What is a BruinCard?
The UCLA BruinCard is the official identification card for UCLA students, faculty, and staff. It serves many important purposes on campus and around Los Angeles. The BruinCard gives you access to campus buildings and facilities, allows you to check out books and use other library services, functions as your meal card if you have a dining plan, and can be used for discounts at participating local businesses. The BruinCard also acts as your transit pass for using public transportation around L.A. Obtaining a BruinCard is essential for taking full advantage of everything UCLA and L.A. have to offer.
Who is eligible for a BruinCard?
All currently enrolled UCLA students are eligible to receive a BruinCard. New students will be issued their first BruinCard during New Student Orientation. Continuing students who have lost or damaged their BruinCards can get a replacement card at the BruinCard Office on campus.
Faculty and staff are also eligible for BruinCards after being appointed to a position at UCLA. The hiring department will initiate the BruinCard process, but employees will need to go to the BruinCard Office to get an official photo taken.
Some affiliated groups, such as UCLA Alumni Association members, are able to get BruinCards as well. The eligibility requirements vary based on your affiliation with the university.
When should I get my BruinCard?
For new UCLA students, you will receive your BruinCard during New Student Orientation. There are several orientation sessions to choose from throughout the summer before classes begin in the fall. When you register for orientation, you can select a convenient date and time to come to campus, take your ID photo, and pick up your card.
If you are unable to attend orientation, you will need to visit the BruinCard Office at the beginning of your first quarter to obtain your card. Make sure to get your BruinCard as soon as possible once the quarter starts so that you can access all the campus services.
For returning students, you should get a replacement BruinCard as soon as possible if your original card is lost, stolen, or damaged. You can visit the BruinCard Office anytime during their regular operating hours to get a new card printed. Trying to go without your BruinCard, even for a few days, can significantly limit your access to campus facilities.
UCLA faculty and staff will receive their BruinCard typically within the first week of their employment. The hiring department will initiate the process and let you know when your ID card is ready to be picked up.
Where do I go to get a BruinCard?
The UCLA BruinCard Office is located in 123 Kerckhoff Hall. You can visit the office Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm to obtain your BruinCard.
The BruinCard Office issues new ID cards and replaces lost, stolen, or damaged cards. This is also where you will need to go to add Dining Dollars or Bruin Dining Points to your card if you have a meal plan.
Kerckhoff Hall is located off Bruin Walk near the center of the UCLA campus. If you have trouble finding the building, look for the bronze bear statue out front.
What do I need to bring to get my BruinCard?
All you need to bring with you to get your first BruinCard is a valid government-issued photo ID, such as:
- Driver’s license
- Passport
- State or military ID card
You must present one of these forms of identification so the staff can verify your identity and eligibility for a BruinCard.
When picking up a replacement BruinCard, you will also need to bring the fee. It costs $25 to replace a lost or stolen card, or $20 for a damaged card. Cash, check, and credit/debit are accepted.
If you are adding Dining Dollars, you will need to bring your payment method to load funds onto the card’s prepaid account.
What is the process like to get a BruinCard?
Obtaining your BruinCard is a quick and straightforward process once you come prepared with your photo ID and fee (if applicable). Here are the basic steps:
- Wait in line to speak with the next available BruinCard staff member. Lines are usually shorter in the morning.
- Hand the staff your photo ID for identity verification.
- Your photo will be taken. Make sure to follow the photo guidelines.
- Pay any applicable replacement fee if you are getting a new card.
- The card will be printed right away while you wait.
- Check that all the information printed on the card is correct before leaving.
The whole in-person process only takes about 10-15 minutes. You walk out with your new, functioning BruinCard in hand.
What are the guidelines for the BruinCard photo?
UCLA has a few guidelines to follow when getting your BruinCard photo taken. Following these ensures the ID photo will be legible and identifiable.
- Remove any hats, scarves, or head coverings (religious coverings are allowed)
- Take off sunglasses and avoid heavy glare on eyeglasses
- Look directly at the camera with a neutral facial expression
- No smiling or raised eyebrows
- Keep your mouth closed
Having a neutral, forward-facing photo allows staff to easily identify you when checking your BruinCard around campus.
You can retake the photo if needed until you get one that meets the requirements. Just let the staff member know before the card prints if you want another photo.
How long is the BruinCard valid?
For UCLA students, your BruinCard remains valid throughout your entire enrollment at the university. It does not need to be renewed each year or quarter. You will use the same BruinCard for the entirety of your time as a student.
If you change your name or other information during your studies, you can get an updated BruinCard with your new details.
For faculty and staff members, the BruinCard is valid for as long as you are employed by UCLA. If your job ends for any reason, the card will be deactivated. You would need to turn in your BruinCard on your last day.
What features and technology does the BruinCard have?
The BruinCard utilizes sophisticated technology and security features. Here are some of the specs:
- Encoded with your UCLA ID number
- UCLA True Bruin logo watermark
- Holographic Bruin image
- Microtext lines with the words “UCLA BruinCard”
- UV ink printing
- ISO 7810 compliant
- Wiegand access card encoding
These features help protect against counterfeiting and fraud. The BruinCards can also be scanned for campus facility access, meal plans, and other electronic accounts.
The BruinCard has an embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) chip. This allows for contactless interactions at card readers around campus. Simply tap your BruinCard on the reader to unlock doors, check books out of the library, or pay for your food without swiping.
Where can I use my BruinCard on campus?
Your BruinCard gives you access to a wide range of facilities and services across the UCLA campus. Here are some of the key uses:
- Buildings: Residence halls, libraries, rec centers, classrooms, and more
- Dining: Cafeterias, restaurants, vending machines
- Events: Sporting events, performances, lectures
- Resources: Computer labs, printers, equipment rentals
- Transit: UCLA shuttles, Metro buses and trains
- Discounts: UCLA Stores, food trucks, on-campus coffee shops
Make sure to always carry your BruinCard with you while on campus. You never know when you may need to swipe it to gain entry somewhere or make a purchase. It provides convenient access that all Bruins depend on.
Can I use my BruinCard off campus?
Absolutely! Your BruinCard is widely accepted at many businesses and transportation services throughout Los Angeles. Simply show your BruinCard to receive any offered discounts or use it as a transit pass.
Here are some of the major off-campus uses:
- Local discounts: Movie theaters, retail stores, restaurants
- Transit: Metro trains and buses, Culver CityBus, Big Blue Bus
- Museums: Getty Center, LACMA, California Science Center
- Amusement: Disneyland, Six Flags, Universal Studios
Look for the UCLA BruinCard accepted here signs to find participating businesses. Be sure to ask about student discounts anytime you shop, dine out, or visit attractions around L.A. to take advantage of all the BruinCard perks.
How do I check my BruinCard balance and transactions?
You can check your BruinCard activity and account balances online through the BruinCard website. Follow these steps:
- Go to www.bruincard.ucla.edu
- Click on “BruinCard Account Services” on the top menu
- Log in with your UCLA Logon ID and password
- Select “Dining Account Summary” or “BruinCard Account Summary”
- View your meal plan balances, Dining Dollars, transactions, and more
This allows you to monitor your spending and reload your accounts as needed. For help understanding your balance or past transactions, you can call the BruinCard Office during business hours for assistance.
What should I do if my BruinCard is lost or stolen?
If your BruinCard is lost, stolen, or you believe it is being fraudulently used, you must report it right away to protect your accounts. Here’s the process:
- Call the BruinCard Office immediately at (310) 206-1006 (during business hours)
- The old card will be deactivated so it cannot be used
- Come to the BruinCard Office as soon as possible to purchase a replacement
- Pay the $25 lost/stolen card fee (cash, check, credit/debit accepted)
- A new BruinCard will be issued to you on the spot
It is crucial to act quickly when your card is missing to avoid misuse of your campus accounts and personal information. Be diligent about reporting lost cards and protecting your BruinCard.
What happens if my BruinCard is damaged?
If your BruinCard becomes damaged to the point it is unusable, you can purchase a replacement at the BruinCard Office.
Bring your damaged card and $20 replacement fee to the office during their open hours. The damage can be a cracked card, faded printing, hole punches, etc. that prevent it from working properly. Just make sure the card still allows staff to identify you.
You will get a brand new BruinCard printed immediately to restore your campus access. Avoid putting your BruinCard through physical damage like punch holes, warping, or excessive wear and tear.
How do I add Dining Dollars or Bruin Dining Points?
If you have a dining plan, you can add funds through Dining Dollars or Bruin Dining Points to pay for meals and snacks across campus. Here are the options for loading your BruinCard with dining money:
- Online at www.bruincard.ucla.edu using a credit/debit card
- Over the phone by calling the BruinCard Office at (310) 206-1006
- In person at the BruinCard Office with cash, check, or credit/debit
- At dining hall kiosks with cash or credit/debit
Dining Dollars work like a prepaid debit account, allowing you to spend the balance anywhere that accepts the BruinCard on campus. Bruin Dining Points offer discounts of up to 50% at selected dining locations. Add money as needed so you never run out on your BruinCard!
Can I get discounts added to my BruinCard?
Yes, the BruinCard Office offers several discount programs you can opt into to save money around UCLA and L.A. Here are some of the available discount plans:
- Movie discounts: AMC and Regal cinemas
- Theme park discounts: Universal Studios Hollywood, Six Flags Magic Mountain
- Transit discounts: Metro 30-Day Pass, Metro/Big Blue Bus EZ Transit Pass
- Gym discounts: UCLA Wooden Center, Santa Monica YMCA, 24 Hour Fitness
To enroll, visit the BruinCard website and click on Discounts. Sign into your account to access the available programs and add them to your card’s electronic accounts. Start saving everywhere you go with your BruinCard!
How do I update the information on my BruinCard?
If you need to update the cardholder information printed on your BruinCard, bring proof of your new details to the BruinCard Office. Reasons you may need an updated card include:
- Name change
- New school affiliation (if you transfer graduate programs)
- Change in credentials (if you become faculty or staff)
- New ID photo (if your appearance changes significantly)
Updating your BruinCard information is typically free unless you need a full replacement card. Bring documents like a name change certificate, enrollment verification, or employee ID. Your old BruinCard will be swapped for a new one reflecting your updated details.
How do I replace an expiring BruinCard?
Standard UCLA BruinCards do not have an expiration date and remain valid as long as you maintain your student or employee status.
However, some special program BruinCards may include expiration dates. For example, the Delta Dental Student Plan Card is a special BruinCard that expires annually on August 31. If you have this dental plan, you will need to get a replacement BruinCard each fall with the new expiration.
Bring your expiring special program BruinCard to the BruinCard Office. A new updated BruinCard will be issued for free as long as you show proof of your continued eligibility for the specific program. Make sure to swap it out by the expiration date printed on your card!
What happens when I graduate or leave UCLA?
Once your time at UCLA comes to an end, either through graduating or ending your faculty/staff appointment, your BruinCard will be deactivated. Make sure to take care of these tasks when your status changes:
- Use up any remaining Dining Dollars – balances reset at the end of academic year
- Return any rented resources like library books or equipment
- Cancel any opted-in discount programs
- Check for any outstanding fines or fees on your account
- Turn in your BruinCard to your department (employees) or the BruinCard Office
Once the cards are turned in, they are destroyed and recycled. Your accounts and access privileges will be terminated. Make the most of your last days on campus before saying goodbye to your trusty BruinCard!
Conclusion
Obtaining your BruinCard is a rite of passage for every new UCLA student and employee. This official ID card serves as an essential key to accessing facilities, resources, events, transit, and savings opportunities across campus and around L.A. Manage your BruinCard responsibly, take advantage of everything it offers, and proudly display your Bruin status wherever you go! With your BruinCard in hand, the campus is yours to explore.
