How to Choose a SUNet ID

Overview

Your SUNet ID is:

• Permanent: Once you've claimed a SUNet ID, it will never be reassigned. It is difficult to change your SUNet ID.
• Not private: Your SUNet ID is visible in university business systems and reports and may be requested as an identifier by university staff. However, you can choose whether it is displayed in Stanford's online directory (StanfordWho), and you can create up to two aliases through StanfordYou to use as an alternate email or web address.
• Not anonymous: Your SUNet ID is directly associated with you, unlike a social network ID or email address that may mask your identity.

As your relationship with Stanford changes — through graduation, employment, retirement, etc. — the status of your SUNet ID will switch between active and inactive, but your SUNet ID remains the same. This means that many SUNet IDs are reserved but not currently active. Inactive aliases are also reserved for at least two years; during this time they can only be reused by their original owner.

Because many SUNet IDs are currently in use or reserved, you may need to select one that is not your first choice.

In rare cases a request to change a SUNet ID may be approved. Fulfilling this request requires substantial effort from several campus offices, and can disrupt your services during the transition.

Learn more

• SUNet ID overview, eligibility and services
• How to choose and manage a SUNet ID Password 
• SUNet ID service activation