UW Photo ID, NetID & Remote/EZProxy Access

Do I need a UW Photo ID?

A photo ID is required for all University students, staff and faculty (see how to obtain your UW photo ID). Among other things, it is used to check out books. Please note that new IDs are loaded into the library computer system weekly on Tuesday night. Therefore, there may be up to a 7 day delay until your new ID is valid to use library services.

I'm off campus and can't get my UW Photo ID in the near future. Can I obtain my 10 digit UW ID without having my picture taken?

In some special cases, this is possible. For instance, if you are a newly hired university employee and unable to come to campus to obtain a photo ID, you may contact Mike Majerus, UW-Madison Office of Human Resources, 608-262-3806, to verify your employment and obtain your campus ID number so that you can activate your NetID account. If you are a Clinical Instructors/Preceptor, you may contact your department's or school's human resource unit if you did not receive a 10 digit UW ID number along with your appointment letter.

Why can't I use my Social Security Number-Based UW ID anymore?

The University invalidated all SSN-based ID cards on April 15, 2008 in an effort to prevent identity theft. If you had such an ID and card and did not get a replacement, you will no longer be able to use campus library services such as book check out, document delivery through Library Express and remote access of online resources using NetID.

Do I need a NetID?

Among other things, a NetID is used to access library services remotely when you are not on campus.

How do I activate my NetID?

Go to https://www.mynetid.wisc.edu/activate and enter your 11 digit photo ID and your date of birth OR your 10 digit campus ID if you have not received a photo ID. A step by step guide to the activation process is available at http://kb.wisc.edu/helpdesk/page.php?id=1140#facstaff.

How do I know if I already have a NetID?

A NetID is used to access My UW, Learn@UW, obtain a parking permit among other services. If you try to activate your NetID at the URL above and already have a NetID you will be told this. If you do not remember or are unable to access your NetID or password, please contact the DoIT Help Desk at 608-264-4357.

How do I reset my NetID password if I've forgotten it?

Go to https://www.mynetid.wisc.edu/password-reset/index.jsp and follow the instructions. A step by step guide to resetting your password is available at http://kb.wisc.edu/helpdesk/page.php?id=4610.

I'm from the UWHC and use Resident Desktop and/or my department's Citrix system to access library resources from off campus. Do I need to have a NetID?

No, you do not need a NetID to use these UWHC remote access methods which are unaffected by this policy change. However, we still encourage you to activate your NetID if you are eligible.

I'm a UWHC staff member, but I've been told I don't qualify for a UW ID. Who can I contact to verify this information?

Tom Hewuse of UWHC Human Resources will help you determine your status. Contact him at 608-262-3258.

Who may I contact at Ebling Library for help?

Contact your library liaison, our Service Desk at 608-262-2020 or Ask a Librarian.

Page last updated: May 1, 2008
Questions or suggestions? Contact Rebecca Holz