Your Ball State ID Number
Your Ball State ID number is a unique number generated when you become a student or employee.
To find your Ball State ID number, log into MyBallState, click on Self-Service Banner, then click the Personal Information tab.
About Your Ball State ID Card
Your Ball State ID card is an official form of identification while you are at Ball State. It has your full name, role (student, employee, vendor, etc.), and your photo. You will use it for many important services such as building access, meal plans, athletic events, and much more.
Students, faculty, staff, other affiliates, and vendors that are frequently on campus all need to have a Ball State ID card.
Ball State ID Card services are offered in two convenient locations. The main ID Card Office, located in Bracken Library, Room BL001, is open during the academic year Monday - Thursday 8:00am – 7:00pm and Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm, and from 7:30am to 4:00pm during the summer.
The second location is within Cardinal Central in the Student Center, across from the Tally, and is open during the academic year Monday-Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm and from 7:30am-4:00pm during the summer.
The ID Card Office can answer any questions about your ID card by email or by calling us at 765-285-2273.
Obtaining Your Ball State ID Card
To obtain your Ball State ID card as a new student (undergraduate or transfer student), you need to log in to your Admitted Student portal and upload an acceptable photo. See the Ball State ID Card Photo Requirements to determine how to take an acceptable photo.
It is important you upload your photo and obtain your ID card as soon as possible, since it is critical to obtaining services when you arrive on campus, such as access to your residence hall and dining services.
LOG IN to admitted student portal
Once your photo is uploaded and accepted, the ID Card Office will create your new Ball State ID card.
- On-campus students who have an approved ID card photo at least one week before their on-campus orientation will receive their ID card at orientation.
- All fully online students who have submitted an approved photo, have met with their advisor, and registered for classes will receive their ID card in the mail.
If you need more information or have any questions, you can contact us at 765-285-2273 or via email at idcards@bsu.edu.
If you are a distance education student, you may obtain your Ball State ID Card in the mail by providing us with some information and an acceptable photo.
Provide Contact Information, Government ID, and a Photo
Once you have an acceptable photo available, send an email with the photo attached to idcards@bsu.edu and include the following information:
- Subject Line containing your "full name - class level" (Example: Joe Smith – Freshman)
- Message Text containing:
- Your Ball State ID Number
- Your mailing address
- A telephone number where you can be reached if we need to contact you
- Attach a copy of a government-issued ID. (Check the list of valid forms of ID you can use.)
- Attach your photo. Follow the Ball State ID Card Photo Requirements to take your photo.
We will verify that you have registered for classes, review your identification email, and mail your Ball State ID Card to the address you provided.
If you are a new faculty member, professional staff, or service staff of Ball State University, you can get your Ball State ID card by stopping by the ID Card Office. You'll need to bring another type of picture ID with you to verify your identity. See Acceptable Forms of ID for a complete list of valid IDs.
Replacing Your Ball State ID Card
Reporting a Lost or Stolen BSU ID Card
To report a lost or stolen Ball State ID Card, please contact the ID Card Office by visiting us in Bracken Library, Room BL001, by calling us at 765-285-2273, or by sending us an email. Be sure to include your full name and your Ball State ID number in your email. We will mark your card as lost or stolen, preventing anyone else from using your Ball State ID card.
On Campus Students
To replace your Ball State ID card due to loss, theft, or damage (i.e. broken or de-magnetized), you may obtain a new ID Card for a non-refundable $25 replacement fee. This fee may be waived for special circumstances or if you present a documented police report showing your card was stolen. Please check with the ID Card Office prior to making a payment, if you are unsure if a payment will be required.
The fee to replace your ID can be paid in one of two ways prior to getting your replacement card.
- Pay with a credit card through Cashnet any time prior to visiting our office or, if you prefer, we can assist you once you arrive to pick up your card.
- Pay with cash at Cardinal Central in the Student Center SC 120, then bring your receipt to the ID Card Office in Bracken Library, BL 001, where you can pick up your replacement ID.
For security purposes when picking up your new or replacement ID, please bring another valid form of government-issued identification that includes your photograph, such as a state driver’s license, passport, permanent resident alien card, or other valid form of identification.
Online and Distance Education Students
Students exclusively taking fully online and/or distance education courses may send an email to the ID Card Office, requesting a replacement ID card. Be sure to include your full name, mailing address, and a BSU ID number, and attach a copy of your government-issued ID. See Acceptable Forms of ID for what ID copy to attach.
Attach a valid picture file if you want a new one. If not, we'll just use your current picture. See Ball State ID Card Photo Requirements above for picture file requirements.
To replace your Ball State ID card due to loss, theft, or damage (i.e. broken or de-magnetized), you may obtain a new ID Card for a non-refundable $25 replacement fee. This fee may be waived for special circumstances or if you present a documented police report showing your card was stolen. Please check with the ID Card Office prior to making a payment, if you are unsure if a payment will be required.
- Online and Distance Education students can pay the $25 replacement fee with a credit card through Cashnet.
The ID Card Office will mail your new ID card to the mailing address you provide in your replacement request email.
ID Card Office Staff Directory
ID Card Office Manager
Melissa Sorrell
Office: LB113
Phone: 765-285-5234
ID Card Office Manager
Zack Hansen
Office: BL001B
Phone: 765-285-9134