Skip to Main Content

ORCID

This Guide provides information about the persistent identifier, ORCID .

https://orcid.org/

0000-0000-0000-0000

ORCID FAQs

Visit ORCID's FAQ bank to get answers to common questions about ORCID, including how to troubleshoot issues related to obtaining or recovering an ORCID.

About ORCID

What is ORCID? 

ORCID (Open Researcher and Contributor ID) is a well-known and widely-used personal identifier (PID) used by researchers. It is a 16-digit number (the ID) that uniquely identifies a researcher, and its associated record (the profile) identifies their output. ORCID is a free service and an ID and can be obtained through a simple online registration process. 


Why should I get an ORCID?

  • Beginning in May 2025, the NIH will require all senior and key personnel named in grants to obtain an ORCID and link it to their eRA profiles (Notice NOT-OD-24-163). Soon, other NIH policies will also require researchers to obtain and use an ORCID when engaging with various research and publishing platforms.
  • An ORCID disambiguates you from every other researcher and improves the discoverability of your work. 
  • ORCID profiles can be linked with 1200+ academic and scientific service providers to automatically populate and update records of work, which lets you spend less time managing your research profile.
  • An ORCID is not institution-specific. You maintain your ORCID and its associated record no matter your affiliation. 

Get an ORCID

How do I obtain an ORCID?

Complete a short registration form at the link provided below. Be prepared to enter a name, email, and password, as well as choose visibility settings. Please note that the "current employment" field is optional - look for a link that lets you skip this step. 

Upon completing registration, you will be routed to your ORCID profile. Make note of your unique ORCID ID located on the top, left of the profile page. Additionally, you will receive an email from ORCID asking you to verify your email address. Make sure you verify, so that you have full editing rights to your ORCID profile. 


Do I already have an ORCID?

If you think you may already have an ORCID, search the ORCID registry (by name) at the link provided below. If you find an ID and profile that belong to you, go to the Sign in page and choose the "forgot your password or ORCID ID?" link.