Freshmen/Transfer ID Cards
ID Card Photo Instructions for Freshmen, Freshmen Connection, and Transfer Students
As a University of Maryland student, you are entitled to a student ID card. Your ID card serves as a general form of identification for the purpose of accessing University programs and services.
You must submit your photo and signature online no less than 10 days prior to your in-person orientation.
ID cards will be distributed during orientation and you will be required to show a government issued photo ID (state ID, driver's license, passport, etc.) to receive your ID card.
ID CARD PHOTO REQUIREMENTS
You must submit a color, passport-style photo showing a full-front view of your head and shoulders with a red background.
Use the Upload Photo and Signature tool to take your photo using the camera on your device or upload a photo of your choosing.
Your photo must meet the following requirements to be acceptable for use:
- Your photo must be in color with a solid red background.
You can stand in front of a red backdrop (sheet, red wall, etc.) or use an app or website to change the background color of your photo. We recommend remove.bg (use hex color #E21833). - The background should be plain red with no patterns, objects, textures, other people, etc. (no paneled doors, trees, bricks, car interiors, wood, etc).
- Have someone else take your photo. No selfies!
- Use a clear image of your face. Do not apply any filters.
- Face the camera directly with your full face in view (no sideways-facing shots or side profiles).
- Your photo must show your head and shoulders at least.
- You may not wear hats or head coverings, except for religious or medical purposes.
- Your picture file should be in one of the following formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, TIF.
