Harvard ID cards provide access to many on-campus facilities and resources, such as:
- Harvard libraries and museums
- Computer labs and athletic facilities
- Residential Houses and dorms
- Dining halls
If you do not already have an active Harvard ID card, you are eligible to receive one for use during the summer session(s) in which you are registered.
All registered students who will have a continued presence on campus must comply with Massachusetts and Harvard University regulations requiring proof of immunization against certain communicable diseases. Continued presence is defined as any student, either by commuting or residing, who will be on campus for a complete 2-week, 3-week, 4-week, or 7-week session, or a Writer’s Residency course (CREA S-490) at Harvard Summer School. Please note, this immunization requirement does NOT apply if you are registered in an online course. To learn more, please visit the Immunization Requirement page.
How Do I Get My ID Card?
You pick up your ID card when you arrive on campus to check in. (See the calendar for specific session check-in dates.) ID cards can only be picked up in person upon presentation of a government-issued photo ID; they cannot be mailed or distributed to third parties.
For your ID card to be ready when you arrive, you must complete the following steps by May 22:
- Obtain a government-issued photo ID. You must present a government-issued photo ID to pick up your ID card. It must include your full legal name, date of birth, a photo, and a future expiration date. Examples include:
- Passports
- Driver’s licenses, permits, and state-issued ID cards
- US Military ID cards, green cards, and naturalization certificates
- Verify your name and date of birth in MyDCE. These must match exactly the full legal name and date of birth printed on your government-issued photo ID. If they do not, submit a Biographical and Contact Information Changes form immediately.
- Claim your HarvardKey. You must have a HarvardKey in order to upload a photo for your ID card.
- Have a digital photo taken. Your photo must meet the following criteria:
- Current color photo of yourself
- White, smooth background: no other people or objects in photo
- Sufficient lighting with no shadows
- Front view: face filling at least 80 percent of frame
- Cropped from just above the top of head to collarbone
- Eyes open and visible and no glare on eyeglasses
- No hats or sunglasses
- File format must be .jpg or .heic
- .png and .pdf files cannot be uploaded
- Photo size must be at least 280×296 pixels
- File size cannot exceed 6 MB
- Upload your photo. Log in to the Harvard ID Card Web Application using your HarvardKey and upload your photo. Do not email or send physical photos.
- Await approval of your photo. ID Card Services will review your photo and notify you within two weeks if it has been approved. You may also confirm that your photo has been accepted by logging in to the Harvard ID Card Web Application. If you are not notified within two weeks, email iD_Services@Harvard.edu with the subject line “Photo upload.”
Caring For Your ID Card
- Do not puncture, bend, or use it for unintended purposes.
- Do not allow its magnetic stripes to be scratched.
- Keep it with you at all times while on campus; use a protective card sleeve, wallet, or lanyard.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from other heat sources such as a clothes dryer.
- Do not put it on stereo equipment, computers, or near any magnetic fields.
- Do not use it as collateral for University or other services.
- Never allow anyone else to use your ID card.
Replacement ID Cards
Lost cards can be replaced by visiting the Campus Service Center. You may also deactivate your card before visiting the Campus Service Center by using the “Lost Card” feature in the Harvard ID Card Web Application. A $40 fee payable by cash or check is charged for each replacement card.
Stolen cards must be reported first to the Harvard University Police Department (617-495-1212), then to the Campus Service Center. The replacement fee will be waived for stolen cards if you provide a copy of the police report.
Broken cards should be taken to the Campus Service Center. Staff will assist you and replace your card if necessary. There is no charge for replacement of broken cards. However, there is a $40 replacement cost for cards the Campus Service Center determines are intentionally damaged.
Harvard University Identification Card Policy
All members of the University community are responsible for having their Harvard University identification cards available whenever present on University property. All students and employees of the University must present a valid Harvard University identification card at the request of any properly identified University official.
Division of Continuing Education students who do not have a Harvard University ID card are required to carry a valid government-issued photo ID at all times while on University property and must present it upon request of a properly identified University official.
View Harvard University Identification Card Policy
Questions?
Please contact Enrollment Services at (617) 495-4024 or email IDCards@Summer.Harvard.edu.
