Check the Husky Card Office Operations Updates page for the most current information regarding operating hours, location, and adjusted card services.
If you are experiencing issues with your Husky Card or have general inquiry questions please email us at huskycrd@uw.edu or call (206) 543-7222. In some circumstances we may be able to resolve issues or answer questions without the need for you to visit our office. New students and employees should contact us with their UW ID number prior to visiting in order to first confirm eligibility for the Husky Card.
Eligibility
Newly admitted students and those who are currently registered for credits are eligible to obtain their UW ID cards (Husky Cards).
Obtaining a Husky Card
Eligible students may obtain their Husky Card by visiting the Husky Card Account & ID Center at any time during walk-in service hours. You will need to have your UW student ID number and U.S. state- or federally-issued photo identification with you (such as a driver's license or passport). We do not accept high school IDs. Please see our Operations Updates page for alternative options to request your card remotely. You can find a list of other locations at ID Center Locations.
Taking care of a Husky Card
It is important for cardholders to take proper care of their Husky Card. The technology that makes your card work includes an antenna, electronic chip and magnetic stripe. There are three primary reasons why your Husky Card would stop working:
- Damage to the antenna or damage to the bond between the chip and the antenna will destroy the card.
- Exposing the card to electrostatic discharge can damage the integrated circuit.
- Strong magnetic fields can wipe out the programming on the card's chip. Keep your Husky Card away from wireless chargers.
When Husky Cards fail, it is frequently the result of unintentional abuse by the cardholder. Below is a list of common actions that damage Husky Cards:
- Punching a hole or slot in the card
- Machine washing the card
- Keeping the card loose in your clothing or backpack, or keeping it in a wallet in your back pocket and sitting down
- Bringing it within close proximity to a wireless charger
- Exposing the card to extreme heat (i.e., direct sunlight on the dash of your car, clothes dryer, iron) or extreme cold
- Leaving it in your vehicle or using the card as an ice scraper for the windows
- Bending, twisting and/or crimping the card
- Exposing the card to chemicals including organic solvents, thinners and/or alcohol
Keeping your card in a protective cover or holder is the best way to ensure a long, functional life. Cardholders will be charged a fee for the replacement of a damaged Husky Card.
Replacement cards
If you lose your Husky Card, log into the Online Card Office as soon as possible to freeze your Husky Card Account and/or Dining Account. During regular business hours you may also call the Husky Card Account & ID Center at 206-543-7222 to request that a staff member freeze your account(s) on your behalf. If you are able to recover your missing card, you can reactivate it through the Online Card Office anytime.
To replace your Husky Card, visit the Husky Card Account & ID Center. Replacements due to loss, theft, damage name or photo changes will be charged a replacement fee of $25. You may be required to show your legal photo identification to obtain a replacement card. Once a new card is printed it will permanently deactivate the previous one. We recommend checking with the specific ID Center location for accepted payment methods. There is no additional charge to replace the U-PASS; however, because the ORCA card readers do not update immediately with new card information, you will not be able to use the U-PASS for transit for 12–24 hours after replacing your Husky Card. Please see our Operations Updates page for alternative options to request a replacement card remotely.
U-PASS
The Husky Card contains an embedded RFID microchip processor that communicates with card-reader equipment. U-PASS members need a Husky Card to use U-PASS on transit. The smart chip functionality will only be activated for those who have U-PASS privileges. Once activated, hold the card to ORCA card readers for full-fare coverage. You should see a green light and hear a beep. Visit UW Transportation Services for more details about using your Husky Card for transit.
Universal U-PASS
Most Seattle-campus students are enrolled in the Universal U-PASS program, and the U-PASS charge will automatically appear on their tuition statement. The ORCA-powered U-PASS will be active for transit one week before the quarter starts, and you must tap your new Husky Card on an ORCA card reader to finalize activation each quarter. (Note: Failure to finalize activation of your U-PASS will not result in a refund of the U-PASS charge). ORCA card readers are available on all Seattle Metro buses and light rail stations. For more details on finalizing U-PASS activation, please review UW Transportation Services information on the student U-PASS.
Optional purchased student U-PASS
Some students are not eligible for the Universal U-PASS. However, they may be able to purchase an optional U-PASS membership.
Privacy issues
There will be no personal identification information stored on the smart chip. The RFID chip will be used to validate that the cardholder has access to U-PASS transit privileges. All information associated with the card and access rights are kept in accordance with the UW policy on personally identifiable information. For information regarding the privacy of transit data, please see the U-PASS Terms of Use.
Card ownership
The Husky Card is the property of the UW and is not transferable. Do not allow others to use your Husky Card, doing so is a serious misuse of the Husky Card and as such subjects you to disciplinary action as described in the UW Student Conduct Code.