Student ID (Tower) Card FAQs

• What is the Tower Card?

  • The Tower Card is your student identification card.  Not only does it verify your status as member of the San José State University community, you need it to access the variety of services available only to SJSU students. Last but not the least, you need the Tower Card for door access to academic buildings where your classes are held.

• How and when can I get my Tower Card?

  • Incoming undergraduates, freshmen or transfer, are sent a message via SJSU Messaging approximately one month before theirorientation date inviting them to submit a photo via our online portal myid.sjsu.edu. All students who submit and have their photo approved at least one week before their session should receive their Tower ID Card at the Orientation check-in.

    Incoming graduate students are sent a message via SJSU Messaging approximately one month before the start of the term inviting them to submit a photo via our online portal myid.sjsu.edu. The email sent to the student upon photo approval has details on how they can acquire their Tower Card.

    Undergraduate students who do not submit their photos on time can still do so after their orientation, but they will need to come to the Tower Card windows in the Student Services Center to pick up their cards. They must be already enrolled in at least one class for the current semester, must bring appropriate government identification, and must Join the Queue when they arrive.

• I'm an SJSU Online Student, how do I get a Tower Card?

  • To obtain a student ID Tower Card you must be enrolled in an SJSU Online course. You will be sent a message via SJSU Messaging approximately two weeks before the start of the term inviting you to submit a photo via our online portal myid.sjsu.edu. Once you have submitted an online photo, provide your mailing address for your tower card to be mailed out. For questions, please email online-student-financials@sjsu.edu.

• Where do I get a Tower Card ?

  • Student Tower cards are issued at the Tower Card windows 6 through 9 located at the Student Services Center. Present your valid State Driver's License, DMV State ID, Passport, or other government-issued photo ID, at any Tower Card Window.

    For transit information, visit Associated Students.

    Staff and faculty cards are issued by University Personnel The office is located in the South Garage (go to the Parking Services lobby, and take the elevator to the third floor). For any questions or assistance, please contact University Personnel at university-personnel@sjsu.edu. 

• How much does a Tower Card cost?

  • The first Tower Card is free for regularly matriculated students. If your Tower Card is lost, stolen or damaged, replacement cost is $20. 

• How do I replace a lost/stolen Tower Card?

  • Visit the Bursar's Office in-person at the Student Services Center to request a new card, a replacement fee will be required. Faculty and staff can email university-personnel@sjsu.edu. 

• How and when will I get my Eco Pass Clipper Card? 

  • Matriculated SJSU students who pay the semester campus fees receive a Clipper Card pre-loaded with the Eco Pass. The SJSU Tower Card ID is required to receive and use the Eco Pass Clipper card. For more information see Eco Pass Clipper Overview.

• What are Gold Points? 

  • Spartan Gold Points are pre-deposited dollars in your individual account, which enable you to purchase various goods and services on campus. These points are accessed with your SJSU Tower Card.

• How do I get Gold Points?

  • You may activate your account several ways:

    1. Log in to Gold Points

    2. Visit the Tower Card windows in the Student Services Center (SSC)

    3. Use the add-value stations the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library (cash only).

• Where can I use my Gold Points?

  • You can use your Gold Points account to pay for purchases in:

    1. Spartan Bookstore

    2. All retail dining facilities

    3. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library Café

    4. Public-use printers in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library

    Additionally, you must use your Gold Points account (no cash) to pay for public-use printers in certain computer labs across campus.