{"id":6937,"date":"2026-11-04T19:47:11","date_gmt":"2026-11-04T19:47:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/?p=6937"},"modified":"2026-11-05T13:52:09","modified_gmt":"2026-11-05T13:52:09","slug":"action-may-be-required-before-university-moves-to-contactless-only-purdue-id-cards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/blog\/2026\/11\/04\/action-may-be-required-before-university-moves-to-contactless-only-purdue-id-cards\/","title":{"rendered":"Action may be required before university moves to contactless\u2011only Purdue ID cards"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"modal-ready\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beginning July 1, 2027, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/treasurer\/finance\/card\/\">ID Card Operations<\/a> will transition to contactless\u2011only Purdue ID cards as part of a broader move toward secure, modern credential solutions. As a result, the magnetic stripe on ID cards will no longer be available and in use. University departments are encouraged to start identifying dependencies, explore alternatives and plan for required updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Existing Purdue ID cards include both a magnetic stripe and an encrypted NFC chip. Production of cards with magnetic stripes will end on June 30, 2027 and newly issued physical ID cards will only include an encrypted NFC chip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ID Card Operations is happy to meet with impacted departments. Any changes or replacements needed to support the move away from magnetic stripe technology will be the responsibility of the requesting department and may have associated budget implications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Departments that rely on magnetic stripe functionality are encouraged to contact&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:transact@purdue.edu\">transact@purdue.edu<\/a>&nbsp;with any questions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--small\">\n    <div class=\"section has-gold-background has-padding-top-none has-padding-bottom-none\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-bottomborder has-no-topborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title  purdue-accordion__title--small\" id=\"title-d68b18b9-aa83-4ae7-9c6e-7358fe884cef\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-d68b18b9-aa83-4ae7-9c6e-7358fe884cef\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><strong>Why is Purdue making this change?<\/strong><\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-d68b18b9-aa83-4ae7-9c6e-7358fe884cef\" hidden aria-hidden=\n                \"true\">\n                    \n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This transition is driven by security. Magnetic stripe technology is outdated and vulnerable to cloning, and it no longer meets modern authentication or encryption expectations. Moving away from magstripe significantly reduces risk and aligns Purdue with contemporary security practices that emphasize encrypted, contactless credentials.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--small\">\n    <div class=\"section has-gold-background has-padding-top-none has-padding-bottom-none\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-bottomborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title  purdue-accordion__title--small\" id=\"title-933c3107-c77b-4d74-a244-5e98340c43c2\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-933c3107-c77b-4d74-a244-5e98340c43c2\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><strong>Who does this impact?<\/strong><\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-933c3107-c77b-4d74-a244-5e98340c43c2\" hidden aria-hidden=\n                \"true\">\n                    \n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to door access, we recognize that some campus systems still rely on the magnetic stripe on the Purdue ID Card. These may include KeyWatcher systems, certain time clocks, and localized or legacy door access controls.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--small\">\n    <div class=\"section has-gold-background has-padding-top-none has-padding-bottom-none\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-bottomborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title  purdue-accordion__title--small\" id=\"title-47cd6e07-b40c-486a-9203-e0e2b1fe6377\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-47cd6e07-b40c-486a-9203-e0e2b1fe6377\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><strong>Will door readers using Transact and the LenelS2 system need to change?<\/strong><\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-47cd6e07-b40c-486a-9203-e0e2b1fe6377\" hidden aria-hidden=\n                \"true\">\n                    \n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For most areas, no. The majority of Transact readers installed since 2013 are dual technology devices that support both magnetic stripe and NFC credentials. Disabling magstripe functionality on these readers does not require hardware replacement and will not disrupt operations. This approach protects prior departmental investments while allowing Purdue to move forward with modern security standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since July 2025, ID Card Operations has replaced any magstripe\u2011only Transact devices at no cost to departments. Any remaining dual technology devices will have magstripe functionality disabled as part of the migration to the LenelS2 system.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--small\">\n    <div class=\"section has-gold-background has-padding-top-none has-padding-bottom-none\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-bottomborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title  purdue-accordion__title--small\" id=\"title-1e719e0d-5353-420a-ac2e-15e62e2053e2\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-1e719e0d-5353-420a-ac2e-15e62e2053e2\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><strong>Can departments still purchase magstripe only devices for Transact or LenelS2?<\/strong><\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-1e719e0d-5353-420a-ac2e-15e62e2053e2\" hidden aria-hidden=\n                \"true\">\n                    \n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Any new devices connected to the Transact or LenelS2 systems must be contactless\u2011only.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--small\">\n    <div class=\"section has-gold-background has-padding-top-none has-padding-bottom-none\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-bottomborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title  purdue-accordion__title--small\" id=\"title-dff8c077-9308-4699-9242-3a3505b26c7b\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-dff8c077-9308-4699-9242-3a3505b26c7b\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><strong>What if my system relies on the Purdue ID Card\u2019s magnetic stripe?<\/strong><\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-dff8c077-9308-4699-9242-3a3505b26c7b\" hidden aria-hidden=\n                \"true\">\n                    \n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Departments have several options, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Maintaining a limited supply of generic magnetic stripe cards for internal use that are not associated with the PUID number<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transitioning to systems that support contactless credentials and the encrypted NFC chip<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exploring alternative authentication methods for systems such as KeyWatcher<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adopting mobile credentials as a long\u2011term solution where eligible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For departments that need to retain magstripe functionality for a short period, ID Card Operations can help identify third\u2011party vendors that produce generic magstripe cards. Departments would be responsible for issuing, managing, and securing those cards independently of the Purdue ID system.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--small\">\n    <div class=\"section has-gold-background has-padding-top-none has-padding-bottom-none\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-bottomborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title  purdue-accordion__title--small\" id=\"title-2a731910-c1ff-4760-a305-8668c7e92873\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-2a731910-c1ff-4760-a305-8668c7e92873\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><strong>How can I tell if my system relies on magstripe?<\/strong><\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-2a731910-c1ff-4760-a305-8668c7e92873\" hidden aria-hidden=\n                \"true\">\n                    \n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some campus systems\u2014such as KeyWatcher, older time clocks, and legacy access control devices\u2014may still use magstripe authentication. Purdue does not currently have a complete inventory of these systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To identify dependencies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Try tapping your Purdue ID card instead of swiping<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the system only responds to a swipe, it likely relies on magstripe<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check with your local IT support or building deputy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submit questions to <a href=\"mailto:transact@purdue.edu\">transact@purdue.edu<\/a> for confirmation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--small\">\n    <div class=\"section has-gold-background has-padding-top-none has-padding-bottom-none\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-bottomborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title  purdue-accordion__title--small\" id=\"title-0d1a411f-0356-4205-b7bc-30f3164b1db2\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-0d1a411f-0356-4205-b7bc-30f3164b1db2\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><strong>Are departments required to report magstripe\u2011dependent systems?<\/strong><\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-0d1a411f-0356-4205-b7bc-30f3164b1db2\" hidden aria-hidden=\n                \"true\">\n                    \n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Because there is no centralized inventory, departments must identify and report systems that rely on magstripe technology. Early visibility will allow ID Card Operations to support transitions and help avoid disruptions during the 2026\u20132027 timeframe.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--small\">\n    <div class=\"section has-gold-background has-padding-top-none has-padding-bottom-none\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-bottomborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title  purdue-accordion__title--small\" id=\"title-48a69c33-999b-4bfc-b6ed-48e6b0ac5d09\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-48a69c33-999b-4bfc-b6ed-48e6b0ac5d09\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><strong>What support will ID Card Operations provide?<\/strong><\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-48a69c33-999b-4bfc-b6ed-48e6b0ac5d09\" hidden aria-hidden=\n                \"true\">\n                    \n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ID Card Operations will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Help identify alternative technologies or compatible hardware<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide guidance on NFC\u2011supported options and mobile credential readiness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assist in locating third\u2011party vendors for short\u2011term, non\u2011PUID magstripe cards if needed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--small\">\n    <div class=\"section has-gold-background has-padding-top-none has-padding-bottom-none\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-bottomborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title  purdue-accordion__title--small\" id=\"title-eb76f235-d2d5-4a4d-813f-99d488514479\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-eb76f235-d2d5-4a4d-813f-99d488514479\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><strong>Who pays for system upgrades?<\/strong><\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-eb76f235-d2d5-4a4d-813f-99d488514479\" hidden aria-hidden=\n                \"true\">\n                    \n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no central funding for departmental system upgrades or replacements. Departments are responsible for evaluating their systems, funding modernization efforts, and coordinating purchases through procurement.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--small\">\n    <div class=\"section has-gold-background has-padding-top-none has-padding-bottom-none\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-bottomborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title  purdue-accordion__title--small\" id=\"title-16d59f0f-5910-4bd8-8a40-9485a4a6d529\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-16d59f0f-5910-4bd8-8a40-9485a4a6d529\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><strong>What standards should departments or vendors follow when replacing systems?<\/strong><\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-16d59f0f-5910-4bd8-8a40-9485a4a6d529\" hidden aria-hidden=\n                \"true\">\n                    \n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Purdue ID Card uses an encrypted NFC contactless chip. Any new hardware intended to work with the Purdue ID Card or Mobile Credentials must support this standard. Departments should consult ID Card Operations for guidance on specifications and vendor options.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--small\">\n    <div class=\"section has-gold-background has-padding-top-none has-padding-bottom-none\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-bottomborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title  purdue-accordion__title--small\" id=\"title-7f14d46b-63d0-475f-9511-645b56b97186\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-7f14d46b-63d0-475f-9511-645b56b97186\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><strong>What happens to existing Purdue ID cards?<\/strong><\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-7f14d46b-63d0-475f-9511-645b56b97186\" hidden aria-hidden=\n                \"true\">\n                    \n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Existing physical cards will not have their magnetic stripes disabled. However, after July 1, 2027, Purdue will no longer produce ID cards with a magnetic stripe. All newly issued cards will contain only the encrypted NFC chip.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Beginning July 1, 2027, ID Card Operations will transition to contactless\u2011only Purdue ID cards as part of a broader move toward secure, modern credential solutions. As a result, the magnetic stripe on ID cards will no longer be available and<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":6942,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[53,350,42],"tags":[56,359],"location":[],"class_list":["post-6937","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-building-deputies","category-building-services","category-campus-and-community","tag-building-deputies","tag-purdue-id-card"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-11-21 01:28:02","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6937","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6937"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6937\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6952,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6937\/revisions\/6952"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6942"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6937"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6937"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6937"},{"taxonomy":"location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/operations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/location?post=6937"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}