Skip to main content

How do I update my University ID card?

Update your University ID card regularly to keep your access to campus buildings active. Find out how to update your card, where to find update points and what to do if your card isn't working.

On this page:

Why do I need to update my ID card?

Your University ID card:

  • Confirms you are a Herts student
  • Gives you access to buildings and rooms
  • Allows you to check in around campus


To keep your access active, we recommend updating your card at least once every two weeks.

How to update your ID card

  • Hold your card against an ID card update point for up to 30 seconds.
  • The light will flash blue while your card updates.
  • The light will then change to red or green.


Both red and green lights mean your card has updated successfully. A red light means you do not have access to that specific area.

Updating your card does not change your access permissions. If you need access to an additional area, submit a request through the Door Access request page.

Where can you update your University ID card?

Find your nearest ID card update point. 

All students  should update their ID Card regularly, on an ID card update point, (we recommend at least every 2 weeks). If your ID card is not updated for 6 months, then it will be removed from the Access Control system due to inactivity and you will need to collect a new ID Card from one of the Ask Herts Hubs

ID card update point

ID Card Update points have a green sign identifying them. If there is no sign on the card reader, this is not an update point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find an ID card update point?

  • Find your nearest one on the ID update point list. You may find it helpful to use the Map feature on Herts Mobile App if you are unsure of where the locations are.
  • If you are visiting one of the LRCs, the gates are also update points and we recommend entering using your physical ID card rather than your digital one on this occasion.

How will I know my card has updated?

  • There will be a blue light that will change to red or green. Red and green both mean your card has successfully updated, but red means you don’t have permission to access the area the reader is for.
  • There are no lights on the LRC gates, but the gates will open once your card is updated.

My card is not updating.

  • Are you holding it down for long enough? This may take up to 30 seconds.
  • Have you removed it from your wallet/purse/holder?

If your card is still not working or updating correctly, please contact your nearest Ask Herts Hub for further support.

 Does it matter which update point I use?

  • No – you can use any update point.

What happens if I forget to update my card?

  • You won’t be able to enter access-controlled areas until you update your card.

When do I need to do it?

  • Try and do it the next time you are on campus.

Will my card still work for other services?

  • The only function impacted is access control.
  • Book borrowing, using the printers, and using the attendance readers are unaffected by the change.

Do I need to do anything to update my digital ID card?

  • No, this will still be available on the HertsMobile App as normal.

I’ve updated my card, but it’s not letting me into the room I need.

  • Please contact Access Control who will be able to check your access permissions.
  • Alternatively, you can visit your nearest Ask Herts Hub for further ID card support.

Will I need to update my card before using Hertfordshire Sports Village facilities, including the Oval gym?

  • No, access to these facilities will not be impacted.
  • If you have any queries about HSV access, please contact them directly on 01707 284466 or email reception@herts.ac.uk

Top of page

Contact Us

Ask Hutton

Student Enquiries and Enrolment Team (SEET)

Today 11:00 - 16:45
Contact form: https://ask.herts.ac.uk/contact-us Please note Wednesday 22nd July the service will close at 12:45 and reopen at 15:30

Ask de Havilland

Student Enquiries and Enrolment Team (SEET)

Today 11:00 - 16:45
Contact form: https://ask.herts.ac.uk/contact-us Please note Wednesday 22nd July the service will close at 12:45 and reopen at 15:30

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

Access Control

Security

Today 09:00 - 16:30
LB380, College Lane