New regulations for the Athena card from 2026
Reissue of the Athena card: only in justified exceptional cases
The Athena card will now only be reissued in cases where this is strictly necessary.
Existing alternatives for using the Athena card are shown in the table below. For functions that are not yet covered, replacement solutions are being developed so that a complete replacement of the Athena card will be achievable in the medium term.
Background to the decision
This decision is based on several key factors. By discontinuing the reissue of physical cards, costs for production, operation and administration can be reduced. At the same time, resources are conserved, in particular through the reduction of plastic usage. Furthermore, the transition to alternative solutions reduces dependence on individual manufacturers and increases the flexibility and future viability of the systems in use.
Validity of Athena cards already issued
Athena cards that have already been issued can continue to be used as long as the respective service for which they are used supports them. There is therefore currently no need for action for users who already have a card.
Functions and available alternatives for using the Athena card (as of January 2026)
| Function | Alternatives | Further information | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students | Employees | ||
| Proof of student status | Student ID card (TUDa App (opens in new tab) or paper) | n/a | Studen ID card (opens in new tab) |
| Payment function for the canteen/bistro of Student Affairs | Card or smartphone payment, proof of student status with student ID card | Card or smartphone payment, student affairs guest card | Cashless payment (German website) (opens in new tab) |
| Payment function for washing machines in halls of residence | none | n/a | |
| ULB library card | TUDa App (opens in new tab) (must be activated separately) | Digital barcode (e.g. smartphone) or printed as a library card; the barcode is available in the IDM portal (opens in new tab) under Account/Password | |
| ULB locker use | ULB card; key-based lockers for storing work materials | ULB card; key-based lockers for storing work materials | Lockers ULB (opens in new tab) |
| Access to TU sports facilities (university stadium) | Free access to the stadium during opening hours only with a valid Athene card; when booking courses or tickets, temporary access via barcode ticket | Free access to the stadium during opening hours only with a valid Athene card; when booking courses or tickets, temporary access via barcode ticket | |
| Locking function on FB architecture | none | n/a | |
| Car sharing service offered by the AStA (outdated) | book-n-drive app, no possibility of using the Athena card | n/a | Car sharing (small trucks/cars) (opens in new tab) |
| Transponder rental for microphone compartments | other identity document | other identity document | Microphones (transponder rental, German website) (opens in new tab) |
User groups
The personalised Athena card is issued to students and staff of TU Darmstadt upon justified request.
How can I get my Athena Card?
You can only obtain your Athen card at the HRZ Service Centre in the city centreHRZ Service Centre in the city centre. The Athena card will only be issued to the holder in person upon presentation of photo ID.
What do I have to do if my Athena Card is stolen?
In case of theft, have the card blocked immediately at the ULB (06151 – 16-76210).
You will only receive a new Athene card in justified exceptional cases (see above).
