Cal 1 Card is transitioning to a new look and to new and improved technology for badge access to campus buildings.
While this transition happens, there will be different versions of the card being used by different community members (depending on when you received your card). This means your card may look different, or may need to be used in a slightly different way.
Don’t worry! No matter which version of our card you have, you will still have access to everything you need.
Two ways to tap in
Right now, we have two different functioning technologies being used in the Cal 1 Card that require different methods for “tapping in” due to placement of its chip. No matter which way you tap, please make sure to hold your card at least one inch away from card readers for a successful scan.
You can determine which way you need to tap in by the “prox number” located on the back of your card on the bottom.
Cards with a “prox number” starting with 646483 or above
Cards with a “prox number” starting with 646483 or higher have a chip located on the right-hand side of the card near the barcode. To gain access to a building or service, place the right-hand side of your card (the side near the UC Berkeley seal) on the card reader as if you were inserting it like a credit card.
Cards with a “prox number” starting with 646482 or below
Cards with a “prox number” starting with 646482 or below have a chip located on the left-hand side of the card, near the photo and barcode. To gain access to a building or service, place the left-hand side of your card (the side near the photo/barcode) flat on the card reader.
Two designs
Right now, we have two designs for the Cal 1 Card. Both versions of the card are acceptable as a form of identification.
- Any card printed before July 1, 2021, shows the classic design. This design is a functional valid campus photo ID at most locations, however it will not work at our newly opened buildings Helen Diller Anchor House and xučyun ruwway Apartments. Cardholders who need access to these buildings are eligible for a replacement card with the new design, and can now follow our instructions on how to replace a card to get their updated card.
- If your Cal 1 Card was printed on or after July 1, 2021, you will see the new Cal 1 Card design on your valid campus ID card. All cards with the new design work at all places on campus that accept a Cal 1 Card as payment or as a form of photo ID to access campus buildings, services, and resources.
