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Graduate Studies

Student ID Card

What is a McMaster Student ID card?

Your ID card identifies you as a McMaster University student: it displays your student number, name, photo, and contains an encoded magnetic strip. You will be able to use this card to obtain a variety of university services.

Please note: Your card remains the property of McMaster University and if you cease to be a McMaster student, the card must be returned to the Office of the Registrar (RO).

Why do I need one?

Your McMaster Photo ID identifies you as a McMaster University student and permits you access to services on campus. In addition, you must present your student card in the School of Graduate Studies or Registrar’s Office to make inquiries about your personal academic record.

What do I need to do?

To create your student card, please visit the Mosaic Student Centre (Personal Information > Demographic Data) to upload your photo. For photo requirement details, see below.

Please upload your photo for Spring 2022 term as soon as possible.

You must be enrolled before uploading your photo.

How do I get my student card?

Beginning in May 2022, student cards will be available for pickup in the Registrar’s Office, Gilmour Hall Room 108. Please visit the RO website to learn more about joining their virtual line.

What if my card is lost, stolen, or not working as expected?

If your card is lost or stolen, visit the Registrar’s Office online chat (available on every page of the RO website) to connect with a representative to learn more about the replacement process.

Information Box Group

Photo requirements

To be considered acceptable, your uploaded photo must:

  • be recent and similar to a passport photo (head shot only, looking straight into the camera)
  • have a neutral or smiling expression
  • be in colour, in focus and of good quality (scanned photos of your driver’s license, passport or health card are not acceptable)
  • be on an uncluttered background and of you alone (no other people or animals permitted in photo)
  • not contain props (i.e. hats, sunglasses or graduation caps)

Maximum file size of your photo must be 3MB or less to be successfully uploaded.

Uploaded photos not meeting the above criteria, will be deleted resulting in delays in receiving your student card.

Photo Troubleshooting Tips: Having issues uploading?

  • Check your file size. If your jpg image is too big, you will get a generic error message. The file should be less than 3MB in size. Try picking a different picture with a smaller file size or resize your image in Paint or Photoshop.