New Student Photo Submission

Follow these steps to submit your Cougar Card photo.

Welcome to the College of Charleston! You will need an official College of Charleston ID, known as the Cougar Card, to access a range of services and benefits across campus. To get your Cougar Card, you’ll first need to submit your photo and government-issued photo ID. Do this as soon as possible and no later than five business days before your orientation. See below for examples of acceptable and unacceptable photos.

Photo Requirements

We need a recent color photo with a plain, neutral background (white, off-white, cream, beige, light gray).

  • No group photos - you must be the only person in the photo.
  • Face and hair should be clearly visible, with your face centered and facing forward. No hats, please.
  • Wear prescription glasses if you normally do so, but do not wear sunglasses. Your eyes should be clearly visible.
  • A natural smile or neutral facial expression is best.
  • Use proper lighting.
  • Do not use filters or AI-enhanced photos.
  • Crop the photo from just above your head to your collarbone.
  • Save the photo in .jpg format.

The photo you submit is not just for your Cougar Card; it is used in your academic profile and on class rosters. Select the best photo to represent you as a student at the College of Charleston. 

Photo Dos and Don'ts

student shown with head facing forward for approved photo and head tilted for denied photo
photo of person with forehead tilted forward for a portrait and another person on the right wearing a hat and posing
 
 

Don't get denied. Check out examples of acceptable photos to help you submit your best shot!

How to submit a photo and government-issued photo ID

First, make sure your photo meets the requirements.
  • Go to the Cougar Card Portal.
  • Click Login. You will be directed to a Microsoft Sign-in (use your CofC login) or it will automatically sign you in if you have recently signed into MyPortal or other College of Charleston resources. If you are unable to log in, Get Login Assistance.
  • Click on the Profile tab and then the "Click to submit a new photo" link. You do not need to fill out the personal information on the Profile page.
  • Before you can submit your photo, you must accept the Cougar Card Terms and Conditions.
  • After accepting the terms and conditions, follow the instructions to submit your photo and a valid government-issued photo ID.
    • Acceptable forms of ID include: Driver’s License or Non-driver ID Card issued by the DMV, U.S. Green Card, Passport book or card, or a U.S. Military ID Card
    • You must submit a clear, full image of your government-issued photo ID; photos of just the picture portion will not be accepted.
  • Once your photo and ID have been uploaded, scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Submit & Sign Out." This will submit your photo and ID to Campus Services HQ for review and log you out of the Online Photo Submission site.
  • A member of Campus Services HQ will review your submission. You will get an email from Transact Online Photo Submissions (no-reply@transactcampus.com) with approval or next steps if your photo cannot be used.

Once your photo is submitted and approved, you cannot submit another photo.

After You Submit Your Photo

  • Once you have submitted your photo, download the Transact eAccounts app on your phone to access the Cougar Card Portal. Learn how to download and use it.
  • The Cougar Card Portal allows you to manage your Cougar Card, deposit Cougar Cash and Dining Dollars, and view transactions. You can use the portal online or through the app.
  • New students will receive further instructions on getting their Cougar Card in early June. Cougar Cards are not currently available to new students.