of the examination will be permitted to compensate for any delay encountered to obtain a temporary ID.

How do I get one?

Newly admitted students must upload a passport type photo (head shot) in Mosaic Student Centre > Personal Information > Demographics. Once you have completed your enrolment, your ID card will be produced.

Photo requirements

To be considered acceptable, your uploaded photo must:

• be recent and similar to a passport photo (head shot only, looking straight into the camera)
• have a neutral or smiling expression
• be in colour, in focus and of good quality (scanned photos of your driver’s license, passport or health card are not acceptable)
• be on an uncluttered background and of you alone (no other people or animals permitted in photo)
• not contain props (i.e. hats, sunglasses or graduation caps)

Maximum file size of your photo must be 3MB or less to be successfully uploaded.

Uploaded photos not meeting the above criteria, will be deleted resulting in delays in receiving your student card.

• Undergraduate Students
  • Out-of-Province and Out-of-Country Students: Your ID card will be available for pick-up beginning with Welcome Week from Registrar’s Office, Gilmour Hall 108. A map of the campus can be accessed here.
  • Residence Students: your card will be distributed when you check-in to residence.
  • Ontario Students: your card is mailed to your home address. If you do not receive your card prior to start of classes, please visit Gilmour Hall 108 after August 30th.
• Graduate Students
  • Check with your Department, if not available there then please visit the School of Graduate Studies office in Gilmour Hall 212.

Photo Troubleshooting Tips:

Having issues uploading?

• Check your file size. If your jpg image is too big, you will get a generic error message. The file should be less than 3MB in size. Try picking a different picture with a smaller file size or  resize your image in Paint or Photoshop.

Photo Upload button not active?

• Call the Registrar’s Office (905-525-9140 ext 24796) during business hours for assistance.

What if it’s lost or stolen?

If your card is lost or stolen report it immediately by phone or in person to the Office of the Registrar (GH 108) or the MAC Express Centre (Commons 128) to have the card invalidated. To have a replacement ID card issued you must personally visit either the Office of the Registrar or the MAC Express Centre: a $30.00 fee is charged for a replacement.

If you have reported your ID card lost or stolen and find your card prior to receiving a replacement, you must personally visit either the Office of the Registrar or MAC Express Centre to present your card and have it reinstated. If you have a Campus Store account or a Hospitality Services meal plan you will also have to visit the MAC Express Centre or Campus Store to have your accounts reactivated.

Replacement cards

Please contact the Office of the Registrar for our policies on damaged, faded, or non-operational cards. Photographs can be updated at the discretion of the Registrar’s Office staff.

Please ensure you bring photo ID in order to pick up your student card in person. 

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Where can I use my card on Campus?

Library Card: The bar code on the card will enable you to borrow materials through the McMaster Library system.

University Campus Store: Your card can be used as a charge card at the Campus Store after you have completed a Credit Application and Agreement (found at any checkout).

Hospitality Services:

• If you are a residence student, your McMaster ID card is your meal card.
• Off-campus students may elect to put money on their student card to be used at on-campus and select off-campus dining locations. Please contact Hospitality Services for more information

Recreation Card: You can use your ID card to access the David Braley Athletic Centre. In addition, your ID card entitles you to the discounted McMaster student rate for admission to varsity sports competitions and for the purchase of additional services.