Lost student ID can mean problems during ticket checks, library use, or proof of entitlement to discounts. Fortunately, getting a new document is not complicated. In most universities, it’s enough to report the loss of the card, złapply for a replacement, and pay the 33 PLN fee zł. Importantly, starting with the 2025/2026 academic year, students can also use the self-checkout e-ID on their phone. We explain how to proceed after losing the ELS card, how long it takes to get a replacement, and whether you can still use student discounts during this time.
In short – the most important information:
First of all, check if the ID has indeed been lost. It is worth going through your backpack, wallet, jacket, and the places where you have recently used it. You can also ask at the department’s secretary’s office, the library, or the lost and found office.
If the document cannot be found, The most important step is to report his loss at the university. It is not worth delaying this task, especially when the ID card has additional functions.
At some universities, ELS can be used not only to confirm student status, but also as:
In such situations, losing the credentials may require blocking the services associated with them. For example, the Warsaw School of Economics enables the self-blocking of a lost ELS in the account management system.
If the document was stolen along with the wallet or other documents, it is also worth considering reporting the theft to the police and securing the remaining cards.
The mere loss of your ID card does not, of course, result in the loss of your student status. You only lose the physical document that you can use to confirm this status.
The procedure for issuing a duplicate ELS is similar at most Polish universities. The differences mainly concern the method of submitting the application, the required attachments, and the deadline for receipt.
Contact the deanery or the unit responsible for issuing student documents.
Depending on the university, you can do this:
The application usually requires the indication of the name, surname, album number, the direction of studies and the reason for issuing a new card.
If the university provides a login authorization blocking feature, use it according to the instructions.
After reporting the loss of the document, you must złapply for the issuance of a duplicate.
For example, at some universities that use USOSweb, the appropriate form can be found in the „For Students” section of the submission page.
In the application you may be asked to:
Not every university requires a new photo. If the photo stored in the system is up to date and meets the requirements, it can be used again.
In most cases, the issuance of a duplicate plastic ID card costs 33 zł€.
Payments should be made to the account number indicated by the university. This can be an individual student account or a special account for document fees.
It is not advisable to make a transfer to an arbitrary number found on the internet. It is best to use the data provided on USOSweb or received from the dean’s office.
Keep the payment confirmation, as it is often required to attach it to the application.
After accepting the application, the university orders the preparation of a duplicate.
The new ELS includes the student's current data and a photo. The document is also properly registered in the university system.
The lead time depends on the university and the availability of the blankets.
The completed document is usually picked up at the dean’s office or the designated student support office.
Before leaving the university, check whether:
If the ID card had additional functions, make sure that they have been transferred to the new card as well. This applies, among other things, to access to buildings, the library and the parking lot.
The standard fee for issuing a duplicate of the electronic student ID card is 33 zł. This is half the amount of the fee for issuing the original card, which is 22 zł.
For comparison:
Type of document | Fee |
First student ID | 0 zł |
Issue of plastic ELS | 22 zł |
Duplicate of the plastic ELS | 33 zł |
These are standard rates as stipulated by the regulations. Some universities do not charge a fee for the first card, and for students starting their studies under the older rules, there may be different fees for a duplicate card.
For example, at the SzczecinMaritime University, in certain cases concerning older graduates of studies, the amount of 25.50 is still indicated zł.
It is also worth knowing that not every issue of the next card must be paid for. If the document was incorrectly prepared due to the fault of the university or has a technical defect, a free replacement is possible in accordance with the rules applicable at the respective institution.
There is no single deadline that applies to all universities.
In practice, preparing a duplicate can take from a few working days to about two weeks.
For example:
In the academic year 2026/2027, there may also be additional delays due to the introduction of new ELS uniforms.
From July 13, 2026, universities must issue plastic identification cards in accordance with the new design. Some institutions have reported temporary difficulties with the availability of the new cards.
If you need a document before your valid trip, it is best to check the current deadline for completion directly at the deanery.
Yes, but only if you have a valid document that confirms your appropriate authority.
Just studying does not mean that you can benefit from a discount during ticket checks without presenting the required document.
If you have an active mLegitimation in the mObywatel app, the situation is much simpler. You can present it during the check-in process, as it is a separate document confirming your student status.
In such a situation, you do not have to wait for the issuance of a new plastic card to confirm your status.
If you do not have either a valid ELS or a mLegitimation, using the discounts may be problematic.
During the check, the carrier may charge an additional fee. Some carriers allow later documentation of the entitlement held and a reduction in the fee, but the detailed rules and deadlines depend on their regulations.
Before traveling, it is therefore worth checking whether you have the option of using a digital ID.
Not always. From the 2025/2026 academic year, the student ID is a standalone document that does not require the possession of a plastic ELS.
If you lose your traditional card, but you have an active mLegitimation, you can still use the digital document.
In such a situation, it is worth considering whether a physical ID is really necessary for you.
A duplicate can be useful if:
Even if you do not intend to create a duplicate, you should report the loss of the physical card in accordance with the university procedures, especially if it was used for access control.
Yes. If you apply for a duplicate after July 12, 2026, the university should issue a card that conforms to the new model that will be in effect from July 13, 2026.
This also applies to students who previously held a card issued several years ago.
For example, if you started your studies in October 2023 and lost your ELS in November 2026, a new document will be prepared in accordance with the current requirements.
However, this does not mean that all students have to exchange their old cards. Previously issued ID cards remain valid, if their validity is properly confirmed.
The physical ELS ID card has spaces reserved for holograms confirming its validity in subsequent semesters.
If you lose the entire card, you also lose the stickers that were placed on it. However, this does not mean that you need to purchase a hologram separately.
A duplicate of the document is prepared by the university, which is also responsible for properly confirming its validity.
It is worth distinguishing between official security measures and collector's items. For example, they are available for sale: ELS student holograms in collectible versions, covering various dates and years.
Such copies are intended for hobbyist purposes only. They do not replace official stickers and cannot be used to independently extend the validity of the identity card.
It may happen that after the złmarriage you will find the previous card in the duplicate request.
In such a case, it is best to contact the deanery immediately and inform them of the situation.
If the current ID has already been invalidated, it should not be used again. The document may also be blocked in university systems, even if it appears to be valid.
What about the fee for a duplicate? The possibility of canceling the order and getting the money back depends on the stage of the application process and the policies of the university.
If the new card has already been prepared, you should usually follow the instructions of the deanery regarding the return or destruction of the previous copy.
Simply losing your student ID does not entail a special administrative penalty. However, the student bears the cost of issuing a duplicate, which is typically 33 PLN zł. Additional consequences may arise if someone uses discounts without a valid document authorizing the discount.
Yes. Many universities allow you to submit applications through USOSweb, a virtual deanery, or email. However, the method of receiving the ready-made card depends on the rules of the particular institution.
In 2026, the standard fee for a duplicate plastic ELS card will be 33 zł. In some cases, particularly for older study years, other rates may apply.
Yes. The ID card is an independent document and can be used independently of the physical ID card. However, the loss of the plastic card must be reported to the university.
Simple loss of an identity card does not require reporting to the police. However, if the document was stolen, especially along with other documents or cards, it is advisable to report the theft and take care of the security of the remaining data.
Loss of the physical document does not mean the loss of student status. However, the card itself may be blocked or invalidated by the university. After issuing a duplicate, you must use the document indicated by the university as current.
Yes. Re-losing your ID does not preclude the possibility of issuing another duplicate. However, you must re-complete the university procedure and pay the required fee.
No. Photography or a screenshot of the plastic ID card are not a substitute for a valid document. If you want to confirm your student status by phone, use the official mLegitimation in the mObywatel app.
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The Hologramykolekcjonerskie24.com editorial team has been specializing in the topic for over 10 years. collectible holograms and patterns related to educational documents. We are preparing practical guides on ELS student holograms, doctoral ELDs and school-based ones, and their dates, variants, safeguards, and histories.
The published content is based on reliable sources regarding the Polish education system, applicable legal regulations, regulations of the relevant ministries, and official information provided by universities, schools, and public institutions. We regularly update the materials to reflect changes in regulations, document templates, and policies applicable in Polish education.
The website is informational and collector-oriented and is not affiliated with any university, school, ministry, or other public institution.
