Photo Submission
Incoming BU students will have the option to submit/upload their photo for their ID card before arriving on campus. To do this, students must sign in on the Transact eAccounts website, using their Microsoft account they received for email. You will also need a valid government-issued ID when submitting your photo. Below, you will find a list of photo requirements for your ID card as well as a list of frequently asked questions during the submission/upload process.
Photo Requirements
Approved Photos Must Be:
- Forward, facing the camera
- Head-shot photo from the shoulders up
- In front of a solid-colored wall or surface
Photos will be rejected that contain any of the following:
- Hats, funny faces, or gestures
- Multiple people other than the student
- Poor quality/blurry#0000ff
- Scenic backgrounds
- Selfies/Snapchat/Filtered/Face-filtered photos
- Copyright photos
All photos must adhere to BU’s ID photo regulations. Any photo submitted will be approved/denied as deemed necessary by Campus ID Services.
If your photo is rejected, you will be notified by email along with the reasoning. We recommend that you try resubmitting another photo. If you have further questions as to why your photo was rejected, please email [email protected] and please include your name, ID#, and the photo you submitted.
Photo Upload is recommended for first-time photos only. If you upload a new photo and it is approved it does not mean you are guaranteed a new card. Unless the card is eligible for a free reprint due to natural wear and tear, ID replacements are subject to a replacement fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my photo denied?
There are a number of reasons why a photo can be denied. Please review the information on this page and follow the rules and regulations as stated.
Can I upload a photo using a filter?
No. Photos that have been edited or touched up before submitting will be denied. Color filters will also be denied.
Can I have a photo with a group of friends or a scenic background?
No. Photos must be a headshot photo of yourself standing in front of a solid-colored wall.
Can I upload my senior photos or other photos done by professional photographers?
No. Photos need to be taken yourself using your own device. Professional photos from senior photoshoots or other professional photoshoots will be denied. These types of photos come with a trademark and most often belong to the photographer and cannot be reproduced without their permission.
Can you use my driver's license photo?
No. Any and all photos submitted that belong to the DMV will be denied.
I already have an ID with a photo on it, but I want to change it. Can I upload a photo?
No. Photo upload is to be used by those who are getting an ID card for the first time. Once a photo has been submitted and a card has been printed, any and all photo changes need to be done in person at Campus ID Services.
I am an online student. Do I get an ID?
Students who attend 100% online, will not receive a BU ID. IDs are only printed for faculty, staff, and students who work/attend on campus.