Some departments make use of the UT ID card by scanning an individual's card to check them in to an event or a location. Other departments may have other cases for using the UT ID card. In all of these cases, the department will use a hardware device to obtain the 16-digit number from the card. Then, their departmentally-created program will connect with an ITS system to translate that ID card number into usable information, store and utilize that information as necessary.

Requirements

In order to use the UT ID card in this manner, you will need the following:

1. A hardware device to read the magnetic strip (Track 2) or bar code on the UT ID card.
2. A developer in your department who can write software to perform the functions necessary.
3. Approved access to the uTexas Enterprise Directory (TED).

Notes

The 16-digit ID card number (ISO) is considered Confidential data and should be treated in accordance with the applicable minimum security standards. More information is available on the IT Policies, Standards, and Guidelines page.

Support

Looking up an ID card number in the uTexas Enterprise Directory (TED) will only work if the ID card is valid and active. Individuals whose ID cards are inactive will return no results.

If a student, faculty, or staff member replaces their UT ID card, they will generally receive a new 16-digit ID card number. It is important to ensure that your systems account for this eventuality.

Though the ID Center is unable to provide support or development resources for this use of the ID Card, contract-based assistance is available from the Contract Software and Web Development team. For your in-house developers, the ITS Identity Management Team can provide limited support for connecting to TED and interpreting the data in the directory.