ID Access Cards

The Yale Security Department has been using an Identification Card Access Control system since the department’s inception in 1995. Since that time we have seen the system grow to 68,000 identification cards using both proximity and magnetic stripe technology. A magnetic stripe cardholder presents his or her badge to the system by swiping the card through a reader, and a proximity badge holder presents his or her card by holding it in close proximity to the reader to gain access.

Our system, Picture Perfect 4.0, is an integrated computer-based security system that provides access control to designated areas within a site or facility. The “owner” of the associated readers in and around facilities is capable of tailoring the access patterns of the users as they see fit.

Access Control Systems Administrators are responsible for meeting with the “owners,” planning the readers’ layout, functionality, and usage plan, entering the users into the relational database, and maintaining the databases from semester to semester as the University’s population changes.

Identification cards are issued at two locations: (1) the Yale University School of Medicine, Sterling Hall of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, CE-1 (203-785-4286) and (2) 246 Church Street, ID Center (432-0165).

The identification cards are given to you as new students, staff, and faculty and should be carried at all times. All students, full-time employees, most associates, fellows, spouses and same sex, civil union partners of students and employees are entitled to Yale ID cards.  If you lose your identification card, you must contact the ID Center during normal business hours, and after hours contact the control room.

• For information on ID Cards and to see locations of ID Centers on Central and Medical campus visit the Yale ID Center website.
• To get ID access privileges to buildings contact your business office or a Security Systems Specialist at 203-432-OPEN.

Replacement cards

Lost, stolen or damaged ID cards should be reported immediately to the University Security Department at 4 Bristol St by calling 203-785-5555.

Replacement cards are available at the ID Card Center during normal business hours. During non-business hours, temporary ID cards are available by calling Yale Security at 203-785-5555. A uniformed Security officer will meet you in the Phelps Gate Archway to deliver your temporary access card.

To obtain a replacement ID card, you must go in person to the ID Center. For security reasons, some other form of photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport, is required.

When an ID card is lost, stolen, or no longer functions, the ID Center issues a replacement card with the photograph on record. When a cardholder must get a new card type because of a change of status, for example when a former student becomes a faculty member, the ID Center issues a replacement card with a new photograph.

Malfunctioning or accidentally damaged cards are replaced at no charge. Lost, stolen, or deliberately damaged cards are replaced at a fee of $20 for cards with gate and building access capability and $5 for other cards.