October Renewal FAQs

October Renewal FAQs

Q:  What will stop working if I do not get a new ID card by October 31st?

  • The Crimson Cash stripe on your card will stop working at points of sale as of October 31

Q:  What will ­continue to work even if I do not get a new ID card by October 31st?

  • You will continue to be able log in to electronic systems that you have privileges for (the physical ID card does not impact electronic access). 
  • Your ID card will continue to work in University access control systems using the magnetic stripe or the iClass chip (swiping or tapping into access systems).  However, your card could be rejected if visually reviewed at security checkpoints.

Q:  Where can I go to have my photo taken and card printed?

Please come to one of our ID office locations during business hours

Q: What do I need to bring with me to get my Harvard ID card?

You must bring your expiring Harvard ID card and a government-issued photo ID.  Examples of government issued ID cards are:

  • Passport
  • Driver's license
  • State issued ID card
  • US Military ID card
  • Green card
  • Naturalization certificate
  • All identifications need to include full name, date of birth, a photo, and an expiration date in the future. This validation is a Harvard University security requirement. You will not be able to pick up your ID card without this documentation.

Q:  Do I need to have a photo taken?

Yes, we are updating photos as the new card does not expire and this will be your photo of record in the University Directory as long as you are affiliated with the University.

Q: Can I ask someone else to pick up my Harvard ID card?

We will need an updated photo on file.  If we have emailed us a .jpg of an updated photo that meets our criteria and is approved, your card can be picked up by using the IAM ID Card Proxy form.  If you do not have an updated new photo on file, you cannot use the Proxy form.

Our photo ID criteria if you are sending a .jpg:

  • Color photo you could use for a passport
  • Front view of your face, cropped from just above the top of your head down to your collarbone
  • Eyes need to be open and visible and no glare if you wear eyeglasses
  • Background needs to be entirely white (not tan, blue, gray), no texture on the backdrop (flat white background.), no other objects or people in view.
  • Make sure your photo is well lite and bright, not dark, no shadows
  • Accepted file format: .jpg
  • Size must be 280 pixels by 296 pixels and maximum 50KB

Q: Can my ID card be mailed to me?

No, we are not permitted to mail ID cards as they are active credentials containing secure data.