UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State employees with two credentials must choose between the physical id+ card or the mobile id+ card by Jan. 20, 2026.
During the pilot phase of the Mobile-First Project, employees who activated the mobile id+ card were able to keep duplicate credentials active simultaneously. Now, like students, employees will select one preferred credential to remain active going forward.
Why this change is happening
Maintaining two active credentials per person increases administrative complexity, cost and security risk, particularly if one credential is lost or forgotten. Consolidating to a single credential helps streamline systems and support processes while still allowing employees to choose the credential type that works best for them.
What you need to do
Employees with both a physical id+ card and mobile id+ card will have until Jan. 20 to log in to the id+ web application and choose which credential they want to keep active. Employees who currently use only a physical id+ card are not required to take any action at this time.
If a credential is not selected by the Jan. 20 deadline:
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Faculty and staff will be defaulted to the mobile id+ card.
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Technical service employees will be defaulted to the physical id+ card, and the mobile id+ card will remain opt-in.
What to expect
Once a credential is chosen, only that credential will remain active. For example, an employee who selects the mobile id+ card may keep their physical id+ card, but it will no longer function as an active credential.
The mobile id+ card allows students, faculty and staff to access campus facilities via their iPhones, Apple Watches and Android devices. If an employee would like to switch to the mobile id+ card after Jan. 20, they may contact the id+ Office at idcard@psu.edu or 814-865-7590. Switching from a physical id+ card to a mobile id+ card is free; however, switching from the mobile id+ card to the physical id+ card will incur a replacement fee.
Looking ahead
This deactivation marks the final phase of the Mobile-First Project. Beginning in Spring 2026, new employees will be issued a mobile id+ card by default but may request a physical id+ card.
For more information about id+ card exemptions, new device enrollment and other frequently asked questions, visit the id+ card website.