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> Student ID cards: collection, use and virtual ID

Your student ID card gives you access to University buildings and services and is used to record your attendance.

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About your ID card

  • You must wear your University ID card while on campus.
  • Your ID card gives you access to buildings and facilities and records your attendance.
  • Keep your ID card with you at all times and never lend it to another student.
  • You must swipe in for your own lectures. Swiping in for someone else, or swiping in and leaving, may lead to disciplinary action.
  • If your ID card is lost or stolen, report it immediately.

How do I collect my ID card?

You must complete Online (Stage 1) Registration before your ID card can be issued.

Home and EU students

Collect your ID card from any Ask Herts Hub.

International students

You will receive your ID card at your registration appointment.

To speed up collection, upload your ID photo through the To Do section of your Student Portal after completing Online Registration.

If your photo does not meet the University's photo requirements, a photo can be taken at an Ask Herts Hub or during your registration appointment.

What do I bring to collect my ID card?

You must collect your ID card in person and provide photographic identification, such as:

  • Passport
  • Full driving licence
  • Provisional driving licence

Digital copies are accepted.

If your name has changed and your photo ID shows a different name, bring supporting documents such as:

  • Deed poll certificate
  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce certificate

This applies to new, replacement and confiscated ID cards.

Returning students

Your ID card is valid for the duration of your course.

Keep your card safe, as a new card is not issued each academic year.

If your card is lost, damaged or stolen, you will need to purchase a replacement.

Using your ID card

After collecting your card, you must update it at an ID card update point.

Wait at least two minutes after collection before updating your card.

ID card update points are available across campus, including at the entrances to the Learning Resources Centres (LRCs).

What can I use my ID card for?

Your physical ID card can be used to:

New students should allow up to 24 hours before using their ID card with print, copy and scan devices.

Important

Update your ID card regularly. We recommend doing this at least every two weeks.

If a card is not updated for six months, it will be removed from the access control system and you will need to collect a new card from an Ask Herts Hub.

Virtual ID cards

Once you have completed registration, download the Herts Mobile App to access your virtual ID card.

What can I use my virtual ID for?

What can't I use my virtual ID for?

You cannot use your virtual ID card to:

  • Borrow books
  • Borrow laptops
  • Record attendance

When you are on campus, you must still display your physical ID card.

Distance learning students

Physical ID cards are normally issued to students who study on campus.

If you study entirely online, you do not need a physical ID card, but you can still upload a photo and use a virtual ID card.

For security reasons, physical ID cards cannot be posted to remote students. If you visit campus, you can collect one in person from an Ask Herts Hub.

Your virtual ID card can also be used to access a range of student discounts and student discount platforms such as UNIDAYS, Student Beans and TOTUM.

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Contact Us

Ask Hutton

Student Enquiries and Enrolment Team (SEET)

Today 10:00 - 16:45
Contact form: https://ask.herts.ac.uk/contact-us

Ask de Havilland

Student Enquiries and Enrolment Team (SEET)

Today 10:00 - 16:45
Contact form: https://ask.herts.ac.uk/contact-us

Ask Innovation

Student Enquiries and Enrolment Team (SEET)

Today - Closed
Please note there are no ID services available in the Innovation Centre. Contact form: https://ask.herts.ac.uk/contact-us Please note that the Ask Herts counter at Innovation will be closed until Monday 28th September 2026