What is Mason ID?
The Mason ID is George Mason University’s official ID card and your key to life on campus! The Mason ID is an all-in-one card to access your Mason Money, meal plan, campus facilities, residence halls, Mason shuttles, social and athletic events, and more. No need to carry cash when there are so many benefits! Your Mason ID is also available on your iOS and Android devices. Choose between a physical ID and the Mason Mobile ID.
The Choice is Yours
CHOOSE ONLY ONE OPTION
Mobile ID
Activate & Access Now
- Requires a smartphone
- Enhanced security
- Easy to access
- Reduce plastic waste
- Real-time balance tracker
Physical ID
Pickup at Mason Card Office
- No smartphone required
- Secure card chip
- Trusted ID
About The Mason ID
The Mason ID is for members of the university currently studying or working at Mason. The first Mason ID is free. A card replacement for a lost, damaged, or stolen card is $25 each. To obtain your first Mason ID, follow the instructions below to complete the steps.
Students must be registered for the current semester.
Faculty/Staff, contract employees, and affiliates must complete the electronic approval hiring process.
- A valid passport;
- Driver’s license, state-issued photo ID card, U.S. military ID, or permanent resident card;
- Other valid photo ID issued by a U.S. state, territory, or the U.S. Federal Government.
The Mason ID will display your legal name. The Mason ID is for campus use and is intended to be used by the individual whose name and photo appear on the front of the card. Misuse is subject to judicial proceedings.
Your account and personal information will be kept strictly confidential as per the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Outside parties will not be privileged to information about you, your account, or the purchases you make without your express consent unless such disclosure is in compliance with a court order or government legislation.
Store your Mason ID in your wallet or other secured places to avoid physical damage to the card. If treated properly, the card will last your entire stay at Mason. Do not puncture, laminate, or fold the Mason ID.
If your card is lost or stolen, deactivate your Mason ID to prevent any unauthorized usage of Mason Money and meal plans:
- Log into the Online Mason Card Office and select “Lost/Stolen Card.”
- Or contact the Mason Card Office at (703) 993-1004. If after business hours, leave a voice mail requesting that your Mason ID be deactivated, clearly stating your name, G Number, and contact information.
For a replacement Mason ID, visit the Mason Card Office on the Fairfax Campus, SciTech Campus, or Mason Square during business hours. There is a $25 fee for a card replacement.
If your newly issued Mason ID does not grant you access to buildings or spaces, contact your office or building manager for access management.
Photo Guidelines
Any special requests for exceptions must be submitted to Mason Card Office in writing, including name, G Number, and mailing address. Requestors will be notified by mail of the University’s decision. Retakes at an individual’s request will be subject to the $25 replacement fee.
- A neutral-colored or white background with proper lighting without shadows.
- The subject’s expression should be natural, with both eyes open. Side or angled views are NOT acceptable.
- Applicants must face forward with any distracting articles and objects out of view. The picture must be of the head and shoulders only.
- Eyes should be open and visible – prescription glasses are allowed.
Sunglasses or other articles which obscure the face are not acceptable unless required for medical reasons (an eye patch, for example). In cases of medical necessity, a note from a healthcare provider must be presented before the picture can be taken. A replacement ID should be created as soon as the item is no longer required.
Hats or other head coverings are acceptable only when required by religious beliefs, tenets, traditions or customs, and may not cover any portion of the applicant’s face.
Another form of ID issued by a government or civil agency should be provided in support of the request. (Photographs of applicants wearing tribal, national costume, or other headgear not specifically religious in nature are not acceptable).
Hours & Locations
Office Location
Student Union 1, Room 1203
4469 Aquia Creek Lane
Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 993-1004
masonid@gmu.edu
Mailstop: MSN 5A5
| Monday | 8:30 am – 5:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8:30 am – 5:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am – 5:00 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am – 5:00 pm |
| Friday | 8:30 am – 5:00 pm |
Office Location
Van Metre Hall, Room 220
3351 Fairfax Drive
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 993-2095
arlops@gmu.edu
Mailstop: MSN 5A7
| Monday | 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9:00 am – 3:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 9:00 am – 3:30 pm |
| Thursday | 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm |
| Friday | By appointment only Email arlops@gmu.edu |
Office Location
Beacon Hall, First Floor Lobby
10945 George Mason Circle
Manassas, VA 20110
beacon@gmu.edu
(703) 993-7042
| Monday | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Thursday | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Friday | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| By Appointment Only Email: beacon@gmu.edu Call: 703-993-7042 | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm (Monday-Friday) |
Obtain Your Mason ID
Step 1: Upload Photos Online
Log in to the Online Mason Card Office and upload one valid government-issued photo ID and one headshot that meets the photo guidelines.
Activate Your Mason Mobile ID? You must upload a photo to your account before activating your Mason Mobile ID.
Step 2: Submit for Approval
Approval notice will be sent to the applicant’s Mason email within 1-3 business days. The denied reason will be provided if rejected, and another photo can be submitted.
Step 3: Get Your Mason ID
Choose ONLY ONE option
Activate your Mason Mobile ID now on your iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android device.
Bring a government photo ID and your G number to pick up your physical Mason ID at one of the Mason Card Offices in Fairfax or Mason Square campuses.
Potomac Science & SMSC—Bring a government photo ID and your G number to pick up the Mason ID at one of the Mason Card Offices in Fairfax, SciTech, or Mason Square campuses.
Where to Use
Services on Campus
Use your Mason ID to access services on campus, including dining halls, printers, mailboxes, shuttles, vending machines, health centers, libraries, and more!
Building Access
Gain keyless access to authorized spaces, office buildings, and residence halls with your Mason ID.
Entertainment & Discounts
Receive free or reduced-price admissions for sporting events, fitness facilities, and social events on campus, and get discounts at retail stores, beauty salons, and grocery stores off campus.
Identification for Voting and Exams
Show your physical Mason ID or the Mason Mobile ID for exams on campus and federal, state, or local elections in Virginia.
Manage Your Mason ID ACCOUNT
You can manage your Mason ID, meal plans, and Mason Money with personalized settings, such as:
- Adding up to 10 guest accounts
- Checking account balance and recent transactions
- Making deposits or requesting money
- Setting up low-balance warnings
- Activating/deactivating your account
FAQs
Do I need a Mason ID as an online student?
If you plan on using services, such as meal plans, Mason Money, campus shuttles, building access, and off-campus discounts, you must obtain and present your Mason ID at the time of these services.
What do I do if my card is lost/stolen/damaged?
If your card is lost or stolen, choose one of the following methods to deactivate your Mason ID to prevent any unauthorized usage of Mason Money and meal plans:
- Log into the Online Mason Card Office and select “Lost/Stolen Card.”
- Contact the Mason Card Office at (703) 993-1004. If after business hours, leave a voice mail requesting that your Mason ID be deactivated, clearly stating your name, G Number, and contact information.
For a replacement Mason ID, visit the Mason Card Office on the Fairfax Campus, SciTech Campus, or Mason Square during business hours. There is a $25 fee for a card replacement.
After receiving your replacement card, log into the Online Mason Card Office to reactivate it. If your newly issued Mason ID does not grant you access to buildings or spaces, contact your office or building manager for access management.
I can't get in to buildings/spaces on campus.
Students—All academic and administrative buildings will be open during regular business hours and do not require Mason ID. To access residence halls, contact the Housing and Residence Life staff for support.
Faculty/Staff/Affiliate—All academic and administrative buildings will be open during business hours. To gain access outside of operation hours, contact your office or building manager to request additional access.
Do I need a Mason ID to use services on campus as a visitor?
Campus services (such as dining, retail, entertainment, and recreation) that are open to the public accept debit/credit cards.
Event Support
The ASO Tech provides attendance readers and transaction hardware for tracking event attendance and assisting Mason Money transactions. The devices are available to rent for Mason departments, student organizations, and off-campus Mason Merchants.
Attendance Reader
The attendance reader is a cloud-based system that allows campus departments to gain attendance and demographic data for events, classes, or other services. After attaching a USB tap reader to a laptop, users may collect customer information by tapping the Mason ID on the reader.
Mason Money Reader
Service providers who wish to accept Mason Money as a payment solution may rent a wireless reader. Available for campus departments, student organizations, and external partners, the reader provides a simple transaction solution for customers who wish to pay with Mason Money.