ID Card Photo Submission Instructions

If you are a new, incoming Harvard student you should use the Harvard University's ID Card Photo Submission Application to submit your photo which will be printed on your official Harvard University ID card. If you are an employee or affiliate, you are not eligible to use this application. If a suitable photo is successfully submitted in a timely manner, your ID card will be printed and waiting for you when you arrive on campus. To submit your photo, please follow these instructions: 

  1. Have your picture taken. Have someone take a digital color photo of you that would be appropriate for official identification. The photo needs to be a front view of your full face, centered in the frame from just above the top of your head to your collarbone. Your eyes need to be open and visible and if you wear eyeglasses there cannot be any glare. The background needs to be white without shadows. The background must be smooth and show no texture. The file format must be .jpg and cannot exceed 50KB. Please ensure that your photo is not retouched or altered by filters of any kind as it will be rejected.  We need an unretouched photo of you.  If you need help with your photo, please email the Campus Service Center at id_services@harvard.edu. 
  2. Upload your photo. The next step is to login to Harvard University's ID Card Photo Submission Application.  Please be aware that your submitted photo will also be viewed and utilized in such places as on-line directories and databases. 
  3. Your photo will be reviewed. When your photo has successfully been submitted it will be reviewed by the Campus Service Center. That office will e-mail you at your official Harvard email address to let you know whether your photo has been approved or rejected. If it has been rejected, you will be asked to resubmit a new photo. Please watch for one of these emails from id_services@harvard.edu so you know if you need to resubmit another photo. 
  4. Receive your ID card. Your Harvard ID card will be given to you after you arrive on campus. At that time, your identity and photo will be validated. You must bring a government-issued photo ID in order to receive your card, such as a passport or a driver's license. Screenshots, photos or copies of your official documentation will not be accepted. You will not be given your Harvard ID card without showing an original government credential.
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