Get Your OneCard ID: Students

OneCard Uses

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

• AnywherePrints
• Athletic Events
• Book Charge Program
• Bus Transportation
• Door Access
• Huskie Bucks
• Recreation Center
• Student Elections
• University Libraries

How to Obtain Your OneCard

• 1

  All Photo Submissions Will Start With an Email From OneCard

  Orientation Student – You will receive an email within a few days of your orientation date. 

  If you have not received Email by your physical orientation date email onecard@niu.edu

  All Other student – Requesting New, Lost, or Damaged OneCard Please send us an email to onecard@niu.edu. 

• 2

  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

  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

    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.
• 3

  Wait for Your Card

  • You will be given status of your request via your NIU student Z-ID email within 2-3 business days.
  • Your OneCard ID will be mailed to your permanent address.
  • Want to pick up your card please email onecard@niu.edu within 24 hours of the approval of your Photo.

  Please ensure that your address is correct in MyNIU. Your mailed OneCard ID will take 7 to 10 business days to arrive.

  Note: You will be charged $20.00 for a card replacement if you come to the OneCard Office needing your card prior to it arriving to your address.