UT ID Card Online Photo Submission Guidelines
The UT ID Card’s online photo submission process enables UT Austin students, faculty, staff, retirees, and sponsored affiliates to upload a photo to be used on their UT ID Card.
All photos are subject to approval and MUST meet the following requirements:
ID Card Photo Requirements
Following these requirements will lead to faster approval.
General Requirements:
- Clear, in focus, digital color photo with uniform lighting (not over or underexposed) that does not cast shadows that cover up part of the face or eyes, captures skin tones accurately, and has been taken in the last 6 months
- Full-face view looking straight-on with eyes horizontally aligned, centered with shoulders squared to the camera without head tilting, hair should not obscure face or eyes
- Both eyes open with a neutral expression or natural smile
- Photo cropped from above the top of the head to just below the shoulders (can be done during submission)
- Photo may not be edited or altered (background will be removed during submission)
- Wearing visible shirt or blouse that is normally worn on a daily basis
Additional Requirements (if applicable):
- May wear prescription eyeglasses with transparent lenses (no tinting)
- frames must not cover the eye(s)
- must not be glare on eyeglasses
- must not be shadows or refraction from the eyeglasses
- May wear head coverings worn daily for religious beliefs as long as the item does not obscure facial features
- Do not submit a photo of another photo
- Do not wear a hat, mask, sunglasses, hoodie, headphones, or other accessories
- No hand expressions or gestures in the photo
- No other people or objects in the photo
Acceptable Photo Examples
☑ | ☑ | ☑ | ☑ |
Natural Smile / No Glare | Neutral Expression | Natural Smile | Natural Smile |
Unacceptable Photo Examples
⊘ | ⊘ | ⊘ | ⊘ |
Busy background / Eyes Closed / Hand Gesture / Unnatural Smile | Sunglasses | Hat / Low Light / Floating Head | Black & White Filter |
How to Submit Your ID Card Photo
If you submit multiple photos, multiple ID Cards may be printed and you will be financially responsible for any additional $10 card charges.
- Click on the “Submit Your Photo” button below
- Log in with your EID and password
- Approve multi-factor authentication request (DUO), if prompted
- Use your device (smart phone, tablet, etc.) to take your photo (selfie) or upload a recent existing photo
- Compare your photo to the requirements
- A Helper Bot will give you instant feedback on your photo and will auto rotate, crop, and remove the background on your photo
- You will see a "Pending Approval" notification above your photo, indicating your photo has been submitted for approval
After Your ID Card Photo is Submitted
- Once you finalize and submit your photo, ID Center staff will review your submission during business hours
- Usually within one (1) to two (2) business days, you will receive an email notifying you whether your photo was accepted or rejected by the ID Center
- Once your photo has been accepted, ID Center staff will print your ID Card and you will receive an email notification, usually within two (2) business days, that it is ready for pick up.
Please visit the ID Center ONLY AFTER you receive an email confirming
that your ID card has been printed and is available for pick up.
During high-volume periods, such as fall rush, please allow up to a week for your ID Card to be printed.
Disclaimer
When a photograph is submitted for the issuance of a UT ID Card, the digitized photo will be stored electronically for identification and security purposes. Identification information collected for the production of the ID card and may be used by the University of Texas to verify identity, support the safety and security of campus resources, and support the mission of the University.