USFCard - USF ID Card Policy

Owned by Kimberly Adkins
Last updated: Oct 13, 2023 by Alyssa Wahlsmith
4 min read

Overview

The USFCard is the official identification card of the University of South Florida. The USFCard is a multi-functional card with digitized photo and electronic identification and validation for departments needing to verify student and/or employee status. The USFCard was designed as a platform for a multitude of services and functions.

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Cardholder Responsibilities

  • Use of the USFCard by anyone other than the person to whom it was issued is strictly prohibited.
  • The cardholder is subject to disciplinary actions or other penalties for improper use of the card.
  • The cardholder is responsible for any and all losses associated with the card.
  • Punching holes, marking on the card, adding stickers, or altering the card in any way is strictly prohibited.

View the full list of Policies.

Card Request

  • New students should request their initial USFCard through MyBullsPath, or directly at the USFCard Request Site.

  • Staff, Faculty, and all other requests including card replacements should be placed online at the USFCard Request Site.

  • Please be prepared to submit a recent color photo with a white background along with an image of a valid government-issued photo identification. 

Online card requests are normally processed in 2-3 business days, requests may take between 5-7 business days during our peak seasons.

Card Process (New and Replacement)

  1. Complete the online ID card application on the USFCard Request Site. (idnow.it.usf.edu)
  2. Submit a photo of yourself and a photo of your driver's license or passport. (Smartphones make it easy!!) 
  3. Wait for the approved email.
  4. Visit the ID card center to pick up your card.
  5. Activate your card – usf.edu/activate-card. (ATTENTION: Your card will not work until activated) 

Acceptable Photo Examples

See What are the photo requirements for the USFCard? for more information.

Innovative Education Program Students

If you are a non-local student who is part of an Innovative Education Program, please contact your college for further instructions.

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Payment

Students: Your card cost will be charged to your Oasis account.

All others: Payment options include Visa/MasterCard at the campus USFCard Center.

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Locations

Tampa Campus

Location: Student Services Building (SVC) 1032
Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Email: help@usf.edu
Chat: USF Information Technology Chat Support Portal
For more information, please call (813) 974-4357 

Sarasota Campus

Location: 8350 N. Tamiami Trail in B116
Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30am-5:00pm.
For more information, please call (941) 359-4220

USF St. Petersburg

Location: Bayboro Hall (BAY) 223
Hours Monday - Friday: 8:30am-5:00pm
For more information, please call (727) 873-4408

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Need Help? 

 Can I take my photo at the USFCard Center? 

Absolutely! If you have a smartphone or tablet device, you may stop by our office locations to use the white backdrop in the office to take a portrait headshot of yourself which can be used for the USFCard. If you have any questions, our staff in the office will be able to assist.  

 Can I complete the USFCard Request in person?  

Yes! The online USFCard Request application can be completed on mobile devices, so you can visit - http://idnow.it.usf.edu/ to begin the process via smartphone or laptop.  

 How long does it take for my USFCard Request to be approved? 

Our team is determined to get you your USFCard as soon as possible! The general processing time is 2 - 3 business days, however, if you need an ID Card urgently, please visit one of our USFCard Center locations and our staff will be more than happy to assist.  

USFCard requests may take between 5 - 7 business days during our peak seasons.

USFCard Center operating hours are Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 

 My USFCard does not work for my dorm, and the Card Center is closed how do I get access to my residence hall? 

If you live in a residence hall and are unable to access your residence after Card Center business hours, please visit one of the USF Housing Information Desks listed below:  

Locations and Contact Information: 

North Campus 

Holly M | 813-974-7000 
Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 
Sat – Sun: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

The HUB | 813-974-2246  
Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 
Sat – Sun: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

South Campus 

Juniper-Poplar Lobby | 813-974-0800 
Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 
Sat – Sun: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

 Can someone else pick up my USFCard?  

Unfortunately, only the cardholder may pick up their USFCard as we are unable to issue the USFCard to anyone other than the cardholder for security reasons.  

 Can I submit payment in person?  

Students:  

Students who submit the online USFCard Request will be charged directly to their OASIS account and may submit payment through the OASIS portal.  

Staff, Faculty, USF Affiliates:  

Staff, Faculty, and other USF Affiliates will encounter a payment wall before being able to continue with the USFCard application portal.  

 What do I need to know about my new USFCard? 

All new USFCards will be issued with an activation sticker. Upon following these activation instructions, your USFCard will take approximately 2 hours to become fully active. 

 What are the photo requirements for the USFCard?

The USFCard will act as official identification so your photo must meet the following guidelines:  

  • Color photo, white background  
  • Front facing, full face in view.  
  • Cannot have hand/arm in the photo 
  • Filters commonly used on social media are unacceptable.  
  • Modification or editing of an image is unacceptable. 
  • Neutral expression or a natural smile  
  • No sunglasses.  
  • Eyeglasses should be worn if normally used.  
  • No glare on eyeglasses  
  • Cannot wear a hat or head covering unless for religious or medical reasons  
  • Cannot wear headphones  
  • Must submit a new photo for every replacement ID  
  • Jpeg, minimum width and height of 700 x 752 pixels minimum 

We reserve the right to refuse any photo that does not meet these guidelines.

 Will my building access transfer to my new USFCard?

Students:   

Building access for Students will transfer within 2 hours of activation. If you do not have access to a specific building, to which you require access, please speak with USF Housing to add access to your account. 

USF Housing Contact Information is listed below: 

Locations and Contact Information: 

North Campus 

Holly M | 813-974-7000 
Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 
Sat – Sun: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

The HUB| 813-974-2246  
Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 
Sat – Sun: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.   

South Campus 

Juniper-Poplar Lobby | 813-974-0800 
Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 
Sat – Sun: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 


Staff/Faculty/USF Affiliates:  

Building access for Staff/Faculty members and other USF Affiliates will transfer within 2 hours of activation. If you do not have access to a specific building, you require access, please speak with your building manager to add access to your account.  

 Can I get my USFCard mailed?

Unfortunately, our office is not able to mail USFCards. 

If you are a non-local student who is part of an Innovative Education Program, you may contact your college/program for additional instructions. 


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If you are unable to solve your issue with this knowledge base article, please contact the USF IT Service Desk by using Chat at itchat.usf.edu, calling (813) 974-HELP (4357) or emailing help@usf.edu. 

If you find any errors or omissions in any knowledge base article, please contact and inform the USF IT Service Desk by calling (813) 974-HELP (4357) or emailing help@usf.edu.