Submit Your Own Mountaineer Card ID Photo

Students and employees can submit a personal photo to be used as their official Mountaineer ID Card photo, instead of getting one taken on campus. This is mandatory for all incoming, admitted students. Your first Mountaineer ID Card is free. Review  Mountaineer Card Fees  for more information. 

Photo Requirements

• DO upload recent photo that reflects your current appearance (squared with good quality and adequate lighting that doesn't have distracting shadows)

• DO upload Government ID (e.g. driver’s license or passport)

• DO take photo against a plain white or off-white wall (no patterned, brick backgrounds or door frames – backdrop should be a single, consistent surface)

• DO keep your face forward, head straight and eyes open (no selfies)

• DO leave several inches of space around your entire head (we will crop the photo to the appropriate size for you)

• DO wear an appropriate shirt   

• DO NOT upload a picture using an app filter or a black and white photo  

• DO NOT include hats or sunglasses in the photo (religious and medical garments are permitted)   

• DO NOT include people, animals or objects in the background 

Your submission should resemble a driver's license or passport photo. 

Submission Instructions for Incoming Students

View the Submit Your New Student Mountaineer Card ID Photo (Public) page to see instructions for new students.

Submission Instructions for Current Students and Employees

1. Go to idphoto.wvu.edu. Enter your WVU Login credentials if you are prompted to sign in. 

2. Review the photo requirements, then tap or click the camera icon to capture your photo, or choose the Upload Photo option to upload an existing photo. 

3. Once uploaded, your photo will be prepared and screened by the Mountaineer Card Bot. Tap or click Next to continue. 

4. Upload proof of identification. This must be a driver’s license, military ID, state ID or passport. The name on your identification must match WVU records, see the “What if I Don’t Have Access to a Valid ID” section below for instructions in the case currently don’t have a valid ID

5. After you’ve uploaded both photos, Mountaineer Card bot will tell you if it thinks your photo will be approved or denied, giving you a chance to choose a new one if necessary. If it looks good, click Submit & Sign Out. 

Next steps: You will receive an official decision via MIX or Outlook email within three business days, after your submission has been reviewed by Service Center staff. If your photo is rejected, you will need to submit a new one that meets the guidelines. ID cards can be picked up at the ITS Service Centers in the Mountainlair, or at G-118 Bennett Tower, and both are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

If you're an online student or off-campus employee, you can submit a request to have your ID card mailed. When you receive your card through the mail, you must activate it online.

What if I Don’t Have Access to a Valid ID?

If you are unable to provide a government ID along with your uploaded picture, WVU cannot approve for your Mountaineer ID Card to be created and it will be recommended for you to attempt to get a new ID at your local DMV. However, if your parent or guardian has a valid government ID and is able to accompany you to an ITS Service Center, a picture can be taken on-site and the Mountaineer ID Card can be printed. Please note that the parent or guardian ID must either list the same last name or address as the student for verification.

Instructions for Activating ID Card (if it was Mailed) 

1. Go to mymountaineercard.wvu.edu and sign in with your WVU Login credentials. 

2. Select Report Found Card from the menu. 

3. Click Yes to report your card as found. This will activate your ID card.