Provide a photo for the card (initial card only)

Once you’re accepted in a program and have enrolled in courses, submit a photo to create your student card. We require a photo only to initially issue your uOttawa student card. You’ll use the same card throughout your studies.

Don’t discard your card as you’ll need it in the future. A fee applies for issuing a replacement card.

Wait to receive the email confirmation

Please wait to receive the email letting you know that your uOttawa card was printed and is ready to be picked up.

To pick up your card, you must provide valid government-issued identification.

• Passport
• Nexus card
• Driver’s licence
• Indian Status Card
• Ontario BYID card issued by the LCBO
• Federal government employee ID
• Provincial government employee ID
• Municipal government employee ID
• Ontario photo ID
• Canadian permanent resident card
• Certificate of Canadian citizenship
• Birth certificate
• Affidavit

Credit cards and other forms of ID are not accepted.

See the instructions to pick up your card.

Learn how to submit an online photo or plan to take an in-person photo for your card.

Photo requirements

Ensure you meet the requirements. Otherwise, your photo will be rejected and you’ll have to submit a new one, causing delays in obtaining your student card. Photo requirements mirror those of passport photo submissions.

• The bottom edge of the photo should be at shoulder height.
• Look straight into the camera. Your face should be in the centre of the photo, both horizontally and vertically.
• The picture should be clear, in colour and of good quality. No filters.
• You must be the only person in the photo.
• You must not be wearing a graduation cap, gown or costume.
• The background should be plain white or light gray.
• Nothing should be touching your face, including your hands.
• You can wear tinted prescription glasses so long as your eyes are clearly visible.
• No sunglasses or headgear can be worn.
• All religious head coverings must allow for your full face to be visible.
• Your photo must be current (taken in the last six months).

Replace a lost, stolen or damaged student card

If you don’t need to use a lost card immediately, wait a few days prior to submitting a replacement request, in case your card is found. You can deactivate a lost card to prevent any funds being used and, if found, you can reactivate it.

If your lost card is returned to the uOttawa Card Service team, you’ll be contacted via email. Contact the Lost and Found officeto see if your card has been returned to them.

To obtain a new card, consult the instructions to pick up your card. A $43.16 replacement fee applies, and your old card will be fully deactivated, meaning you won’t be able to reactivate it.

If you’ve previously obtained a student card and need a replacement due to a legal name change, present two pieces of ID from the list and get your new card in person at InfoService in Tabaret Hall (TBT).

If your card isn’t working, bring it to the uOttawa Card Service. If the card has been damaged, rendering the smart card defective, you must pay the non-refundable $43.16 replacement fee and the service will retain the non-working card to issue the replacement.

If you find a lost card, return it to the uOttawa Card Service.

The uOttawa Card Service is located at 90 University, Room 145. 

If you are moving into residence

Your student uOttawa card will be your residence access card. 

Residents who DON’T HAVE a uOttawa card

Students who are moving into residence in Fall 2026 and who submitted their photo online will receive their uOttawa card upon residence move-in.

If you have NOT submitted your photo online before August 9, 2025, you may experience delays when moving into residence. You will need to go get your uOttawa Card during the distribution for student population PRIOR to your move-in arrival time.

Residents who HAVE a uOttawa card

If you already have a uOttawa card, you must bring it with your during your residence move-in period so we can activate your uOttawa card to give you access to your building/room. This process can only be done during your move-in time.

If you are a part of the general student population

Schedule

Important notice

• The schedule may change based on operational needs. Check the student card distribution schedule regularly to confirm opening hours.

• Closing time refers to when the service closes, not the time you arrive; plan to arrive a bit earlier.

• We recommend coming in the morning, as it is usually less busy.