Exchanging the old student id cards "Turn blue into white"
From 1. June 2026 on, it will no longer be possible to renew the old blue student ID cards for the next semester. We therefore ask all students who still have such a card to exchange it as soon as possible. You can conveniently request the new card online, free of charge, of course. As soon as your new student ID card has been created, you will receive information about collection by email. The new card is usually ready within two working days.
Please note: Once the new card has been generated, your old card will be blocked. Until you collect your new card, you will not be able to use functions such as paying in the Mensa or using lockers. If you still have money on your old card, you will need to visit the Student Services infobox with your new card so that your credit can be transferred to the new card.
To the Student ID Portal
Background
Since the technology on which the blue cards are based dates back to the mid-2000s, replacing the cards will significantly increase security. In addition, the uniform use of white cards will benefit all students, as the renewal printers will only have to recognise the new cards, enabling them to work faster and with fewer errors.By the way, everyone can now order replacement cards using the same process. So, if you should lose your new card, you can order a replacement card at any time via the collection portal. Please note that regular replacement cards are unfortunately not available free of charge.
FAQ
Question: Do I have to exchange my card?Answer: Only if you want to renew your card for the next winter semester. If you already know that you will have completed your studies by 30 September 2026, or if you will not be in Göttingen and will not be using the chip card's functions anyway, you do not need to exchange your card.
Question: What if I want to exchange my card after 1 June?
Answer: That is no problem at all. It is entirely up to you when you apply for your new card. Please bear in mind, however, that cards for new students for the next semester are also being produced in the summer, so there may be a wait when you come to collect your card.
Question: How long do I have to collect the card after applying for it?
Answer: The card will be ready for collection at the chip card issuing office in the ZHG. We do not set a deadline for collection. Please note that your old card will be blocked as soon as we have produced your new card.
Question: What does "the card will be ready in two working days" mean?
Answer: If, for example, you apply for a card via the portal on Monday, you can expect the card to be ready for collection on Wednesday. If you submit your application on a Friday, the card will usually be ready for collection on Tuesday. Of course, you will also receive an email with specific information about when you can collect your card and the opening hours of the chip card issuing office.