The hologram on a student ID card can become damaged over time. The sticker may be scratched, torn, or partially peeled off, which can make it difficult to verify the document’s validity. Do you need to create a new ID card or is it enough to replace the hologram itself? Much depends on the type of damage and the rules in effect at the university. Find out what to do with a damaged ELS sticker, whether you can receive a new one, and how to avoid problems during ticket checks.
In short – the most important information:
First of all, do not try to re-apply it yourself. Holograms used on electronic student IDs are protected against removal and transfer. Manipulating the sticker may lead to its further destruction.
If you notice that the sticker is starting to peel off the card surface, it is best to report the problem to the deanery.
You can follow the following instructions:
It is worth reporting a damage even if the sticker’s expiration date is still legible. The problem may also affect the protective elements.
Holographic stickers are made of a thin material and have special safeguards. In everyday use, they can be damaged in several ways.
Type of damage | What to do? |
Separated fragment of the sticker | Report a problem to the deanery |
Scratched surface of the hologram | Check the readability and consult the document status |
Start date of validity | Ask the university to assess the possibility of exchanging the hologram |
Damaged or missing hologram | Report loss of security |
Damaged card and hologram | Apply for an assessment of the necessity of issuing a new ELS |
Hologram peeled off during collection | Do not use it to confirm the validity of the document |
The most important thing is to determine whether only the sticker was damaged or whether the plastic card with the chip was also damaged.
In the second case, the university may require the issuance of a duplicate ELS.
The holograms used on student IDs have safeguards that prevent them from being reused after being removed from the card surface.
Attempting to remove the sticker may therefore cause permanent damage to its structure.
This is not an accidental flaw. This solution is intended to limit the possibility of transferring security between documents.
Therefore, even if the hologram has only partially peeled off, it should not be assumed that its original state can be restored.
In certain cases, this may be possible.
The university is responsible for confirming the validity of the ELS, therefore the decision regarding the damaged sticker belongs to the authorized entity.
However, there is no single procedure that guarantees every student the exchange of the hologram itself without the need to issue a new card.
For example, older instructions from the West Pomeranian University of Technology described the possibility of placing a new hologram with the same expiration date in special cases of damage to the previous one.
This is an example of university practice, not a principle that can be applied automatically in all higher education institutions.
The current procedure should always be confirmed at your facility.
This may happen if the university decides to replace the damaged security system.
For example, a student has an ELS with a hologram that is valid until March 31, 2027, which was damaged in November 2026.
If the university allows the exchange of the hologram itself, it can apply a sticker with the correct date.
This does not, however, mean extending the validity of the ID for the next semester. It is solely about solving the problem with the damaged security device.
Not always. It depends on whether the card is fully operational and whether the university can solve the problem without replacing it.
A new ELS may be necessary in the following cases:
For example, the University of Warsaw indicates that the destruction of an ELS or the inability to read it with a reader may require the return of the document and the execution of the exchange procedure.
The Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow, on the other hand, distinguishes between the edition of a replica and a duplicate, depending on the reason for the exchange.
The fee depends on the type of document and the reason for its issuance.
The following amounts apply at many universities:
However, not every damage must mean the obligation to pay a fee.
For example, according to the Gdańsk University’s order of September 3, 2026, a new ELS can be issued free of charge in the event of damage caused by a student who is not at fault.
The regulations also mention the situation where repeated replacement of the rubbing holograms led to the use of all the fields intended for them.
The final decision depends on determining the cause of the damage.
It depends on whether you have the ability to confirm your current right to the discount.
Students up to the age of 26 can benefit from the statutory 51% rail discount for certain domestic journeys.
However, a valid document confirming the entitlement is required.
If the hologram on the plastic ELS is damaged, illegible, or raises doubts about the authenticity of the document, problems may arise during the inspection.
It is safest to clarify the matter at the university before purchasing a discounted ticket.
Yes, if it is active and valid.
From the 2025/2026 academic year, the mObywatel app’s student ID is the primary form of identification for students with a PESEL number.
So if the hologram on your plastic card has been damaged, but you have a valid mLegitimation, you can use the digital document to confirm your status.
You don't have to rely on the damaged sticker during ticket check then.
However, remember that the mLegitimation does not repair the physical ELS. If you want to continue using the plastic card, it is worth reporting its damage to the deanery.
This is not recommended.
Damaged holograms should not be removed, tampered with, or covered up by the user themselves.
For example, the University of Gdańsk explicitly prohibits the removal of holograms placed on the ELS in the applicable regulation and indicates that this may lead to the invalidation of the document.
You should also not try to replace the official sticker with another one.
The correct extension of the physical validity of an ELS certificate involves two actions performed by the university:
The sticker itself with the correct date is therefore not sufficient for the official extension of the document.
It is worth distinguishing between damage to an official ELS security deposit and a problem with a collector's edition.
Collectible stickers are purchased as souvenirs or as part of collections, often comprising individual years and graphic variations.
If the collector's item arrived damaged or you have noticed a defect in the product, it is worth contacting the seller and reporting the problem.
Our store offers the following products: ELS student holograms in collectible versions, These include editions 31-10-26 and 31-03-27, as well as older issues.
You can choose a single copy or check the available sets of different editions.
Remember: Holograms offered as collectible products do not replace the official stickers issued by universities. They do not confirm student status, do not extend the validity of the ELS, and do not entitle you to discounts.
If the product you purchased has a defect, it is best to prepare the order number, a description of the problem, and a photo showing the damage.
Then contact the store using the information provided on the contact page.
The seller should consider the complaint in accordance with the applicable regulations regarding consumer rights.
You do not need to tamper with the damaged sticker yourself before reporting the problem.
Both the physical ID and the collector’s items require proper storage.
To reduce the risk of accidental damage:
If you notice damage to the official ELS hologram, it is best to report it to the university instead of trying to restore the sticker’s appearance yourself.
This should not be done. ELS holograms have safeguards that prevent them from being removed and reused. Attempting to remove them can permanently damage the sticker.
It is best to show the document to the deanery, especially if the expiration date or other security elements have been damaged. The university will assess whether it is necessary to replace the hologram or the entire card.
This may be possible according to the procedure of the university. However, this is not an automatically available solution at all institutions. You should contact the dean's office and present the damaged ID card.
There is no single fee for all such cases. The type of damage and the university’s procedure are important. If a duplicate ELS is required, a fee of 33 is often applicable zł. Damages not caused by the student can be treated differently.
This may lead to problems with the check-in process. It is safest to use a valid ID card or to explain the physical damage to the ELS at the deanery beforehand.
No. The official confirmation of the validity of the plastic ELS belongs to the university. It involves updating the electronic data and placing the appropriate hologram by the authorized entity.
No. Physical damage to the sticker does not mean the loss of student status. However, it may make it difficult to prove entitlement using a plastic ID card.
Yes, if the product is not in accordance with the contract, you can exercise your consumer rights. It is worth contacting the seller, providing the order number and describing the damage.
If you have any questions about our products or need help choosing the right solution, please contact us. We are at your disposal by phone, email, and via the contact form.
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.
