Identity (ID) card
- What is the Curtin University Identification (ID) Card?
- How do I get one?
- Who needs an ID card?
- Why do I need one?
- How much will it cost?
- Where do I get one?
- Is my photo used for anything else?
- What happens after I get my card?
What is the Curtin University Identification (ID) Card?
Curtin ID cards contain a photograph and basic personal details of the cardholder. The card also contains a visible magnetic stripe. Inside the card there is a chip and antenna. The magnetic stripe, chip and antenna all store information about the cardholder and their access to buildings on campus.
Your building will either have a swipe reader (meaning a card's magnetic stripe is swiped through the door reader to operate it) or proximity reader (meaning a card is held close to the new door reader to operate it). If a card is coded for access to a building, the door reader light will turn green, a tune will sound, and the door(s) will unlock.
Below is an example of a Curtin ID card.

How do I get one?
Once you have completed your enrolment at your Faculty Office (or online) you will need to come to Student Central building 101, level 2. The Student Service Officer will need to verify your identity and as such you must provide one of the following forms of primary documentation:
- Australian Driver’s Licence
- Passport
- National Identity card
If you do not have any of the above forms of documentation you must provide 2 forms of secondary documentation from the list below:
- Medicare card
- Bank card (credit/debit or EFTPOS)
- Birth certificate/extract
- Marriage certificate
- Payment summary/group certificate
- Citizenship certificate
- ID Card issued by another educational institution
- Health Care, Social Security or Pension card
- Public Service employee ID card
- Other licence issued under Australian Law (e.g. Boat, Pilot)
- Private Health Insurance card (e.g. Medibank Private, HBF)
- Divorce Decree
- Utilities bill (e.g. Electricity, Gas)
If you are replacing your card due to it being lost, you will need to pay a $20 replacement fee. If you card has been stolen and reported to the police, you will be asked to provide the police report number. You will not be charged a replacement fee.
If you are unable to attend the campus for your card, you can post in an Application for Student ID card - External students form available on the Current Students forms page
Who needs an ID card?
All current students and staff of the University must obtain and carry with them an identification card. For students there are a range of cards depending on your type of enrolment at the University.
- Student Card - for students who have a current enrolment in academic courses or subjects offered by Curtin University and have a student identification number.
- Curtin College Card - for students who have a current enrolment in academic courses or subjects offered by Curtin College and have a student identification number.
- University Associate Card - for people that are not enrolled within the University but who require access to buildings and electronic services for the purposes of their work with Curtin.
Students enrolled in International Bridging and some Short courses are not eligible for an ID card.
For staff there are a range of cards depending on your job requirement and your relationship with the University.
- Staff Card - for staff that are employed within the University and have been assigned an identification number by Staff Services.
- University Associate Card - for people that are not employed within the University but who require access to buildings and electronic services for the purposes of their work with Curtin.
Why do I need one?
A university ID card identifies you as being a member of the Curtin community and enables you to access certain campus facilities and services that are restricted to University staff and students.
You must have a card to:
- Enter buildings the majority of buildings and labs on campus
- Attend University examinations
- Identify who you are
- Access Library Borrowing Services
- Obtain a "Student 20XX" sticker
- Obtain the Curtin Guild membership sticker
How much will it cost?
Your first card is free!
If your first card is lost or damaged due to misuse a $21.00 fee will be charged for a replacement. Payment can be made to the University Cashiers in Building 101, Level 2.
If your first card is stolen and you have evidence of the police report no fee will be charged for a replacement.
Where do I get one?
- If you are a student or staff member at Sarawak Campus please refer to the Sarawak Campus website.
- If you are a student or staff member at Curtin Sydney please refer to the Sydney Campus website.
- If you are a student or staff member at Kalgoorlie VTEC please refer to the Kalgoorlie Campus website.
- If you are a student or staff member at the Bentley, or any other Curtin campus not listed above, identification cards are available at:
Student Central
Building 101, Level 2.
ID card stations are also set up at each Faculty over busy enrolment periods.
Is my photo used for anything else?
Your photo is stored on your record in the Cardax Security database; and for students it is also stored on your record in the student database.
Use of your photo is strictly controlled and will only be allowed for approved internal administrative purposes within the University.
What happens after I get my card?
If you enter buildings around campus for your work or study you will need the appropriate access on your card.
- Students automatically have building access assigned to their card for the Abacus Lab; however access to other buildings is not automatically assigned.
- Staff do not automatically have any access assigned to their card.
To request building access you must complete the Electronic Request for Building Access form [.pdf] and submit it as per the instructions on the form.
There isn't much else for you to do once you have your card except keep it on your person at all times when on campus, and keep it secure!