Holograms on student ID cards – check their validity!

How important is the correct date on the ELS hologram?

Every hologram ELS issued by a higher education institution or for collectors has a laser-cut date that indicates the expiration date of its so-called usability. For every student in Poland, including those at the University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University, and Śląskie University, this is extremely important, because if the date expires, it must be extended as soon as possible. For example, if you use public transportation and show the hologram ELS to the controller, you could receive a fine of between 120 and 200 PLN zł.

If we do not pay the amount on time, interest accrue, which cause its increase. In this situation, it is also impossible to appeal against the penalty in the ZTM Transport Management Board, which is the case in Warsaw for example, or in the MPK Municipal Transport Company in Krakow. Without the hologram being valid, the student ID of every student studying at a higher education institution becomes invalid. Holograms are issued every six months with a new date, which, when applied to the ID or other surface, changes its color.

What do you need to know about the validity period of the ELS hologram?

Every university in Poland has a dean’s office, including the University of Warsaw, the Jagiellonian University, and the Silesian University, which twice a year is required to issue students with a hologram for their student ID with a date for the next six months to extend its validity. This date indicates that during this time, the student is able to take advantage of discounts that apply to, for example, public transport, PKP, or PKS travel, up to 51% for each course.

In the event that a student completes three years of undergraduate studies and receives promotion to the second degree, they also have the option to use their credentials and holograms, as the time between the first and second degrees is less than half a year.

Is the ELS hologram issued by the deanery different from the collector’s edition?

The ELS Collector's Hologram is in no way different from those issued by universities in Poland, e.g. in Katowice, Warsaw, Krakow or Poznań. They have the same dimensions, i.e. length and thickness, the design of the RP eagle and the color. The date on the label is also laser-cut, taking into account the shade of the substrate on which it is attached.

The ELS collector’s hologram is also protected with a so-called “honey paste”, which allows it to be applied to a surface only once. When attempting to remove it, it is damaged because part of it remains in place. In this case, the hologram becomes invalid and you must apply for a new one.

What is the expiration date of ELS holograms?

The expiration date of an electronic student ID can be recognized on the holograms attached to it, on which the laser-cut date is visible. It informs us about the validity period of this ID. You will receive such a hologram at any Polish university that is required to issue this sticker. However, the ELS hologram is the same for collector holograms.

We offer stickers with any date printed backwards or valid for the next six months, which will allow you to create the perfect collection in a commemorative album. If you want to add to your collection every semester, you can count on us, because we make the best quality available for every upcoming expiration date. collectible holograms, These contain a new expiration date and original safeguards that are no different from those issued at Polish universities.

What do you gain by having a hologram on your electronic student ID card?

First and foremost, you will receive discounts of 51% for every trip by public transport, PKS or PKP up to the age of 26. You will also benefit from student discounts at cinemas, bars, theaters and clubs. Students can also take advantage of discounts available at academic bookstores as well as many retail and service outlets. This is something that will make the time spent studying for exams, sessions or student projects more enjoyable.

The current ELS hologram also offers attractive discounts at cultural institutions. In theaters, opera houses, symphony orchestras, art galleries, and museums, you’ll pay significantly less, and in some places you can even use student tickets for a symbolic złfee. An important ELS ID with a student sticker for the current semester is not only a series of benefits during the academic year, but also during the holidays. Many hotels, hostels, and youth hostels offer attractive discounts for students with a valid student ID sticker. 

By collecting ELS collector holograms, you will create an album that will serve as a reminder of your past student days. What’s more, these holograms are no different from those issued at the deans’ offices of every university in Warsaw, Katowice, Poznań, or Kraków. The collectible student sticker for the current semester is also an original gift idea for a friend who is a recent graduate, which could be the start of an adventure in collecting holograms for your ELS ID.

Is a fine imposed for the lack of a school ID?

The lack of a school ID can result in a fine during a check in public transport. Please note that a certificate from the university does not replace the Electronic Student ID with a valid ELS sticker. However, it is worth knowing that the student can provide a valid document up to 30 days, and in this case the fine will be cancelled; they only need to pay for a one-time ride without a valid document that entitles them to the statutory discount.

Legal discounts on public transport tickets are only valid upon presentation of the document authorizing the discount. In the event of a lack of school ID during ticket checks on public transport, the student may be fined. However, it is worth knowing that in such a case no fines are required if a valid document proving entitlement to the discount is provided within 30 days to the carrier’s headquarters. Providing a current school ID allows the fine to be cancelled, and the student is only charged the cost of a one-time trip or the handling fee, which usually amounts to about 10% of the fine amount.

A good solution for students who regularly use public transport is to carry their school ID in their wallet or download the mLegitimation app to their phone. It is worth knowing that the mLegitimation app can only be used if the school has signed an agreement with the Office of the President of the Council of Ministers.