Activating your ORCID iD is a straightforward process, whether you're creating a brand new identifier or reactivating an existing one. An ORCID iD provides a persistent digital identifier that distinguishes you from every other researcher and connects you with your professional activities, ensuring your work is accurately attributed.
Creating and Activating a New ORCID Account
If you're new to ORCID, activating your account involves a simple registration process to establish your unique iD.
Steps to Register and Activate:
- Visit the ORCID Registration Page: Navigate to the official ORCID registration page at https://orcid.org/register.
- Provide Your Information: You'll be asked to enter your first name, last name, and a primary email address. You can also add a secondary email address for recovery purposes.
- Set Your Password: Create a strong password for your ORCID account.
- Review Visibility Settings: Decide on the default visibility for your ORCID record data (e.g., Public, Limited, Private). You can change these settings later.
- Accept Terms of Use: Read and agree to the ORCID Terms of Use.
- Complete Registration: Click the "Register" button.
- Verify Your Email: ORCID will send a verification email to the address you provided. You must click the link in this email to fully activate your ORCID iD and complete the registration process. This step is crucial for making your iD live and functional.
After verification, your ORCID iD is active, and you can start populating your record with your works, affiliations, funding, and more.
Reactivating a Deactivated ORCID Account
If you previously had an ORCID iD that has since been deactivated, you can reactivate it by following a specific process. This ensures you regain access to your existing record and continue to use your persistent identifier.
Steps to Reactivate a Deactivated Account:
- Initiate Sign-in: Go to the ORCID sign-in page at https://orcid.org/signin.
- Enter Associated Email: In the "Email" field, enter the email address that was associated with your deactivated ORCID record.
- Attempt Login: Click the "Sign in to ORCID" button.
- Receive Deactivation Notification: A message will be displayed, notifying you that the email address is associated with a deactivated record. This message typically provides guidance on how to proceed with reactivation.
- Follow On-Screen/Email Instructions: ORCID will prompt you to begin the reactivation process. This may involve:
- Clicking a "Reactivate" button directly on the page.
- An email being sent to your associated email address with a reactivation link. Check your inbox and spam/junk folders carefully for this email.
- Confirm Reactivation: Click the reactivation link in the email or follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your intent. You might be asked to verify your identity, reset your password, or update certain profile details as part of this process.
- Access Your Account: Once confirmed, your ORCID iD will be reactivated, and you will be able to sign in and manage your record as before.
Benefits of an Active ORCID iD
An active ORCID iD offers numerous advantages for researchers, scholars, and professionals across all disciplines.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Unique Identification | Distinguishes you from other researchers, even those with similar names. |
| Persistent Identifier | Your iD remains with you throughout your career, regardless of institutional changes. |
| Automated Updates | Can be linked to systems for automatic updates of your works and affiliations. |
| Increased Discoverability | Makes it easier for others to find your research and professional contributions. |
| Reduced Administrative Burden | Streamlines reporting processes for grants and publications. |
| Interoperability | Connects with various research information systems, publishers, and funders. |
By keeping your ORCID iD active and up-to-date, you maintain a dynamic and accurate record of your scholarly impact.
