Get Your OneCard ID: Faculty/Staff/Retirees

OneCard Uses

The OneCard ID is the official identification card of Northern Illinois University. It is your key to accessing all functions on campus:

New OneCard Design and Distribution

Check out the design of the new OneCard ID and see when you are eligible to receive it.

New Employees

SPS and Civil Service

If you are required to attend New Employee Orientation with Human Resources, you will not be able to get your OneCard ID until after attending your orientation. You will need to bring a state ID, a state driver's license or a passport with you.

Faculty

Extra Help Employees

OneCard IDs are only issued to extra help employees based on necessity. If you are required to have a OneCard ID, please download and complete the Extra Help Employee Prox Card Form (PDF). Completed forms should be emailed to onecard@niu.edu by the authorized department head.

Current Employees

I already have my OneCard ID

If you already have a OneCard ID and it is in working order, your ID will not expire and will remain valid as long as you are employed at NIU. Be sure to hold on to your card and take care of it.

I have not received a OneCard ID yet

All employees should have an NIU issued identification card and the OneCard ID is just that. If you have not been given a OneCard ID since you have been employed, you may be eligible to obtain your first card.

I need a new OneCard for door/lock-box access

There are many buildings or secured locations around campus that require an employee to "wave" their OneCard ID to gain access.

Do I need a new OneCard ID to use the AnywherePrints printers?

If you have received your OneCard ID anytime after 2008, you still have your ID, and the card is not broken or damaged, it is not necessary for you to replace your OneCard at this time. There is no updated functionality needed for this printing project and your current ID will work properly for printing.

If you are unsure your OneCard ID is in working order, or obtained after 2008, you may stop by the OneCard ID Services office and we will be happy to test your card.

My OneCard ID is damaged or not working

If your OneCard ID becomes damaged or is not working, make sure to hang on to the card in order to replace it. There is a $10 replacement cost for a new ID for employees, but only if the current ID is returned to the OneCard office. For more information, please see our troubleshooting tips.

I have misplaced or lost my OneCard ID

There is a $20 replacement cost for a new ID for employees. Payment options are cash or check only. It is highly recommend that you follow the instructions for a lost ID for your security.

New/Existing Retirees

Email Request (preferred method)

Send email to onecard@niu.edu with name, EMPLID, classification (i.e., SPS or Civil Service) and retirement date.

The OneCard office will email back when you have been cleared to receive a retiree OneCard. Please allow one week for verification with HR and processing.

Once the OneCard office responds, please bring in your government issued photo ID and your current OneCard (or there is a replacement fee of $20.00 for a new OneCard).

Walk-in

Please bring in your government issued photo ID and current OneCard (or there is a replacement fee of $20.00 for a new OneCard). There is a possibility that you will leave without receiving a OneCard since we will have to validate your retirement date with HR. (If you email us your request ahead of time, we can avoid this issue by verifying with HR before you pick-up your retiree OneCard).

How to Obtain Your OneCard

1

All Photo Submissions Will Start With an Email From OneCard

Faculty/Staff and Retirees – Request New, Lost, or Damaged OneCard by sending an email to onecard@niu.edu.

Please include a Copy of state-issued ID, first and last name, A-ID #, and retiree date if applicable.
2

Waiting for Email

You will receive an email from the OneCard office within 1-3 business days to submit your photo.
3

Guide Lines for Uploading a Photo

Provide a clear, recent photo of yourself

No more than 6 months old

At least 350 pixels by 350 pixels in size

Show your entire head and face the camera directly

Look directly at the camera; don't angle or tilt your head or shoulders at all

Include space around your head so we can resize your photo

Should be taken against a plain, light-colored background without objects in the background

Photo is to be used for identification
This is for identification, not social media

Eyes must be visible, not covered

Sunglasses

Don't cover any part of your head

Headwear

No side view or glamour angles

Side/Profile

Photo of you, and ONLY you

Group

Your entire head must be
in the photo

Partial Head

Smile, don't use trendy or funny faces

Facial Expressions

Photo should have a plain and
light-colored background

Scenic Background

Photo must be in color; Don't add filters

Black and White

Don't have your hands or arms visible

Hands/Gestures

Must be a high quality
photo

Grainy/Blurry

No copyrighted or watermarked photos

Copyright/Watermark

Don't have text or emoticons
visible

Text

NIU OneCard ID Services reserves the right to refuse any photos that do not meet our requirements. Failure to adhere to photo submission guidelines is subject to appropriate university action as deemed necessary.
4
Wait for Your Photo Approval or Denial Status
- You will be given the status of your request via your A-ID or NIU Faculty/Staff email within 2-3 business days on whether your photo was approved or denied.
- Approved Photo – See step 5.
- Denied Photo – Please resubmit a new photo following the guidelines in step 3 listed above.
5

Receive Your OneCard ID

Your NIU OneCard will be available for pickup in 2 business days at the OneCard Office during regular business hours.

Special Mailing Request (eligible only for employees who do not work on DeKalb campus) - please email onecard@niu.edu. Also, please ensure that your address is correct in MyNIU-Human Resource System. Mailed OneCard IDs may take 10 to 15 business days to arrive from the mailing date.

IMPORTANT: Any card issued after the initial card has been mailed will be subject to a $20 fee.

For more information, see our OneCard brochure.