Before you start
1. Legal name match: The name on your government ID (Canadian ID or foreign passport) must exactly match the name on your student or staff record. If your name doesn’t match, update your name before you continue.
2. Proof of legal status in Canada: You must provide proof of your current legal status in Canada (such as a Canadian birth certificate, PR card, or study permit). Use the documentation tool to find the specific document required for your legal status. U of T verifies your identity and legal status for the following reasons:
- Security: Protecting your account and record accuracy.
- Tuition: Ensuring correct fee assessment (domestic or international).
- Compliance: Meeting government reporting obligations.
3. Government-issued photo ID: You’ll need a valid photo ID to verify your identity. Use the documentation tool to find the specific identity document required.
Select your role to see your steps
Students starting in…
- summer can begin the steps starting April 1st
- fall can begin the steps starting May 1st
- winter can begin the steps starting December 1st
Enable your JOINid here. You can find your JOINid and student/applicant number on your Offer of Acceptance letter.
Review photo and documentation requirements
Then, upload your TCard photo and documents here.
It can take up to 3-5 business days for your online submission to be processed. Approval/denial emails will be sent to the email listed in your ACORN profile.
- Once your photo is approved, you will get an email from infosec@utoronto.ca with the subject: “Activate Your U of T UTORid.”
- Follow the steps in that email to activate your UTORid and set up your UofT email address.
- Once you get this email, your old JOINid password will stop working.
You can pick up your TCard once your UTORid is activated.
- For newly admitted summer/winter students, TCard will only be issued after registration status on ACORN is changed to ‘Registered’.
Visit the TCard office (no appointments required) with:
- Your UTORid or student number
- Your valid government-issued photo ID (original and not expired). Use the documentation tool to find out what documents you need to bring.
- Photos or digital copies of ID are not accepted.
If you cannot wait in line due to a disability, tell TCard staff when you arrive.
Students starting in…
- summer can begin the steps starting April 1st
- fall can begin the steps starting May 1st
- winter can begin the steps starting December 1st
If you still use a JOINid, follow the steps for newly admitted students.
- Returning within 2 years? Visit the replace your TCard page for instructions and fees.
- Returning after 2+ years? If you have been away from U of T for two years or more, you will need to re-submit a new photo, ID and legal status document to update your student record.
- Important: The name on your government ID (Canadian ID or foreign passport) must exactly match the name on your student record. If your name doesn’t match, update your name before you continue.
- Visit the TCard office (no appointments required) with:
- Your UTORid or student number
- Your valid government-issued photo ID (original and not expired). Use the documentation tool to find out what documents you need to bring.
- Photos or digital copies of ID are not accepted.
If you cannot wait in line due to a disability, tell TCard staff when you arrive
1. Get your credentials:
Locate your UTORid and Secret Activation Key (SAK) on the online services letter provided by your business officer or HR. Contact your business officer if you need help.
2. Activate your UTORid:
Enter your UTORid and SAK at uoft.me/activate-utorid.
3. Pick up your TCard:
Visit the TCard office (no appointments required) or Library membership services with:
- Your UTORid
- Your valid government-issued photo ID (original and not expired). Use the documentation tool to find out what documents you need to bring.
- Photos or digital copies of ID are not accepted.
If you cannot wait in line due to a disability, tell TCard staff when you arrive.
1. Activate your UTORid:
Submit a TCard permission letter request on or after your course start date. If approved, you will receive your UTORid via email within two business days.
2. Pick up your TCard (optional):
A TCard is not required for classes, but is needed for physical library access.
Visit the TCard Office (no appointments required) with:
- $20 fee (debit/credit/TBucks only).
- Your TCard permission letter
- Your valid government-issued photo ID (original and not expired). Use the documentation tool to find out what documents you need to bring.
- Photos or digital copies of ID are not accepted.
If you cannot wait in line due to a disability, tell TCard staff when you arrive.
1. Activate your UTORid:
- Log in to POWER. Your UTORid and Secret Activation Key (SAK) are at the top of the “initial view” screen.
- Use these credentials to activate your UTORid.
- If the SAK field is blank, your UTORid is already active. Verify your status using the UTORid check tool.
Support Contacts:
- POWER system issues: postgrad.med@utoronto.ca
- Password/UTORid issues: Information commons help desk
2. Pick up your TCard:
Visit the TCard Office (no appointments required) with:
- Your UTORid/Trainee ID number
- Your valid government-issued photo ID (original and not expired). Use the documentation tool to find out what documents you need to bring.
- Photos or digital copies of ID are not accepted.
If you cannot wait in line due to a disability, tell TCard staff when you arrive.
Check Your eligibility: Visit the TST website to confirm if your program is eligible for a TCard.
- Eligible? Follow the instructions for newly admitted students.
- Program not listed? Contact your college registrar’s office.
International students: You must have your legal status verified by your college registrar’s office before you visit the TCard office.
1. Get your credentials:
Check the Online services letter provided by your department or HR (PSEC) for your UTORid and Secret activation key (SAK).
- If your letter says ‘account to be created‘ visit Library membership services to set up your account in person.
2. Activate your UTORid:
Go to uoft.me/activate-utorid and enter your UTORid and SAK.
3. Pick up your TCard:
Visit the TCard office (no appointments required) or Library membership services with:
- Your UTORid
- Your valid government-issued photo ID (original and not expired). Use the documentation tool to find out what documents you need to bring.
- Photos or digital copies of ID are not accepted.
If you cannot wait in line due to a disability, tell TCard staff when you arrive.
Guest UTORids and TCards: For contractors, temporary staff, and visiting professors.
1. Choose your account:
- Short-term: For visits of 5 days or less.
- Long-term: For visits of more than 5 days.
2. Get sponsored:
Ask your supervisor or business officer to sponsor your request.
3. Pick up your card:
Visit the Library membership services with:
- Your valid government-issued photo ID (original and not expired). Use the documentation tool to find out what documents you need to bring.
- Photos or digital copies of ID are not accepted.
If you cannot wait in line due to a disability, tell TCard staff when you arrive.
- Need a new card? The U of T Schools’ Evans Library will notify you when your TCard is ready for pick up. Contact the Evans Library at UTS Schools to inquire about a new card.
- Replacement Cards:
- Report lost cards to Evans Library to block misuse.
- UTS students must email the UTS Library to arrange your replacement card and payment.
- UTS cards are only issued at the Evans Library.