1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Student Travel

How To Get an ISIC Card

By , About.com Guide

Full-time students 12 years and older* will find the ISIC (International Student Identity Card) card the ticket to discounts on travel rates, accommodations, shopping and entertainment, and ISIC cards also provide deals on benefits like basic sickness and student travel insurance abroad and cheap international phone calls. The ISIC card costs $22 and is good through December 31st of each year. Let's get started getting an ISIC card.

*You must be seeking a degree at an accredited institution.

Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: A few hours

Here's How:

  1. Call 1-800-223-7986 (toll-free) to apply by phone through STA travel agency, apply for an ISIC card online, or find your nearest ISIC issuing office online. Many campus registrar or international education (study abroad) offices are ISIC issuers.
  2. Gather one passport-sized photo (2x2 inches head and shoulders shot, with your name printed in ink on the back).
  3. Prepare payment of $22 (personal check or money order if applying by mail - add $3.00 if applying by mail or phone - or have a credit or debit card ready if applying by phone).
  4. Gather proof of student status: a photocopy of school ID that is valid this year, or a photocopy of your transcript/report card for this academic year.
  5. Gather proof of your age: a copy of your driver's license, passport, state issued identification card or student identification card if it shows your age. A birth certificate won't work because your proof must show a current photo and your age.
  6. If applying by phone or online, be prepared to fax the above documents to the issuing ISIC agency (you'll be given a fax number) and have your credit or debit card handy. If applying by mail, send the $25 you have prepared and the above documents to STA Travel, National Service Center, ID Department, 7890 S. Hardy, Suite 110, Tempe AZ, 85284.
  7. Wait for your ISIC card to arrive,and start reaping the benefits. The ISIC card comes in handy for some student travel discounts, like a student discount on Amtrak and as international id.

What You Need:

  • One passport-sized photo (2x2 inches, with name printed in ink on the back)
  • Payment of $22 if applying with a credit card online
  • Payment of $25 if applying by mail or phone (check/money order)
  • Proof of student status
  • Proof of age
  • Fax machine or envelope and stamps
Explore Student Travel
About.com Special Features

Find travel inspiration and get the best tips and reviews for your next getaway. More >

The best times to visit East and Southern Africa. More >

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Student Travel
  4. Student Travel Discounts
  5. ISIC Card - How to Get an ISIC Card for Student Travelers

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.