ID Cards

The Cornell University ID card identifies you as a current member of the Cornell community. Depending on your relationship with the university and the services that you sign up for, your ID card may be used for:

  • An electronic door key and to access a variety of functions and facilities on campus-including athletic events
  • Cornellcard charges
  • Dining units
  • Fitness centers
  • Libraries
  • Transportation services

ID cards are the property of Cornell University. Cardholders are responsible for keeping the ID card safe and in good working condition. For the most current information about Cornell identification cards, contact the Office of the University Registrar, univreg@cornell.edu. 

Student ID Cards

Students work with the Office of the University Registrar for ID card services. For new or replacement ID cards, please visit the Office of the University Registrar in 245 Day Hall.

All students (including those in non-degree programs) must carry a Student ID card. The ID card becomes inactive upon termination or interruption of enrollment at Cornell. Staff members who are in the employee degree program are not eligible for a Student ID card.

There is a $40 replacement fee for lost, stolen, or damaged Student ID cards. The fee will be charged to the Student's Bursar account.

Faculty/Staff ID Cards

Faculty/Staff/Temp Staff/Postdoctoral Associates work with the HR Services and Transitions Center for ID cards. Contact the office by email hrservices@cornell.edu or phone 607-255-3936.

All regular and temporary faculty and staff members are eligible for an ID card. ID cards become active on the first day of one's appointment. The ID card becomes void upon termination or interruption of employment.

Affiliate ID Cards

Employees of affiliate organizations that have legally binding affiliate and operating agreements with Cornell University are eligible for an Affiliate ID card. This is a small group of entities, which have previously been approved. To obtain a card, the supervisor completes the ID Request Form and includes proof of employment and a current headshot of the person. The ID card becomes void upon termination or interruption of employment.

Spouse/Partner ID Cards:

Spouses and registered domestic partners of full-time registered students are eligible for a Spouse/Partner ID card. NOTE: CU Tech students are not eligible for spouse/partner ID cards.

Spouse/Partner ID Cards may be obtained from the Office of the University Registrar, beginning the third week of the semester. Both spouses/partners must be present and the following documentation must be provided:

  • To obtain an ID, please complete the ID Request Form and include the documentation required and a current headshot of the person obtaining the ID. Notification will be sent when the card is ready.

Faculty/Staff Spouse/Partners: Faculty, staff, retiree and emeritus spouse/partner ID cards are available by appointment from the HR Services and Transitions Center, 607-255-3936, TTY 711, or hrservices@cornell.edu. The ID card becomes void upon termination or interruption of the spouse/partner's university employment.

A $40 bursar charge to the student's Bursar account or payment to HR Services, is required. A $40 per card replacement fee will be charged for all lost, stolen, or damaged cards. The ID card becomes void upon termination or interruption of the spouse/partner's university enrollment.

Retiree and Retiree 25 ID Cards

Retired university faculty and staff are eligible for a retiree ID card. Employees with 25 or more years of service are eligible for a Retiree 25 ID card.  These ID cards are available by appointment from the HR Services and Transitions Center, 607-255-3936, TTY 711, or hrservices@cornell.edu

Emeritus ID Cards

Retired faculty and staff members appointed "Emeritus/Emerita" are eligible for an Emeritus ID card. These ID cards are available by appointment from the HR Services and Transitions Center, 607-255-3936, TTY 711, or hrservices@cornell.edu

Vendor ID Cards

Vendor ID cards can be obtained by contacting the Access Control Coordinator (ACC) for the building the vendor is work in. The ACC will work to complete processing and obtain the ID card. 

ID Card Policy (August 2002, amended August 2011, September 2014, October 2024)

The primary purpose of the Student ID Card is to identify you as a current member of the Cornell community. The ID card is the property of the university, must be carried at all times, and is non-transferable. It may be used for such purposes as the university designates and may be revoked at any time. This card must be presented and/or surrendered upon demand by a university official. Failure to do so, or lending this card to anyone, may subject the holder to disciplinary action. Depending on your relationship to the university and the services that you sign up for, you ID card can also be used as an electronic door key and to access a variety of functions and facilities on campus, including athletics events, CornellCard charges, dining unites, fitness centers, libraries and transportation services

The ID card is the property of the university, must be carried at all times, and is non-transferable. It may be used for such purposes as the university designates and may be revoked at any time. This card must be presented and/or surrendered upon demand by a university official. Failure to do so, or lending this card to anyone, may subject the holder to disciplinary action, under the Campus Code of Conduct. Lost and stolen cards must be reported promptly to the Office of the University Registrar. There is a $40 replacement fee for lost, stolen, or damaged Student ID cards. The fee will be charged to the Student's Bursar account.

No person shall possess more than one Cornell University identification card. All cards, not previously replaced, that have been turned in to the Office of the University Registrar are kept on file for one complete semester to enable the person to claim the lost identification card. If the person has already replaced his/her identification card when the original one is turned in, the found identification card is destroyed. This action is noted on the card report/replacement form that was filled out when the card was lost.

Students with Cornellcard privileges are responsible for charges incurred by use of this card (up to $50.00, if reported lost or stolen). Refer to the Cornellcard contract for specific terms.

Current cards, including lost or defective cards are void upon termination or interruption of enrollment and/or employment and will not be replaced. 

At present, there is no provision for a temporary identification card, whether it be for a visitor on campus or a lost card, issued through the Office of the University Registrar.

For the most current information about Cornell identification cards, contact the Office of the University Registrar, univreg@cornell.edu.