What is a McMaster Student ID card?
Your student 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 student ID card remains the property of McMaster University and if you cease to be a McMaster student, the student ID card must be returned to the Office of the Registrar.
Why do I need one?
Your student ID card identifies you as a McMaster University student and permits you access to services on campus or online. In addition, you must present your student ID card in the Registrar’s Office to make inquiries about your personal academic record.
Exams
McMaster student ID cards are required at all examinations as the method of identification.
In-person exams
- If you seat yourself at an exam without a student ID card, you will be asked for a valid piece of government photo ID.
- If you arrive without any identification, you will be required (before being seated) to obtain a single-use supplementary photo ID. A $30.00 fee is applied to your student account. No extension of the examination will be permitted to compensate for any delay encountered to obtain a temporary ID.
- The supplementary photo ID is available in IWC B122, a half hour before and after the exam start time.
Where can I use my student ID card on campus?
Library Card: The bar code on the student ID card will enable you to borrow materials through the McMaster Library system and access the digital collections.
University Campus Store: Your student ID card can be used as a charge card at the Campus Store.
Recreation Card: You can use your student ID card to access the David Braley Athletic Centre. In addition, your student ID card entitles you to the discounted McMaster student rate for admission to varsity sports competitions and for the purchase of additional services.
Hospitality Services: The McMaster student ID card is a meal card for those living in residence. Off-campus students may elect to put money on their card to be used at on-campus and select off-campus dining locations. Please contact Hospitality Services for more information.
We are preparing for the arrival of the undergraduate and graduate student Class of 2027!
One of the first things to check off the new student checklist is the McMaster student ID. Follow these three easy steps to pick-up your ID before the start of classes in the fall:
1. Upload your headshot to the Mosaic Student Center between June 5th and 15th.
Upload instructions:
- Log in to Mosaic
- Click on the Student Center tile
- Under Personal Information, click on Demographic Data
- Click on the Upload Photo button
- Choose the file with your headshot
- Click Upload
Photo requirements
To be considered acceptable, your uploaded photo must:
- Be recent and like 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. - If you are a graduate student or former McMaster student with a student ID card from your McMaster undergraduate years, you must upload a new photo in Mosaic. Please contact the Registrar’s Office to have the old photo deleted from Mosaic and a new student ID card printed. The first student ID card for graduate students is free of charge.
2. Check your McMaster email for possible photo status updates.
Uploaded photos not meeting the above criteria will be deleted, resulting in delays in receiving your student ID card. We will email you if your photo is not accepted and you are required to upload another one. Please note that photos received after the ‘last chance date’ will not be reviewed.
3. Pick-up your McMaster student ID in the McMaster University Student Centre (MUSC) Marketplace from August 25th to 27th
Further details about the pick-up of your student ID are coming soon!
Requirements to pick up your student ID:
- Bring government photo ID (driver’s license, PR card, passport etc.)
- Course enrolment in fall and winter terms
- The first student ID card is free of charge. Replacement student ID cards are $30.
What if it’s lost or stolen?
If your student ID card is lost or stolen, you can inquire with the Student Services team in Gilmour Hall #108 to see if it has been turned in. Replacement student ID cards are $30.
Replacement student ID cards
If you have lost your student ID card, you can request a new student ID card by following the instructions below:
- Make a payment of $30 to your McMaster student account via online banking.
- Join the virtual line to pick-up your new student ID card in GH-108.
- Wait for a text message inviting you to the office to pick-up your student ID card.
- Don’t forget your government photo ID.
- Please note: If you live in residence, visit MacExpress in Commons 115 to have your meal plan pre-loaded onto the replacement student ID card.
