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.

Receive an email when your card is ready to pick up

Once your card is created, you’ll receive an email in your uOttawa account. 

To pick up your card, provide valid government-issued identification. 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 below and get your new card in person at InfoService in Tabaret Hall (TBT):

• 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.

Card pickup locations and dates

Pickup locations and dates for fall 2025 will be posted here shortly.

If you have problems with any of the steps or have any questions, email the uOttawa Card Service at [email protected].

In-person photo for the uOttawa student card

If you can’t submit a photo online, contact the uOttawa Card Service.
For in-person photos, you can’t wear a hat or sunglasses. You can wear tinted prescription glasses so long as your eyes are clearly visible.

Women who wear a veil that partially hides their face can contact InfoService to arrange to be photographed without their veil by a female employee before InfoService opens at 9 a.m.

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).

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 uOttawa Protection Servicesto see if your card has been returned to the lost and found office.

To obtain a new card, make an appointment with the uOttawa Card Service. A $42 replacement fee applies, and your old card will be fully deactivated, meaning you won’t be able to reactivate it.

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 $42 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. Make an appointment with uOttawa Card Service.