University Identification Numbers (UINs)
A UIN is a record number, used to identify one person uniquely and permanently across the entire U of I System, in all locations and record systems. No person should ever have two different UINs. UINs are never deleted or re-assigned to a different person. A UIN is required first in order to obtain a NetID or a university ID.
How to Request a UIN
UIN requests are needed only for external affiliates. (UINs are automatically supplied to all student applicants and employees.)
No person can request a UIN for themself, and only a current, non-student employees may request a UIN. Read through this list to determine how to proceed:
- Do you need UINs for more than 20 people? Contact our Help Desk at least one week in advance! We can help you to save time and make the UIN provisioning go as quickly as possible, regardless of the required method/mechanism you use for your requests.
- Do you need to obtain an Urbana or Springfield NetID for an external affiliate? You must use the Affiliate NetID Manager service, but first read "Steps for Sponsors to Request an Affiliate NetID" in its FAQs. Please note: our unit supplies only the UIN; the Affiliate NetID Manager system provides and supports NetIDs.
- Do you need to obtain a Chicago NetID for an external affiliate? Log in at go.uillinois.edu/RequestUIN to submit a request to our Help Desk inbox. PDF forms are no longer accepted. Please note: Once you receive the UIN, you must visit go.uic.edu/ExternalNetIDs to request a UIC NetID from Technology Solutions.
- Are you seeking only a visitor ID card for an external affiliate? If you're sure your guest does not need a NetID, request a UIN from us. Log in at go.uillinois.edu/RequestUIN to submit a request to our Help Desk inbox. PDF forms are no longer accepted. Please note: once you receive the UIN, you must contact your campus ID Center and ask for the current Visitor ID Request form, not available online.
All requests for UINs are processed on a first-in, first-out basis. Allow three business days for an initial response. We respond with follow-up questions whenever a person appears to be a former affiliate who already has a UIN. We require additional information in order to provide the correct UIN and avoid issuing a second one to the same individual.
You will obtain UINs faster when you follow the requirements and advice we provide in About University Identification Number Requests (PDF).
UIN Lookups
If you need to know your own UIN, you may be able to retrieve it yourself. Use the Find Your UIN lookup if you're certain the university has your Social Security number or Temporary Control Number on record.