Campus ID Card FAQs
Auxiliary Services home »
Campus ID Card Photo Help »
UCI ID FAQs
Students and Staff
(Click here for more staff-only FAQs)
The UCI ID has gone digital! Here’s why:
Physical IDs – Easily Lost, Ruined and Stolen
Digital IDs – Secure, Sustainable and Free
With over 40,000 students and staff, digital IDs will keep plastic out of landfills and our ocean. UCI prides ourselves on sustainability and innovation. Digital is the way of the future and we want to be at the forefront. With both those contributing factors our new digital ID, ZotKey, is the smartest choice for UCI.
Q: How do I submit a photo for my UCI ID?
A: All photos for students, faculty and staff, must be submitted online. Please view instructions here on how to submit a photo for approval. IDs will not work without an approved photo on file
Q: How long do photo approvals take?
A: Your photo will be approved or denied 24-48 hours after submitting (not including weekends and holidays). You will receive an automated email whether it has been approved or denied. In order to make sure your photo is not denied please watch the submission video and review guidelines.
Q: What qualifies as a supporting document for photo uploads?
A: Supporting documents must include a recent photo of yourself and your full legal name
Any of the following pieces of government-issued identification are acceptable:
- Passport photo page / Passport Card
- Driver’s License
- State issued identification card
- Permanent Resident Card
- Trusted Traveler Card
- US Armed Services identification cards
Q: Where do I get my ID Card?
A: You can access your ZotKey on any smartphone with the app Atrium Campus Connect.
Apple iOS Store
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/atrium-campus-connect/id1596975756
Google Play Store
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.atriumcampus.connect
If you do not have a smartphone with a data plan please contact CardServices@uci.edu
Q: Is the ZotKey accepted as identification for exams?
A: Yes! The ZotKey is an official UCI ID and is accepted for all identification purposes.
Q: Can I change how my name is displayed on my ID card
A: We only print First/Preferred Names and Last Names provided by the registrar. If you’d like to edit your name, please visit the Registrar to update your preferred name.
Q: If I already have a physical card, do I need a digital ID?
A: No. Physical cards may be kept for now, but we do plan on switching to 100% mobile in the future. The digital ID works like your physical card, but you don’t have to worry about misplacing it!
Q: Can I have a digital and physical ID?
A: If you are receiving an ID after June 1st 2023 you will only have a digital ID. If you were previously issued a physical card you will have access to both. If your physical ID is lost, you will only have access to the digital ID. If you do not have a smartphone you will need to contact CardServices@uci.edu .
Q: Where on campus can I use my ID Card?
A: Your UCI ID can be used in a variety of ways:
- UCI Dining – Connect it to your Meal Plan or Zot Bucks and just scan to eat! Available to use at on campus Dining Halls, Starbucks, Cafes, Convenience Stores, Food Courts etc.
- Library – Check out all the knowledge you need
- The Hill Bookstore – Purchase textbooks and school merchandise
- Test Taking – You will need your ID in order to take tests in the classroom
- WEPA Printing – Load your ID with Zot Bucks and use at all available printing locations
- Discounts – Use anywhere student discounts are given! Check a short list of UCI participants here
Q: Who do I contact if I’m having an issue with UCI ID?
A: If you have any questions regarding your ID please contact CardServices@uci.edu
Q: How long will it take to get my card?
A: Digital IDs are instant after photo approval!
Q: How do I load money onto my digital ID?
A: You can load Zot Bucks, Flex Dine, or Meal Plan funds all on your Atrium Connect Profile. For individual how-to’s please click the link(s) below:
- Meal Plan – Gives you access to both of our all-you-care-to-eat dining halls, Brandywine and The Anteatery.
- FlexDine – Use at any of our cafes, restaurants and convenience stores across campus.( *Excluding Café Espresso and the University Club*) Also use with your Grubhub app when purchasing from the above places!
- Zot Bucks – Used for purchases at the Hill, dining locations, printing and convenience stores
Q: Does the money I add onto my ID expire?
A: There are different funds that can be loaded to your UCI ID
- Zot Bucks – Zot Bucks does not expire until you separate / graduate from UCI. This is the only time when Zot Bucks can be refunded.
- Meal Plan: All Anteater plans (excluding the 7-Day All Access and Housing Meal Plan) carry over between quarters, but do expire. Please check Dining Meal Plan FAQs for more information.
Q: Is there a charge for replacements of physical IDs?
A: If you lose your physical ID, it will need to be replaced with a digital ID. Please contact cardservices@uci.edu for more information.
Q: I log into my Atrium profile, but my ID does not work
A: You must have a photo on file for your ID to be active. Once it is active, tap the card and it will flip to generate the QR code on the back. If you are still having issues, please contact CardServices@uci.edu