New Students R'Card Instructions
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How do I get my R'Card if I am coming to an in-person Orientation?
Request your R’Card no later than seven (7) days before your scheduled Orientation on campus to receive it at your session.
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How do I get my R'Card if I am attending a virtual Orientation or arriving on campus at any point in the year?
Apply for your R'Card as soon as possible and pick it up directly from the Highlander Service Station.
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If I am living on campus how do I make sure my room access and meal plan are ready on Move-In Day??
Finalize your R’Card request before September 7th at the absolute latest if considering on-campus living. This helps Housing officials connect your meal plan and building access to your R'Card before Move-In Weekend.
How to get 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.
- 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:
- 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.
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I’m coming to Orientation. When should I upload my photo?
You can submit your photo now up until seven days before your Orientation date to receive your R’Card at Orientation.
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How do I get the best ID Card photo?
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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.
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How do I get access to my dining plan or on-campus residence hall or campus apartment?
Only issued R’Cards can be programmed with meal plans and door access. Submit your photo at least seven days before Orientation and get your R'Card at your Orientation to have access to your meal plan and residence hall or campus apartment on Move-In Day.
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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.
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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.
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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.
- Log into R'Web
- Go to the “Personal Information” page
- 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.
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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.
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My Orientation is virtual (2, 3, 14, 15, & TR 3). When do I receive my R’Card?
Apply for your R'Card as soon as possible and pick it up directly from the Highlander Service Station.
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Is the R'Card free?
No it is not free and all new students are charged for it. 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.
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What do I need to bring to pickup my R'Card?
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.