Important Information for New Students

When you come for your WatCard, be prepared to have your picture taken.

Why wait in line? Submit your photo in advance with our new photo submission tool and skip the line!

Please note that you must bring government issued photo ID when you come to pick up your WatCard even if you have sent in a photo. Please wait until you receive a confirmation email before coming to pick up your WatCard.

Guidelines for electronic pictures:

Your photo must be in colour .jpg format
Please use a flash - your photo must be bright and clear.
We cannot accept photos with hats or sunglasses.
Your photo must have a neutral background (ie - a white wall).
Your photo must show a clear image of your face and must have been taken within the last six months.
Only one copy of your photo is required.
If you can't imagine the photo on your passport, you should send a different one.

These are examples of unacceptable photos:

The WatCard is the official identification card for the University of Waterloo. Identification photos must show a clear view of the face from the front with no hats, headbands, or sunglasses. We reserve the right to disallow inappropriate photos. No advertising or messages are allowed in the identification photos. When sending a photo, keep in mind it is for ID purposes.

If you are an Extended Learning student, please contact them directly for inquiries regarding your ID card at distance@uwaterloo.ca. Please be advised that Extended Learning students are not be eligible for picture submission.

To pick up your WatCard, you MUST COME IN PERSON and bring government issued photo ID and your UW ID number.