How to Get Your First TCard / UTORid

Select the heading below that most appropriately applies to your status (student, staff, other) to learn about how you can obtain a TCard / UTORid.

If you are not a new student, staff, or faculty or have previously been issued a TCard, follow the lost / replacement instructions, or contact us at tcard.office@utoronto.ca.  

Please visit our TCard & UTORid Information page for more information on What is a TCard and UTORid.

Undergraduate & Graduate Student

I am a New Undergraduate/Graduate Student, currently studying remotely

TCards are not required if you are studying remotely. In order to activate your UTORid (which is the key to online resources including UTMail+ and library services), you will be required to submit your photo online and set up a remote appointment to have your identity and legal status verified.  

Proof of Legal Status in Canada (e.g. Canadian, Permanent Resident, International) is required to begin studying at the University of Toronto. Refer to the Documentation page for more information.

All documentation presented must be unexpired and original (digital or photocopies are not accepted).

Step 1: Submit a photo via MyPhoto, and once the photo is approved (you will get an email).
Step 2: Set up a remote appointment via CLNx to activate your UTORid.

Step 3: Attend the appointment and provide the required identity and legal status documentation

  • Appointments will take place via MS Teams (download not required – instructions will be provided before your appointment). 
  • You will need your JOINid to login to CLNx. 
  • Please continue to use your JOINid to access ACORN, StarRez and other online services, until you activate your UTORid. 

At the appointment you will: 

  • Be required to show your face via a webcam (for identity purposes).
  • Show your valid, physical/hard copy identity and legal status documents.
  • Have your MyPhoto picture verified by a TCard Staff.
  • Receive your UTORid Activation instructions and your UTMail+ account.

I am a New Undergraduate/Graduate Student and require physical access (meal plan, buildings) to services on Campus

If you are on campus and require a physical TCard for on-campus activities, including access to labs and facilities or use for meal plan, etc.  

Step 1: Submit a photo via MyPhoto, and once the photo is approved (you will get an email),
Step 2: Set up a remote appointment via CLNx to activate your UTORid.  (Select appointment type: A) UTSG (St. George) and UTSC (Scarborough) New Students: TCard Online ID Verification)

*Note: Both step 1 and step 2 must be completed in order to produce a physical card. 

Step 3: Attend the appointment, provide the required identity and legal status documentation, and indicate that you require a physical TCard. You will be provided with more information at that time.  
Step 4: An in-office pick-up appointment will be booked for you.

Returning / Re-Registered Students

If you were a previous student and attended the University of Toronto within a 2-year time period, you can continue to use your active UTORid and UofT email address (after you have completed the re-registration process with your registrar).  


If you are a returning student over 2 years: 

Your previous UTORid will continue to work.

If you require a physical TCard for on-campus purposes (including access to labs and facilities or use for meal plan, etc), make a request to: tcard.office@utoronto.ca.  

  • Please provide your student number, UTORid, name, and description of on-campus access requirements (e.g., physical access to buildings/rooms, etc). 
  • Be prepared to present your identity and legal status documentation 

All Other Students

School Of Continuing Studies

A University of Toronto TCard is available to any individual who is taking a course with the School of Continuing Studies, for a cost of $20 CAD. The TCard can be used to access all library resources and Wi-Fi on campus throughout the duration of your course. 

  • You must first submit a TCard Permission Letter Request to obtain a UTORid, on (or after) the scheduled start date of your course.  TCards are not available prior to the start of your course. 
  • After you receive your TCard Permission Letter from the School of Continuing studies you may request a TCard by emailing us at tcard.office@utoronto.ca. There is a $20 fee payable by debit or credit when you pick up the card in person.  
  • You will be required to present documentation to validate your identity.  

Please note that some SCS courses provide you with a qqID. This qqID provides access to Quercus and campus Wi–Fi.
Visit the SCS website for more information. 

Postdoctoral Fellows

New or replacement TCards for Postdoctoral Fellows who require physical access to buildings, labs, and other services on campus may be requested via email to tcard.office@utoronto.ca. Please provide your UTORid, name, and description of on campus requirement (e.g. physical access to building/rooms, etc). 

Your UTORid is sufficient to access online library resources and other online systems. 

Faculty, Staff, Other Staff, Visitors and Contractors

Faculty/Staff

New or replacement TCards for staff and faculty who require physical access to buildings, labs, and other services on campus may be requested via email to tcard.office@utoronto.ca. Please provide your personnel number or UTORid, name, and description of on campus requirement (e.g., physical access to building/rooms, Kronos, etc) 

Your UTORid and Secret Activation Key can be found on the online services letter provided to you by Human Resources.

Contractors, Temporary Staff/Faculty & Visiting Professors

If you fall into one of these categories, (and do not appear in HRIS), the department you are working for should apply for a Long-Term Guest UTORid. 

Short-Term Visitor
If you are a visitor who requires a UTORid for a period of 5 days or less, you can be sponsored by a staff or faculty member for a Short-Term Guest UTORid. 

Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME)

Postgraduate Medical Education

To activate your UTORid, you will require a Secret Activation Key (SAK). This can be found at the top of your POWER registration record.  

Your UTORid provides access to online library resources, U of T email, and other online services. If you require physical access to a U of T library, you may present government-issued ID plus proof of registration. 

If you have other on-campus activities and require a TCard, please contact the TCard office directly at tcard.office@utoronto.ca.

Please note that PGME trainees do not qualify for GO Transit discounts.