How to Get an International Student ID Card

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: May 28, 2019 References

The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is recognized around the world as proof that you are a full-time student. Its primary benefit is as a discount card, and you can get discounts on travel insurance, travel tickets, and hostels. Depending on where you live, you can get the card online or in person. Collect required documents ahead of time.

Warning: The ISIC card is not accepted as a form of personal identification in the U.S.^{[1]
X
Research source} Instead, you will need a government-issued ID card.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Gathering Required Information

1
Prove you are a full-time student. The ISIC card is only available to full-time students, so gather proof of your full-time status. You can use one of the following:^{[2]
X
Research source}
- A copy of your student identity card. This card must be clearly dated and show that you are a full-time student.
- A letter on official school letterhead stating you are a full-time student. The letter must be dated and signed by an appropriate school official.
2
Get proof of your date of birth. You must be at least 12 years old to get an ISIC card. You can use any of the following as proof:^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Your passport
- Your birth certificate
- An official identity card issued in your home country
Advertisement
3
Get a passport-sized photo. Your ISIC card will have your picture on it. You can obtain a passport-sized photo at most chain drug stores or pharmacies. You may also be able to get pictures taken at the post office. Expect to pay a small fee.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- The photo should be two inches by two inches and have a white or blue background.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Applying Online for Your Card

1
Scan your supporting documents. You must submit JPEG, JPG, or PDF copies of all supporting documents. If you don’t have a scanner at home, then find one at school and create digital files.
- Your photo must be in JPG format. Make sure it has at least 195 pixels x 240 pixels.
2
Choose your country. Visit https://www.isic.org/get-your-card/ and select your country of residence from the drop-down menu. After you select your country, you’ll be told whether you can buy an ISIC card online. Not all countries allow you to.
3
Choose whether you want insurance. You can buy a card with or without travel insurance. The prices of each card will be quoted on the screen. Prices vary depending on your location.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Read through the details of the insurance offered. In the U.S., you are offered both a basic benefit or an upgraded benefit (called the “explorer” benefit).
4
Provide personal information. You’ll need to provide the following information online:
- First and last name
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Phone number
- Email address
- Billing address
5
Upload your photo and supporting documents. Click on the “Upload photo” button to select your digital photo, which you should upload first. Then upload your proof of enrollment status by clicking “Upload file.”
6
Wait for your card. Pay the fee using a major credit card and submit your information. It generally takes about three to four weeks to process your application. If you want express two-day delivery, you can pay extra for it when you buy the card.^{[7]
X
Research source} Otherwise, the card will be sent regular mail.
- Your card is usually valid for up to 16 months, after which you will need to renew it.
7
Activate your card if necessary. Visit the ISIC website and enter your number. Click on “Check card Status.” If your card isn’t activated, you’ll need to visit the card activation page, where you’ll submit your card’s details.^{[8]
X
Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Applying In-Person

1
Find local issue outlets. At https://www.isic.org/get-your-card/ type your country in the search box under the words “Find local issuing outlets near you.” Then click on “Search.” You will be shown a list of issue outlets, including each office’s address, phone number, email address, and website.
- Some countries, such as Afghanistan, do not have ISIC issuers. However, if you are travelling, you might be able to apply for an ISIC card in the country you are visiting.
2
Apply for the card. The application process is easy. You’ll provide personal information, such as your full name, date of birth, and contact information. Take your supporting documents along with you.
- Call ahead of time to check how you can pay for your card.
3
Walk out with your ISIC card. Applying in person is the fastest way to get a card. You should receive it before leaving for the day.

Warnings

If you lose your card, you’ll need to apply and pay for a new one.^{[10]
X
Research source} Keep your card in a safe place and don’t loan it to anyone.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0