Identification #
Photo ID #
Please carry a photo ID at all times.
UT Card (Residence Permit Card) #
Please carry your UT card at all times. Please note that according to Swedish rules, the UT card cannot be used as an official photo ID. For more information about your UT card, see Migrationsverket (The Swedish Migration Agency).
Passport #
Please leave one photocopy of your passport ID page with your family and bringing one photocopy abroad to be stored in a safe place (separate from your passport) in case of loss or theft. It is very important to keep your passport safe. Be extra careful with your passport while traveling. If your passport is lost or stolen, follow the instructions from the US Embassy in Sweden.
You may occasionally need to use your passport as photo ID. This is because national ID cards are the norm in Europe, but the only national ID document issued by the U.S. government is a passport. (Most American IDs are issued at the state level, such as a driver’s license.) Thus, some establishments will not accept your state ID. This is often the case with official services, such as picking up a registered package. If you are ever unsure of what kind of ID you need at a particular establishment, simply call ahead to ask.
Mecenat Card (Student ID) #
The Swedish company Mecenat works with student unions to produce a digital student ID called Mecenatkortet, or the Mecenat card. The Student Association at SSE (SASSE) is responsible for your Mecenat Card.
Mecenat App #
Download the Mecenat app for iPhone or Android.
You must download this app to create a digital student ID card. You are required to present this digital ID if you are stopped for a ticket control on public transit, and you’ll also need it to attend student events and receive student discounts.
SASSE will register an account on your behalf. You will receive an email from Mecenat with your Student ID number and instructions for activating and using your digital card via the Mecenat App. If you have any questions about this process or need assistance, please visit the SASSE Reception Desk at SSE (Floor 0).
Using Mecenat #
You need to present your Mecenat card to attend SASSE events and student events at other colleges and universities. You also need to present the card if you are stopped by an SL ticket officer on public transportation to prove you qualify for the discounted student fare. Please note that the Mecenat card does not have a photo, so it is important that you also carry a photo ID to verify your identity.
The Mecenat Card also gives you access to student discounts on a wide variety of services and retailers. Check the Mecenat app for a list of current discounts.
Swedish Personal Number (Personnummer) #
Sweden issues an identity number called a personnummer, or personal number, to all residents staying for one year or longer. Because you are staying in Sweden for less than one year, you are not eligible to receive a personal number.