So, you've got a question about your U Card? Well, we have the answer. Following are some of the most common questions we receive. Take a look. If you can't find what you're looking for, please email us at or call our office at (218) 281-8548.

When and where do I get my U Card?

Do I have to pay for my U Card?

I need to get a U Card, what should I bring with me?

Why do I need to show a picture ID when I get my U Card?

Will my social security number be printed on my U Card?

Why won’t you print my birthdate on my U Card?

Must I get a U Card?

What can I do with my U Card?

If I change my name or my status (student to staff, vice versa), do I have to turn in my current U Card?

What do I do if my U Card doesn't work?

My building access stopped working. Can you fix it?

My meal plan stopped working. Can you fix it?

Are affiliate employees eligible for a U Card?

What do I do if I have more questions about my U Card?

When and where do I get my U Card?
Incoming freshmen will receive their first U Card during orientation.

Transfer students can get their U Card anytime after they have registered for classes.

New faculty and staff should get their U Card within the first few weeks of employment. Information will be available at New Employee Orientation.

Returning employees or students can use the U Card they have. If you no longer have your U Card, there will be a $10 replacement charge to receive a new one.

Replacement U Cards are offered at the U Card Office.

Do I have to pay for my U Card?
The first U Card is free to all students, faculty, and staff. If the card is lost, damaged or stolen, or you don’t surrender your old card when you change your name or status, there is a replacement fee. Click here for more information on when you will or will not pay for a replacement card.

I need to get a U Card, what should I bring with me?
All you need is a photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport or state ID.

Why do I need to show a picture ID when I get my U Card?
The U Card Office requires a form of photo identification to ensure that each U Card is made for the right person. This is a visual verification. This procedure is designed to protect the privacy of each person’s records at the University of Minnesota.

Will my social security number be printed on my U Card?
No. For security reasons, your social security number will not be printed on your U Card. The card has your student ID number (and starting in 2002 employee ID numbers will be printed on the card) and a 17-digit number on the front. The 17-digit number provides the link between your U Card and a variety of databases around campus. View a clickable image of the card.

Why won’t you print my birthdate on my U Card?
We want to help our students be safe on and off campus. Your driver’s license or state ID should be used when proof of age is needed.

Must I get a U Card?
We think you’ll find in order to function well on campus, you’ll need to have a U Card.

What can I do with my U Card?
Your U Card is a multi-functional card which provides access to University services and facilities and serves many purposes. Please click here for a complete list of services.

If I change my name or my status (student to staff, vice versa), do I have to turn in my current U Card?
You can have only one active U Card at a time. If you don’t turn in your old card we will change your card number and deactivate the old one. You will then have to notify the applicable departments (building access, Rec Sports, dining, etc.) on campus of your new card number. In this instance, we will charge you the replacement fee.

If you turn in your old card, your card number will remain the same and we will NOT charge you a replacement fee.

What do I do if my U Card doesn't work?
Contact the U Card Office at (218) 281-8548 or see us at
9 Hill Hall.

My meal plan stopped working. Can you fix it?
If your meal plan is the only function for which your card has stopped working, your U Card number may have been deleted from the Dining Services database. Check first with Dining Services at 281-8538 to make sure they still have your current U Card number in the system. We do not have access to the residence hall dining databases, therefore cannot help you with this request.

Are affiliate employees eligible for a U Card?
Yes. The employing department must sponsor the individual. There is a $12 charge (of which the U Card Office gets $10) for this service. Use the web form at www.umn.edu/dirtools/sponsor to complete the process.

What do I do if I have more questions about my U Card?
Please visit the U Card Office or call us at (218) 281-8548.