School ID Card (otherwise known as e-school ID card) – a compendium of knowledge about the evolution of school documents

Electronic school ID card It is one of the most important school documents that a primary and secondary school student receives, as well as a student of polytechnic schools and adult education schools. Alternatively, it is also called: legitimization of the escull, It serves as a student identity document and constitutes an official confirmation of studies at the educational institution in question. Student ID card This is not just a document confirming the student status, but also a tool that provides access to numerous discounts and benefits. In 2025, students can use both the traditional paper version and the electronic version. school ID card in the form of plastic identification cards (called: e-school ID). Find out what an electronic school ID looks like, who is entitled to it, and how to extend its validity. Also learn about the advantages of the modern mSchool ID card available only in the mObywatel app.

What does an electronic school ID look like?

The electronic school ID card is currently a document issued to confirm the status of a student or a student at all educational institutions in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Education and Science of June 7, 2023: On certificates, state diplomas and other documents, pursuant to Article 11, paragraph 2 of the Act of September 7, 1991 on the education system (Journal of Laws of 2022, item 2230), which specifies in detail the appearance of the electronic school ID card. The electronic school ID card is made of laminated PVC material, with dimensions of 85.60mm × 53.98mm and properties compliant with the ISO/IEC 7810 standard. It looks like a personal ID card. The e-school ID card includes on the front:

• written: SCHOOL ID CARD,
• the unique number of the e-identity card,
• personal data of the student or listener: name and surname, date of birth and PESEL number,
• the name and address of the school,
• the date of publication,
• the name of the school director,
• A field measuring 26mm x 19mm intended for the placement of a colored photo of the student or listener, with a resolution of at least 360 dpi.

The reverse side of the e-school ID card, on the other hand, contains:

• written: certifies entitlement to discounted travel on public rail and bus transport,
• the date of validity of the document,
• symbol of one of the models of school ID cards: MEN-I/1, MEN-I/2, MEN-I/3-N, MEN-I/4-N in black color,
• 8 fields designated for school holograms extending the validity of the e-school ID.

The e-school ID can include an electronic system with a non-interchangeable interface. The school ID is available in four designs:

• MEN-I/1 – for students of primary and secondary schools

• MEN-I/2 – for listeners of vocational schools of the second level, policeal schools and schools for adults,

• MEN-I/3-N – for disabled students in primary and secondary schools,

• MEN-I/4-N – for hearing impaired students in vocational schools of the second level, polytechnic schools and schools for adults.

The importance e-IDs for students they are prolonged school holograms (labels with dimensions of 13.5mm x 13.5mm and a thickness of 10µm-36µm, holographic surface, with a laser-engraved image of an eagle fixed for the coat of arms of the Republic of Poland and the date of validity in the format rrrr).

When were electronic plastic school ID cards introduced?

Since July 13, 2024, a new standard for school identification has been in effect in Poland – traditional paper documents have been replaced with plastic cards, so-called. e-IDs. This change is based on the regulations introduced by the Decree of the Minister of Education and Science of June 7, 2023 on certificates, state diplomas and other documents (Journal of Laws of 2023, item 1120).

Until when can schools in Poland issue school ID cards in paper form?

According to the current regulations, schools in Poland may issue school ID cards in paper form (not to be confused with the plastic version, i.e. the e-ID card) until July 12, 2024. From July 13, 2024, all newly issued ID cards must be in the form of a plastic card, i.e. school elegance. This change was introduced by the Regulation of the Minister of Education and Science of June 7, 2023: On certificates, state diplomas and other documents (Journal of Laws of 2023, item 1120). This regulation sets out new models of official identification documents and the deadlines for their introduction.

The validity of the current paper-based credentials

All paper credentials issued up to July 12, 2024 remain valid until the student finishes their studies at the school in question. This means that students who have paper credentials do not need to exchange them for new plastic versions as long as they continue their studies at the same institution. The validity of the student credentials is extended school sticker, issued in the secretariats of educational institutions. Depending on the models of the student identity cards contained in the Regulation of the Minister of Education and Science of June 7, 2023 on certificates, state diplomas and other documents (Journal of Laws of 2023, item 1120), holograms for student ID cards It seems:

• School elegance for students of primary and secondary schools MEN-I/1 – once a year
• Legitimacy is secondary for students of secondary vocational schools, polytechnic schools and adult education schools MEN-I/2 – once a semester,
• E-school ID card for disabled students in primary and secondary schools of MEN-I/3-N – once a year,
• Electronic school ID card for hearing impaired students in vocational schools of the second level, polytechnic schools and adult education schools of MEN-I/4-N – once a semester.

Do I need an e-school ID?

Electronic school ID card In the form of a plastic card, it confirms the identity and status of a student and allows them to use school discounts on public transport, cultural institutions, and sports facilities. It is a mandatory document issued to students and listeners in all types of schools in Poland. E-school ID card It serves as proof of a student's identity within Poland; it is also the only document confirming the right to statutory benefits. School elegance they are necessary for verifying identity and entitlement to school discounts when purchasing discounted tickets or during checks. Having a student ID is required during ticket checks in public transport and cultural institutions.

Is a school ID required?

No, school bullying (available in the mObywatel application) is an addition to the e-school ID card, issued to students and learners in primary, secondary, polytechnic and adult education schools. M-School ID card In the digital version, it can only be issued to students and listeners who possess a valid school ID in the form of a plastic card. According to the Regulation of the Minister of Education and Science of June 7, 2023 on certificates, state diplomas and other documents (Journal of Laws of 2023, item 1120), it is mandatory to possess an e-school ID, while bullying for students it is only an addition to the basic student document, which is the escolar card.

Is a school ID a document confirming identity?

In accordance with Article 5 of the Act of 22.11.2018 on public documents (Journal of Laws of 2019, item 53, as amended), three categories of public documents were established depending on their significance for the security of the state: school credentials were classified as document of the third category (last). According to the definition, public documents of the third category are documents that affect the security of economic and legal transactions; therefore, a school credential is not a document confirming identity in accordance with the law. However, in the case of children of school age who do not have a passport or temporary ID, school elegance it can serve as a document with a photo confirming the student's identity (if the school discount, for example, on PKP is to be valid – you must have your school ID with you during the ticket check).

How to create school elegance?

Making school elegance requires the following conditions to be met:

• you must be a student or a listener at the educational institution where the application for the issuance of the document is submitted,
• the school must be authorized to issue certificates of attendance, i.e., it must have the status of a public school or possess the powers of a public school.

To forge electronic school ID card, The student must złsubmit the application to the school office where they are enrolled, along with a current, colored photo with a minimum resolution of 360 dpi. E-school ID cards are issued free of charge in most educational institutions.

What should I do if I lose my e-school ID?

Lost school e-ID This is a stressful situation, but not without a solution. You should immediately report this to the office of the institution and złapply for the issuance of a duplicate of the document. For the issuance of a duplicate of the e-school certificate in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Education and Science of June 7, 2023: On certificates, state diplomas and other documents (Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland, item 1120, as amended), the institution charges a fee of zł9 PLN. Usually, for the issuance of a duplicate Electronic school ID card You must wait approximately 14 working days from the date the application złis submitted.

Where is electronic school ID required?

Electronic school ID is valid in the following educational institutions:

1. Primary schools
School certificates are mandatory for all primary school students, i.e. children from the first to eighth grade. According to the Act of December 14, 2016: Educational Law (Journal of Laws of 2017, item 59), primary school education is mandatory for children who have reached the age of 7. Usually, students finish their education in primary school at the age of 15. At the request of their parents, a child can start school at the age of 6 if they attended a preschool in the school year preceding the school year, or a public psychological-pedagogical advisory board has issued an opinion on the possibility of the child starting primary school. In such a case, the child finishes primary school at the age of 14.

Primary school students often use public and regional transport, so this document serves them not only as proof of their status as a student, but also allows them to benefit from transport discounts.

2. Non-public schools

After completing primary school, students continue their education in various types of post-primary schools, such as:

• general secondary school – education in a 4-year system. Students attend general secondary school from the age of 15 to 19 or from the age of 14 to 18, for students who started their education in primary school at the age of 6 (i.e., a year earlier than their peers in the class).
• technology – education in a 5-year system. Technikum students most often finish their education at the age of 20, or in the case of earlier starting primary school, at the age of 19.
• industry-based primary schools – the education at this type of school lasts 3 years. Students of the first-level vocational schools complete their education at the age of 18.
  In these institutions, the school ID is also valid. The document is valid for the entire duration of the studies, and its validity for the next school year is extended by a school hologram, issued at the secretariats of non-state schools.

3. Art schools
Students of art schools who are pursuing both general and specialized programs in fields such as music, fine arts, or dance also receive school certificates. However, it is worth remembering that the certificate is only valid for students who are completing the full general education program.

4. Special schools and special centers
For students attending special schools or educational-rehabilitation centers, school ID cards are equally important. They not only confirm the student status, but in some cases can also entitle them to additional forms of support and discounts.

5. Schools for adults

The school ID card also applies in adult schools:

• Primary schools for adults
• Adult general education courses in a private or evening format
• Policeal schools (for people with secondary education)
• Spiral schools
• Professional secondary schools for adults.

E-school ID and m-school ID – differences

E-school ID card it is a document in the form of a plastic card whose validity is extended Hologram for school ID issued in the secretariats of educational institutions. In turn mSchool ID card it is a digital version of the document available in the mObywatel application, whose validity is extended by an update code issued at the schools' secretariats. Electronic school ID card, Like the School ID card on the phone, it confirms the student or listener status and entitles you to use the applicable school discounts. Important: To be able to use the m-School ID card, you must have a valid plastic e-school ID card with the current School hologram.

E-school ID – how long is it valid?

In most educational institutions, the validity period e-school ID cards It is extended every semester, or once a year depending on the model of the student ID, by issuing a school hologram with a year-long validity date. For example: a school hologram with a validity date of 2025 is issued until March 1st and September 30th, 2025; therefore, the student ID is valid until March 1st, or September 30th of the given school year after graduation, or until the expiration of the student status. The validity date of the e-school ID is permanently imprinted on the school hologram, which is why it is so important to obtain the current version from the secretariat. hologram on the school ID card and affixing it in the designated place on the reverse side of the document.

School holograms, e-school ID cards, as well as collectible student ID cards, are very popular among enthusiasts. Collector's editions are available on many classified and auction websites, as well as in specialized online stores for philatelists.

How much does a school ID cost?

School ID card in the form of a plastic card, it is free in most primary, secondary, vocational and adult education schools. It is issued free of charge. e-school ID cards Most often, no fees are charged. In turn, issuing a duplicate of the e-school ID (e.g., in the event of document loss) is associated with a fee of 9 zł PLN. The fee for issuing a duplicate of the student ID is determined by the Regulation of the Minister of Education and Science of June 7, 2023: On certificates, state diplomas and other documents (Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland, item 1120, as amended). It is also worth mentioning that it is possible to purchase a student ID in online stores for collectors. Collectible e-school ID card, similarly collectable school holograms, They are very popular among enthusiasts who have so far added student and doctoral holograms to their collections. However, it should be remembered that e-school ID for collectors It cannot be used to confirm the status of a student or a listener, or to take advantage of attractive school discounts. Fake so-called identity card. fake school ID card it is not the same as the copy collecting, Because possessing collectable school ID cards It is completely legal, whereas using a counterfeit document can have legal consequences (in accordance with Article 270 of the Criminal Code).

Until when are the discounts for the e-school card valid?

According to the Act of 20 June 1992: On the rights to discounted travel by public transport (Journal of Laws of 1992 No. 54, item 254), discounts on PKP tickets of 37% and discounts on PKS monthly tickets of 49% are granted to children and young people during the period from the start of mandatory annual preparation for preschool education until the completion of primary or secondary public or non-public school education, provided that the school is a public one, but not for longer than until the age of 24. Discounted tickets for public transport in the amount of 50% PLN are available for people aged 20 to 25, depending on the regulations in effect in individual cities. For example:

• MZK Bydgoszcz – until the age of 20,
• ZTM Warszawa – until the age of 21,
• ZTM Poznań – until the age of 23,
• MPK Wrocław – until the age of 24.

Information about discounts is available on the websites of individual carriers.

In some commercial premises and service facilities, school discounts are available without an age limit, in accordance with internal regulations. To benefit from attractive student discounts, an e-school ID with a current validity period is required. School hologram. The statutory benefits also apply to digital versions of school vouchers.

In short:

School ID – what is it for?

The school ID is a document confirming the status of being a student of a given school. The document entitles the student to use the discounts for public transport and rail travel that are available to them. In the case when the person is a minor and does not have a personal ID, the ID can be used as proof of the child’s identity. The ID is in the form of a paper booklet. The document contains the basic information about the student, their photo and a handwritten signature, as well as information about the school they attend. On the reverse side of the card are spaces for the school stamp, which confirms the validity and authenticity of the document.

Damaged school ID card

It is very easy to destroy a passport because it is made of quite thin paper that is not durable. Elementary school students often envy not only the fun of holograms, but also the plastic student ID card, which is definitely more durable and resistant to damage. ELS is a great solution that adds comfort when storing documents. The problem is that even a few drops of water can smudge the stamp and even the expiration date of the documents. Students do not have such problems because there are holograms on ELS, and such an ELS sticker will not smudge even after submerging the document in water. The sticker on the ID is a revolutionary solution.

Collecting ID cards, that is, a collectible school ID card

Starting from primary school and continuing through to university studies or even a doctorate, one can collect a substantial collection of credentials. Documents confirming a specific status are definitely more interesting during studies. Instead of the traditional stamp, we have a shiny, priceless value stamp on the back of the card – first the school stamp, then the ELS student stamp, and finally the doctoral ELD stamp. There are many enthusiasts – philatelists who, in addition to documents, collect three-dimensional stamps by placing them in special binders.

Holograms and stickers for school ID cards – what is worth knowing?

If you have a school ID, you surely know how important a proper hologram or sticker confirming its validity is. In our store you will find high-quality stickers for school ID cards and holograms for school ID cards, which are made with meticulous attention to every detail, making them attractive exhibits for collectors and philatelists. With them, your collectible ID card will look aesthetically and professionally to the eye of any philatelic collector.

Holograms and stickers for school ID cards

Every genuine school ID requires regular renewal of its validity. Special holographic stickers are used for this purpose, which are placed on the document. We offer them as a collector’s shop, both classic and modern versions. Holograms for school ID cards, as well as modern ones stickers for e-school ID cards, These are adapted to the latest models of documents – of course, only in the context of collector-only goods.
Thanks to the high-quality workmanship, our school stickers They perfectly replicate the original protections, while maintaining an aesthetic appearance and durability.

E-school ID – a modern solution

In our collection offer you will find Holograms for e-school ID cards (labels for e-legitimation), which are made from high-quality materials that are resistant to wear and damage, ensuring their long-term use.
If you, as an amateur, value the preservation of the completeness of collectible documents in your collections, an e-school ID with a hologram and the appropriate sticker will be the ideal solution.

School and collector stickers

We offer collectible school stickers. Each one Collectible school sticker It was made with attention to detail, making it ideal as an element of a collection of educational memorabilia. It is an excellent choice for those interested in document preservation and collecting patterns.

Why is it worth choosing our holograms and stickers?

• We offer high-quality products Holograms for school ID cards and stickers for e-IDs (for collectors purposes)
• We ensure faithful reproduction of the original patterns.
• Our products serve a collector's function, making them part of private collections.
• Offered Collectible school stickers they are ideal for enthusiasts and hobbyists.

If you are looking for aesthetically pleasing and carefully made stickers for school ID cards or Holograms for e-identification, You hit the nail on the head. Our products stand out for their high quality and attention to detail, making them ideal for collector use.
Check out our offer and choose school stickers or collectible stickers that best suit your needs.

Find out more:

Sticker on the school ID card – compendium of knowledge
Label on the student ID card 2027 – buy and create your own collection!
Doctoral holograms 2027 – order the latest collector's edition for the PhD student

Article prepared based on the source: https://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/download.xsp/WDU20190001700/O/D20191700-c4.pdf