Implementing a digital ID option could significantly improve convenience and security for students. ORACLE GRAPHIC/LUIZA GARCIA

When I first forgot my USFCard upstairs while doing laundry in my residence hall and was inconveniently locked out, I realized it was time for USF to make a change. 

For students living in on-campus housing, this scenario may sound familiar. But student residents aren’t the only ones affected by physical ID requirements.

USFCards are the official form of identification required for USF students that electronically store resources like Bull Bucks and dining dollars.

Student ID cards are also necessary for entering many USF buildings — including all on-campus housing, as well as the Library and on-campus gyms. 

Losing or misplacing a student ID card not only causes students to temporarily lose access to buildings and resources, but can even result in them having to pay for a new card. 

Students must request a new card through MyBullsPath or the USFCard Request Site, which can take between 2-7 business days until they can pick it up at the USF Card Center in the Library.

But there is one solution that could help minimize this occurrence — a digital version of the USFCard. 

Providing an option for a digital student ID card that students can access through their cell phones could increase convenience and accessibility at USF. 

Related: USF Tampa Library debuts new tap ID entrance to boost security 

Digital ID cards have been implemented in other Florida schools, including the University of Florida and Florida International University.

These universities have used a variety of methods to implement this technology. 

UF was the first higher-education institution in the state to add digital student IDs, with the digital GATORONE card being implemented in 2023, according to the university.

UF students can store their ID card in digital wallets, like Apple Wallet, on their mobile devices — granting them access to buildings and allowing them to make purchases digitally. 

This technology was implemented through a partnership with Transact Campus, a company that partners with universities to allow students to access their IDs digitally, according to UF. 

Florida International University implemented a similar app in 2025 called CBORD Mobile ID, which allows students to input their student ID into the app to create a digital ID, according to FIU News. 

Both universities use similar partners, as CBORD and Transact Campus have merged and are soon to unite under one brand in March, according to Transact Campus.

Related: Demand for USF housing grew. Here’s how it’s affecting students. 

Regardless of the method used to implement this technology, I believe adding a digital option at USF would be a significant upgrade from being limited to a physical ID card. 

A digital option could also increase security, as it could minimize the loss of student ID cards.

Cora Urhahn, a freshman marketing major, said that she feels a digital alternative could prevent more students like her from losing their IDs. 

“I lost my ID card at the beginning of the semester because I didn’t have a wallet yet and it slipped out of my pocket,” Urhahn said. “If I had a digital one, I wouldn’t have lost it and I would have been able to save money from the replacement I had to buy.”

Alexis Read, a freshman finance major, said she believes this switch would make access more seamless for students. 

“You’ll be less likely to lose your ID card if it’s on your phone, because I feel like you’re less likely to lose your phone,” Read said. “It’s more accessible. Your phone is always on you.”

By introducing digital student ID cards as an option, USF could improve the student experience by making access to resources safer and more convenient.