What is a McMaster 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).
What do I need to do?
To create your McMaster ID card, please visit the Mosaic Student Centre (Personal Information > Demographics) to upload your photo. For photo requirement details, see below.
How do I get my McMaster ID card?
For students who start their graduate studies in Winter (January) or Spring (May) terms …
If you started your graduate studies in January or May terms, you will need to pick up your card from the Registrar’s Office. Visit the Registrar’s site for more information about card pickup.
For students who begin their studies during the Fall term …
We will announce how and when you will be able to pick up your card prior to the start of Fall term.
What must I bring with me when picking up my McMaster ID card?
- Bring government photo ID (driver’s license, PR card, passport etc.).
- Make sure you are fully enrolled in your program.
Your first graduate student ID card is free of charge. Replacement student ID cards are $30.
What if I completed a previous degree at McMaster?
If you completed a previous degree at McMaster and your current photo was taken more than 2 years ago, you will need to upload a new photo.
Many older photos for former students have been deleted. If you need your photo deleted, please visit the Registrar’s Office virtual chat and request that the current photo be deleted from Mosaic or visit the Registrar’s Office in Gilmour Hall, room 108. Once deleted, you will be able to upload your new photo.
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)
- If you completed your undergraduate degree at McMaster and have a photo on file from that time, you must replace the photo with a new image. Please visit the Registrar’s Office to have the old photo deleted from Mosaic and a new card printed. The first student card for graduate students is free of charge.
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.