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Campus ID

As an active student, staff, or faculty member, it is recommended (but not required) that you have a CSUSM Campus ID on file.  CSUSM utilizes a digital form of Campus ID accessed from the CSUSM Campus App from your smartphone, or as a physical card, if you so choose to have an actual printed/plastic card.  Your Campus ID is for campus identification only, but may also serve as a form of student identification for vendors who offer discounts.  The Campus ID is used to check-in for appointments, serves as your library card, facilitates your entry to CSUSM campus events, and use of services such as Paw Print.

To access the digital Campus ID, simply open up the Campus Mobile App and tap on “VIEW ID” from the home screen.  Your Campus ID also includes your 9-digit CSUSM ID Number visible for easy access in case you ever forget and need it quickly.

To start using your Campus ID, you need to have a photo on file, as the ID Card services will not work without one.  The digital Campus ID is free and you can upload your photo online, or choose to have a physical card printed for a nominal processing fee of $5.

Crash Cougar ID Card

How Do I Get My Campus ID?

Get your picture taken with us for free!
Please bring valid government ID to your appointment
Book your Campus ID Picture Appointment
Students: Buy a physical Campus ID card for $5.

Pay by Debit/Credit Card


The easiest way to get your Digital Campus ID is by uploading your photo via the official CSUSM mobile app or online at CSUSM's Digital ID website.

Once you submit your photo, it will be reviewed within 2 - 5 business days to confirm that it meets the Photo Submission criteria. If your photo does not meet the required criteria, you will be notified via email with feedback on why your photo did not meet the requirements and you will be asked to resubmit.

CSUSM follows the general guides for ID photos as published by the US State Department.

Please note that approved photos will be marked as "Unverified" until the Campus ID Office and can verify your photo submission with any form of government-issued ID (e.g., Drivers License, Passport, Military ID or State ID). 

Photo Submission Criteria

Photo Quality & Background

  • Photo must be in color, not black and white
  • Taken against a plain, light-colored background
  • Use a portrait orientation (vertical layout)

Framing & Cropping

  • Crop from just above the head to the top of the shoulders
  • Your entire face must be clearly visible and centered

Face & Expression

  • No filters or image enhancements (e.g., Snapchat, Instagram)
  • No hats or sunglasses
  • Keep a neutral expression with both eyes open
  • Face the camera directly—no side or angled views

Please refer to the our Campus ID video linked below. 

Example CSUSM Digital ID showing campus mascot CRASH.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)