New OneCard Design and Distribution

Students, faculty and staff were asked to vote on an updated design for the NIU OneCard and the votes have been tallied.

The new OneCard comes with the new feature of Near Field Communication technology. Rather than having to swipe your OneCard, you will now be able to tap your OneCard at all dining locations on campus, the NIU Recreation Center, and campus laundry facilities. In addition to the above locations, this new feature is expected to be rolled out to other locations where the OneCard is accepted by fall 2023.

New and transfer students

You are eligible to receive the new OneCard during regular business hours.


Returning students

Academic Level Priority Distribution Dates *
Freshmen and Sophomores March 20 - March 31, 2023
Juniors April 3 - May 12, 2023
Seniors Sept. 18 - Oct. 20, 2023
Graduate and Law Students Oct. 23 - Nov. 22, 2023

* Students are required to schedule a 5-minute appointment with the OneCard Office during their priority distribution dates.

Schedule Your 5-Minute Appointment


Distribution of the new OneCard will happen in phases. Please watch your NIU campus email for more information regarding when you are eligible to receive a new OneCard.


Faculty and staff

More information will be available in spring 2024.

Contact Us

OneCard ID Services
Founders Memorial Library
Room 104
DeKalb, IL 60115

Phone: 815-753-9569
Email: onecard@niu.edu

Business Hours

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