Frequently Asked Questions

The official identification card for University of Louisville students, faculty and staff.

• Identification Card
• Library Card
• Meal Plan Purchases
• Cardinal Cash Purchases
• Facilities/Door Access
• Access to Athletic Events, including student tickets
• Employee Discounts

• There is a $20 replacement fee for all students and employees.
• There is a $20 replacement fee for all contract vendors.

Immediately report your card as lost/stolen. During regular business hours call the Cardinal Card Office at 502-852-7520 or report it lost/stolen via the Cardinal Card Online Portal at any time.

Students must be registered in the current semester at least one day prior to getting a Cardinal Card.

New employees will receive a card in Human Resources during their orientation. Employees who do not attend orientation may visit the Cardinal Card Office to receive a card. Employees must be entered in the payroll system at least one day prior to getting a card.

• Student/Employee ID Number
• Photo ID (driver's license, passport)
• Complete the Cardinal Card Agreement webform

In order to reactivate your most recent Cardinal Card, you can reactivate your card online through our website or visit our office. Unfortunately, once you receive a replacement card, any old Cardinal Cards you may find cannot be reactivated.

All building access is provide through University Police. Students that need building access will need to contact their department to have them complete the electronic access form. Employees will need to contact their supervisor or unit business manager to have the electronic access form completed. All questions should be directed to dpsacces@louisville.edu.

Please visit our office so we can take a look at your card to properly assess the situation.

Cardinal Cards do not expire. As long as you are using your most recent card and you have been enrolled in classes for at least one day, your card will be active. If you need to obtain a new card, there is a $20 replacement fee.

The ID card verification system will allow only one classification - either faculty/staff or student. You only need one Cardinal Card for the university. Whichever classification ranks higher determines the type of ID you will be issued. For example, if you are a full-time student and part-time faculty or staff, you will be issued a student ID.

There are several ways to add funds to your card:

• Download Atrium Campus Connect app.
• Visit the Cardinal Card Office to add funds using cash, VISA, MasterCard or Discover.
• Online through the Cardinal Card Online Portal using your ULink username and password using VISA, MasterCard or Discover.
• (Cardinal Cash Only) At any Valuport located on campus using cash.

Online photo submission is available only to UofL students and employees who have never been issued a Cardinal Card. Employees must be active on the University's payroll, and students must be enrolled in the current semester to be eligible. 

To submit your photo, visit www.louisville.edu/selfie (University sign-in required). 

Students and employees who have previously been issued a Cardinal Card are not eligible for online photo submission. If you need a replacement Cardinal Card, please visit the Cardinal Card Office during normal business hours.

No. Cardinal Cards contain embedded electronic components that can be damaged if the card is altered or improperly handled. Please treat your Cardinal Card with care. Damage resulting from punched holes, pet damage, improper storage, exposure to heat or other elements, stickers, or any other misuse will require the purchase of a replacement card. 

The current replacement fee is $20.00.

Account balances cannot be provided over the phone. The cardholder can check their balance in several ways:

• Download Atrium Campus Connect app.
• In person at the Cardinal Card Office.
• Request a receipt with their balance any time they make a purchase.
• Via the Cardinal Card Online Portal using your ULink username@louisville.edu and password.

• Affiliate cardholders must present the following to obtain a Cardinal Card:
• A completed Cardinal Card Approval Letter (PDF) printed on official UofL department letterhead and signed by the appropriate Dean, Vice President, or Department Chair (School of Medicine only).
• A University ID Number, if one has been assigned (e.g., former student or employee, or an individual with a sponsored account).
• A valid government-issued photo ID.
• A completed Cardinal Card Agreement.
• Effective July 1, 2026, there is a $5.00 fee for all Cardinal Cards issued through the Cardinal Card Approval Letter process. The fee may be paid by either the sponsoring department or the cardholder, as determined by the sponsoring department.
• For additional information, please visit the Group Carding section of the Get a Cardinal Card page.

Yes, you can request a refund of your Cardinal Cash balance upon separation from the university but the balance must be greater than $20. Please review the Cardinal Cash Refund Policy on the Cardinal Cash page.

Are you currently enrolled at UofL?

• Yes - If you are experiencing problems printing, please contact the IT Help Desk or call 502-852-7997.
• No - Please purchase a Visitor Card to print on campus.

Do you have funds available on your Cardinal Card?

• Yes - If your Cardinal Card has credit, then it must be a printing issue. If you are experiencing problems printing, please contact the IT Help Desk or call 502-852-7997.
• No - You can add money at a Value port or online.

Are you trying to print a color document on a black and white printer?

• Yes - Please see the Print and Mail website for a location of the nearest color printer so that you can release your print request at a color printer.
• No - If you are experiencing problems printing, please contact the IT Help Desk or call 502-852-7997.