Students: Purchasing a U-PASS

Up to and on the 7th Calendar Day of the Quarter

Students opt into the U-PASS program through the Optional Charges tab via MyUW before registering. 

You can change your U-PASS selection through your MyUW account up to the 7th calendar day of the quarter (including weekends and holidays) by completing the following steps:

1.  Log onto your MyUW

2.  Go the "Student Finances" tab (located in the left hand side). Click on "Health Insurance/Optional Charges". You should then see language about purchasing a U-PASS. If you would like one, select yes.

After the 7th Day of the Quarter

You cannot opt out of the U-PASS program after the 7th day of the quarter (including weekends and holidays).

Students who did not opt into the U-PASS program and want to purchase one after the 7th day of the quarter can do so thru the online student U-PASS order form.  

Paying for your U-PASS

The $45 charge for your U-PASS will post to your student account and is due at the time of the UW tuition deadline. Pay your balance for FREE ONLINE by logging into your MyUW account and selecting the web check option (will need checking account and routing number) or at the Cashier’s Office located in Carlton 400. If you do not pay for your U-PASS by the specified tuition payment due date, you may be assessed a late payment fee.

When will my U-PASS be activated for use on transit?

New U-PASS members

If you opted into the U-PASS program and you do not already have an active U-PASS:

Continuing members

Your U-PASS is valid for the academic quarter. To ensure your U-PASS is not deactivated between quarters you must opt into the U-PASS program 9 days prior to the start of the next quarter.  If you do not do this, your U-PASS will be deactivated and will be reactivated for the next quarter 24 to 48 hours after you opt into the U-PASS program.

Finalizing activation

To finalize the activation of your U-PASS for use on transit, you must use it for transit service within 60 days of purchase.  Tapping your card on an ORCA reader updates the smart chip and finalizes activation of your U-PASS for transit.  If you do not tap onto transit within 60 days, your U-PASS will not work for transit fare payment and you will need to request reactivation of your U-PASS transit benefit.  

Reactivation

If you need to reactivate your U-PASS because you did not use it within 60 days after issuance, you can submit a reactivation request at www.u-pass.washington.edu/reactivate.  Your U-PASS will be available for use on transit 24 to 48 hours after you submit your request.  You must tap your card on an ORCA card reader within 60 days of this request to finalize your U-PASS transit benefit.

Deactivation of U-PASS for withdrawn students

If you withdraw from all classes at the UW, your U-PASS will be deactivated and you may be eligible for a U-PASS fee credit on your student account based on when you withdraw.  The U-PASS fee credit for most students who with draw is as follows:

If a student withdraws from classes or opts out of the U-PASS Powered by ORCA program and is due a refund it will either be returned to them by check from the UW Student Fiscal Services Office or if the student has set up direct deposit, it will be sent directly to their bank account. Students may direct refund questions the Student Fiscal Services Office at 206-543-4694.

U-PASS replacements

There is no replacement fee for U-PASS powered by ORCA, however, you may pay a replacement fee of $20 for your Husky Card.

Your U-PASS powered by ORCA will be transferred electronically when your new Husky Card is printed and will be available for use 24 to 48 hours after card replacement.  You will also need to tap your Husky Card on an ORCA reader within 60 days of the issuance of the new card to finalize U-PASS activation.

Reporting a problem with your U-PASS

If you tap your U-PASS powered by ORCA on an ORCA card reader and you don’t get a happy beep and green light, try again making sure to tap your card on the ORCA logo at the center of the card reader and hold it there for several seconds. Also make sure you separate your Husky Card from any other cards you may have that include RFID technology.

If you still do not get a positive response, contact the Cashier’s Office at 253-692-4669 or limbrick@uw.edu as soon as you are able. Please provide the following:

• Your name and UW ID#
• Name of the transit agency you were taking
• The route number
• Destination
• The time you boarded the bus or train
• Bus vehicle number (This is found inside the bus above the bus windshield, as well as on the sides, front and rear of the bus. See pictures below.)