Accessing resources and spaces at MIT and online (MIT ID card & Kerberos identity)
To fully access the resources and spaces that are available to you at MIT, you will need a Kerberos identity and an MIT ID card. Your Kerberos identity is an MIT username and password. You will get a digital MIT ID card on your phone. If you want to print the card, you can use a self-serve kiosk on campus or visit the Atlas Service Center located at 40 Ames Street, open Monday-Friday, 8 am – 5 pm (except holidays).
Do you live on campus? If you are the spouse or partner of an MIT student and you are living on campus, MIT Housing & Residential Services will start the registration process for you. After Housing & Residential Services processes your family documentation, you will get an email that tells you how to register for a Kerberos account and get your digital MIT ID card.
Do you live off campus? MIT graduate students, postdocs, staff, and faculty living off campus can fill out this form to apply for a Kerberos account for a spouse or partner. IMPORTANT: You cannot fill out this form - your student or postdoc must complete this form in order to apply for your Kerberos account (MIT email address). After you get your Kerberos identity, you can get an MIT ID card by following these steps.
- Install the MIT Atlas mobile app for iOS 13+ or Android 7+.
- Log in through Touchstone using your Kerberos username and password.
- Select the Mobile ID feature, and follow the guided steps.
- A physical card can be obtained either at a self-service kiosk or at the Atlas Service Center.
If you have any questions or problems, email servicedesk@mit.edu for assistance.
Two important notes:
Your spouse/partner will initiate the process by sponsoring a Kerberos account for you. You should then receive further instructions by email.
MIT faculty or staff sponsoring a guest account must provide a valid Institute cost object, which will be used for reporting purposes only, and will not be charged. A cost object is a 7 digit account number assigned to different departments, which is used to make purchases at the Institute. (See https://ist.mit.edu/guest-accounts)
Do I need a Kerberos identity or a MIT ID card?
You are not required to have a Kerberos identity or an MIT ID card, but they will make it easier for you to access services and spaces at MIT. For example, you will need both a Kerberos identity and an MIT ID card to access campus spaces evenings and weekends. Here is a list of buildings you can access with your MIT ID.
Where can I use the MIT ID card?
• MIT Gym (if you have purchased a gym membership). Learn more by visiting this webpage or send an email to memberservices@mit.edu.
• MIT libraries. Once you have your MIT ID card, visit the circulation desk at the Barker, Dewey, Hayden, or Rotch Libraries and ask them to activate your borrowing privileges.
• MIT shuttles. The driver will ask you to show your MIT ID card when you board the shuttle. Find maps and schedules here or on your MIT Mobile App.
Where can I use a Kerberos identity?
• Access the MITAC website to buy discounted tickets for movies, shows, sporting events, and more.
• Access LinkedIn Learning video courses on Atlas.
• Access MIT Libraries online from anywhere.
