Submitting an ID Photo

Who can submit a photo online?

IU faculty, staff, and students who have never had an IU ID, including students attending a University sanctioned orientation, can submit a photo online.

Those eligible to submit a photo online are required to upload documentation verifying their identity (examples: driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID, and school ID). This gives the patron the option to have their CrimsonCard mailed directly to them if their address is within the United States.

Employees and students who already have a CrimsonCard, or other IU ID, must visit a CrimsonCard office to take a new photo when receiving a card.

Photo requirements

Photo submissions must meet the following criteria to be accepted for official use on your CrimsonCard:

Color photos only
Must be current (taken within the last 6 months)
Background must be solid, smooth, and white, light-colored, or gray
Must be framed passport-style: forward-facing, head and top of the shoulders in frame
Natural or neutral expression/smile
Face must be centered with eyes and features clearly visible.
No hats, caps, sunglasses, headphones, scarves, etc. (Religious head coverings are permitted)
Photo must be.jpg (or .jpeg) file format
1.5 MB file size limit
Photo must include only the person on the ID. No pets, friends, props, etc.
Do not use any filters to alter the photo

Acceptable photos

The following images meet the guidelines for acceptable photo submissions.

Common mistakes

Online photo submissions are denied most often for the following reasons:

Photo quality is too low or filed in the wrong format
Eyes are closed or face is obscured by hat, sunglasses, etc.
Background is not solid white or light in color
Exposure—photo is too dark or bright
Proximity—photo was taken too far away, or too close
A filter or digital effect was applied

Unacceptable photos

The following images do not meet the guidelines for acceptable photo submissions.

Review and approval process

Ensure that you can access your IU email account before submitting a photo and documentation or your submission may not be processed. If you need assistance accessing your email account, please contact your campus Support Center

You’ll receive a confirmation screen after you successfully upload a photo and documentation verifying your identity. The photo and documentation will be reviewed within three business days. You will then receive an email notification indicating whether your photo and documentation was approved or denied.

If denied, you can submit another photo and/or documentation that fits the criteria listed above. If approved, you will receive an email with instructions on how to get your new CrimsonCard.

Note: You are still required to present a valid government-issued photo ID when claiming your CrimsonCard in-person.

Submit your photo

Upload (requires IU login)