Card Services

New Students R'Card Instructions

Request your Student ID (R’Card) by following the instructions on each tab.

If coming to an in-person Orientation:

Request your R’Card no later than ten (10) days before your scheduled arrival on campus to receive it at your session.

If attending a virtual Orientation or arriving on campus at any point in the year:

Apply for your R'Card and pick it up directly from the Highlander Service Station. 

Tip! Finalize your R’Card request before September 8th if considering on-campus living. This helps Housing officials connect your meal plan and building access to your R'Card before Move-In Weekend.  

Request your R’Card in 4 Easy Steps

  • Your name will print on your R’Card exactly as it appears on your Personal Information page in the R'Web portal.

R'Web Portal

  • If you would like to use a lived name on your R’Card, you can overwrite your legal name by choosing the Preferred Name option. If you change your name, hold off on moving to Step 2 for at least two days to allow the data to update.

Log in to myphoto.ucr.edu with your NetID and password. Carefully follow the instructions on MyPhoto to submit both an approved photo and proof of identity (a government-issued ID).

Your ID Photo: Upload a self-portrait, following these guidelines:

Head Shot Example
  • Expression should be natural.
  • Face forward, no side angles.
  • Background should be a solid color.
  • Entire face should be well-lighted and in-focus.
  • Do not alter or distort photo.  

Adhering to these guidelines assures your photo will be approved quickly.                   

Proof of Identity:

  • Submit a picture of a government-issued photo ID that includes your photo, name, and date-of-birth. For ID alternatives, please see the FAQ page.

MyPhoto will automatically send you a message confirming submission of your photo and proof of identity. A Card Office official will review* your submission and send you a message through MyPhoto stating if your submission gets approved or needs to be resubmitted.

Messages from MyPhoto:

  • Email #1 will confirm the submission of materials.
  • Email #2 will let you know if your submission is approved. If it is disapproved, make requested corrections before resubmitting.

*Review times vary according to seasonal demand.

Your R’Card will be issued if your photo and proof of identity are approved. Please provide a valid Government-issued photo ID to claim your R'Card from the Highlander Service Station. Students attending first-year or transfer orientations will receive their R'Card at those events.

The R'Card fee will appear on student accounts automatically. Most will see the fee appear when tuition is charged to your student account, even if no photo is on file. Students may request their R’Card at any time regardless of the fee posting date.

Walk-in R’Card service is available at the Highlander Service Station. Be prepared to tell us your student ID number, provide a valid government-issued photo ID, and have your picture taken.

  • I’m coming to Orientation. When should I upload my photo?

    You can submit your photo now up until ten days before your Orientation date to receive your R’Card at Orientation.

    Submit Photo

  • How do I get the best ID Card photo?
    • Head Shot Example
      Expression should be natural
    • Face forward (no side angles)
    • Background should be a neutral color
    • Light source should be in front of you
    • Focus on face and shoulders
    • Photo must be in color
    • No filters

    Refusing to follow any of these guidelines could delay your photo from being approved.

  • What happens if I miss the photo deadline?

    We still need your photo to print your R’Card, even after Orientation passes, especially if you plan to live on campus. Only issued R’Cards can be programmed with meal plans and door access.

    Best of all, if you are planning to live in Aberdeen-Inverness, Pentland Hills, Lothian, or Dundee, we will forward your R’Card to Housing, so you’ll receive it on Move-In Day.  All other R’Cards can be picked up directly from the Highlander Service Station

  • What happens if I don’t pick up my R’Card at Orientation?

    Unclaimed R’Cards will return to the custody of the Highlander Service Station for pickup.  In September, we will forward all R’Cards in our custody belonging to students moving into Aberdeen-Inverness, Pentland Hills, Lothian, or Dundee to Housing.  Housing will distribute them in the new resident’s welcome kit on Move-In Day.

  • What government-issued documents are accepted?

    Any current government-issue photo ID (valid English-language passport, U.S. driver’s license, U.S. Military identification card, etc.)  We cannot accept birth certificates, social security cards, or credit cards.

  • What if I don’t have a valid government-issued ID?

    Students are encouraged to visit their state DMV office or apply for a passport before requesting their R’Card. In case of an emergency, a student can upload a high school ID or email the card office an R'Card Notarized Identity Verification Form if it bears the stamp of a Notary seal.  Email the Card Office for help.

    Email Card Office

  • What if I want to use a different name on my R’Card?

    Students may choose a “Preferred Name” (different from your legal name) by choosing that option on their R'Web profile.  Follow these instructions.

    1. Log into R'Web 
    2. Go to the “Personal Information” page
    3. Choose “Preferred Name.”

    Do this a day before submitting your photo to ensure our ID system has your updated name.

    Note: Your legal name is still maintained and used for some university business. The university reserves the right to remove a "Preferred Name" if it contains inappropriate or offensive language or is being used for misrepresentation.

  • Can I have my photo taken at the Highlander Service Station?

    We have cameras at HSS to take your R’Card photo. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours. Please provide your student ID number and a government-issued photo ID when requesting a photo.

  • My Orientation is virtual (2, 8, 12, & TR 4). When do I receive my R’Card?

    Students attending a virtual orientation may pick up their R’Card from the Highlander Service Station at any time. Please know your Student ID number and provide a valid government-issue photo ID.

    In September, we will forward all R’Cards in our custody belonging to students moving into Aberdeen-Inverness, Pentland Hills, Lothian, or Dundee to Housing.  Housing will distribute them in the new resident’s welcome kit on Move-In Day.

  • When and how much do I pay?

    A new card fee will appear on all first-year and transfer students’ R’Web account even if no card request is made. The Card Office recommends requesting your R’Card since you’re paying for it and to regularly check statements to ensure the fee is paid to avoid a late fee penalty.

  • I want to pick up my R’Card what do I need to know?

    Whether picking up your R’Card at Orientation or from the Highlander Service Station, please be prepared to show a government-issue photo ID and know your student ID number.