Effective Feb. 1, 2025, campus card readers no longer support magnetic stripe (magstripe) technology on Stanford ID cards. This change is part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing security and modernizing card transactions across campus.
Magstripe technology is the first to be retired, with barcodes and “prox” chips to follow as we transition away from less secure technologies.
What you need to know
Here’s what you need to know about the changes
- Stanford ID card with magstripe: Your card will continue to work with campus card readers using smart chip technology—no more swiping!
- Stanford ID card without magstripe (coming this fall): Beginning in September 2025, the Stanford ID Card Office will automatically issue new ID cards without the magstripe.
If you have issues using your Stanford ID card on a campus card reader, reach out to the ID Card Office.
Card readers upgrades
Over the past five years, Card Services in University IT has worked closely with the campus community to phase out magstripe technology and upgrade incompatible card readers. For questions about your card reader’s compatibility, reach out to the ID Card Office.
For additional information
- Visit the ID Card Swap webpage for information about card replacement.
- For more information about Stanford access control and ID card services, visit the Video, Access Control, and Video Services (VACCS) website.
