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JOINid vs. UTORid vs. TCard

JOINid: Your starting accountUTORid: Your full student accountTCard: Your physical ID card
Use it to:
– Check your application
– register for courses through ACORN
– Pay your tuition
Same username with full access to:
– your U of T email
– campus Wi-Fi
– Quercus
Use it for: 
– Building Access to librariesathletic centres, and other university spaces
-Payments for meals, bookstore purchasesprinting, and photocopying 
– ID for Exams, campus voting, and student discounts. 

You can start the process of getting your UTORid and TCard beginning:

  • April 1 if you start U of T in the Summer
  • May 1 if you start U of T in the Fall
  • December 1 if you start U of T in the Winter

Activate your UTORid before your first day so you don’t miss any important updates.

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Then, you’ll need to pick up your actual TCard when you arrive on campus.

Your TCard

The TCard is your physical identification/credential for on-campus purposes. It includes your photo, UTORid, student number or personnel number, and a barcode. Data from/on the card is used to verify/grant access to relevant services and facilities like libraries, athletic facilities, exams, meal plans, printing services and more.

Your TCard+

Funds can be loaded on to your TCard for U of T Bookstore purchases, food/meal plan purchases and printing/photocopying at participating locations on campus.

Find more information and load funds:

Who needs a UTORid & TCard

UTORid (Digital ID): Required for Everyone 

All students, staff, faculty, and guests need a UTORid to access email, Wi-Fi, and online portals. 

TCard (Physical ID): Required for Campus Use 

You only need a TCard if you will be physically present on campus for classes, work, or exams. 

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How to get a UTORid and TCard

Before you start, enable your JOINid and find out what documentation you need to follow the steps below:

Step 1: Upload your photo and documents


Step 2: Check your email for the status of your photo and documentation submission and UTORid activation instructions


Step 3: Pick up your TCard on campus

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