University ID Cards Simple, Reliable Student Passes That Actually Last

Accessories that go with your student card

Most of our customers add a card holder or lanyard to their order to keep the card from getting snapped or lost in the bottom of a bag. We offer rigid card holders and lanyards made from the same biodegradable material as our eco-friendly cards. They are designed to be durable enough for daily use on campus while ensuring that if you do eventually misplace them, they won't sit in a landfill forever.

→ See the full range of lanyards and holders

Need something completely custom or a bulk order?

If you are looking for more than just a standard ID, we can help. While our website templates are fixed for individual orders, we handle bespoke projects for university departments, student unions, and societies all the time. If you have the rights to your university’s crest, or if you need a specific design for a club or faculty, get in touch. We can provide a custom quote for bulk runs that use your official branding and colors, and we’ll help you manage the data for the whole group so you don't have to upload them one by one. Email us at: theteam@thecardproject.uk

Helpful student ID guides

• How Universities Store Student ID Data and Protect Privacy - Ever wonder what happens to your info after your photo is taken? This guide breaks down how unis actually handle your data, the tech they use to keep it secure, and what they’re doing to make sure your identity stays private.

• University ID Card Rules and Replacement: A Complete Guide - Losing your ID is a headache, but it doesn't have to be a disaster. We’ve mapped out the do’s and don’ts of using your card, along with a simple, stress-free plan for getting a new one if yours ever goes missing.

• Graduation and Beyond: What Happens to Your Student ID? - Your student ID is a ticking time bomb of expiring perks and closing doors. Here is exactly how to scavenge the last of your discounts and rescue your files before the university pulls the plug on your access for good.

• International Students: Using Your Student ID in the UK - Arriving in the UK as an international student means balancing your legal immigration documents with your daily student status. This guide explains the practical differences between your passport and your student ID, how to keep your most valuable documents safe, and how to navigate the first few weeks on campus before your official university credentials arrive.

• Getting the Most from Your University Student ID Cards - Your ID is more than just a piece of plastic for the library scanners. This guide shows you how to unlock everything your card offers—from getting into the right buildings and managing meal plans to snagging those all-important student discounts.

Frequently asked questions

Can I add my university’s real logo to one of these designs?

The templates on our site are preset for individual orders, so the layouts stay exactly as you see them. We don't use official university crests for these "off-the-shelf" designs to avoid any confusion with official registrar-issued documents. However, if you are contacting us on behalf of a university department or a registered society and you have the rights to use your branding, just email us. We can do a custom quote for a bespoke run that uses your specific logo and colors for your members.

How long do the biodegradable cards actually last in day-to-day use?

They’ll last just as long as a standard PVC plastic card. Even though they’re an eco-friendly alternative, they’re still designed for daily use—they won't get flimsy in your wallet or start to warp if they get caught in a rain shower. The biodegradable process is only triggered when the card is in a microbe-rich environment, like a landfill or a compost heap. As long as it’s in your pocket or bag, it’ll stay as tough as any other ID card for years.

What kind of photo works best?

Think of it like a passport photo but less formal. A clear, front-facing head-and-shoulders shot against a plain, light-coloured background is best. Avoid hats, sunglasses, or heavy filters that obscure your face. As long as it’s a JPG or PNG under 5MB, you’ll be able to see exactly how it looks on the card preview before you finish your order.

Can I order multiple cards at once?

Yes, and there are two ways to go about it. If you’re just grabbing a couple for your flatmates, you can simply add them to your cart one by one, uploading a different photo and set of details for each. However, if you’re kitting out a sports team, a society, or a large staff group, don't waste time doing them individually. Send us an email instead. (we can work out a better price for the whole group too). theteam@thecardproject.uk

What if I make a typo after I’ve paid?

If you spot a mistake, get in touch with us immediately. Because we are a third-party printer and not linked to your university’s student database, we don't have a way to automatically verify your details—we print exactly what you type into the form. We try to get orders into production quickly to keep delivery times down, but if you catch a typo right away, we can usually fix it before the card goes to print. Just reply to your order confirmation email with the corrected details as soon as you can.

Does this card have a chip or magnetic strip for door access?

No. These are strictly visual, third-party ID cards. Because we aren't the university registrar, we don't have access to your campus security systems to program RFID chips or magnetic strips. These cards are perfect for proving your student status at a shop, museum, or cinema, but they won’t work for opening security gates, scanning into labs, or checking out books at the library. For those technical tasks, you’ll always need your official university-issued smart card.

What if I lose my card?

Since these cards are independent and not linked to a live university database, there is no "remote kill" switch or tracking system. If you lose it, it’s gone, and you’ll need to order a replacement. We recommend taking a clear photo of the card as soon as it arrives. While it won't replace the physical card for in-person checks, having the photo on your phone means you'll still have your ID number and expiry date handy for online forms while you wait for a new one to arrive..

Will this card work for student travel discounts?

It depends on who is checking, but you need to be careful. While most local bus drivers or small-scale transport staff will accept a physical ID as proof of your student status, official national providers (like a 16-25 Railcard or city-wide government travel apps) usually require you to verify your enrollment through a digital portal like UNiDAYS. Since these aren't official registrar-issued cards, they likely won't work for those high-level government or national travel schemes. Always check the specific travel company’s rules before you rely on it for a journey.

Ready to get your university ID sorted? Pick any design above, make it yours in minutes, and we’ll have it in the post, hopefully within 24 hours.