We discourage changing a NetID due to the following:

• You will lose access to your email for TWO BUSINESS DAYS while the change takes place.
• It could take up to 2 weeks for all University systems to sync up with the new NetID
• You may have trouble logging into some systems (course registration, Canvas, email) until the changes are fully completed
• We have no control over services and systems outside of Technology Services.
• We'll be unable to intervene in any systems that you're having trouble logging into until the change is fully completed
• You will have to setup MFA again for the new ID.
• You will have to sync your password again for the new ID by using the "change password" option in the NetID Center (NetID Center, How do I change my NetID Password?).

If you still wish to change your NetID after knowing the risks, in order to better meet the needs of our users, a one-time NetID change is permitted if one of the following reasons are met. Staff members can change their NetID once without having met these criteria:

• You have had a legal name change (please have your name updated with the University before changing your NetID)
• Your NetID contains an offensive word
• Your NetID does not reflect your gender identity  
• Your NetID has a misspelling or is otherwise confusing (e.g., has combinations of the number one (1) and the letter l)
  
• Your NetID is hyphenated or in conflict with another campus user
• Your NetID differs from your Enterprise ID or NetID at Chicago or Springfield

NOTE: If you use Exchange for your University email, you will lose access to your email for at least TWO BUSINESS DAYS while the change takes place.

FAQ:

How do I request a NetID change?

Please contact the Help Desk via consult@illinois.edu or 217-244-7000. It is highly preferred you come into the Help Desk to change your NetID.

What are the length and character requirements for a NetID?

See Identity Management, NetID creation character rules.

What happens to my Active Directory username when I change my NetID?

The Active Directory username will be updated to the new name within two business days. You should continue to use your original username until it fails to work, and then you should switch to the new username. Please note that your Active Directory password will remain the same after a NetID change.

Group membership is preserved after the rename.

What happens to my password and 2-factor authentication after the change?

During the change, you will need to sync your password with your new Enterprise ID by using the "change password" option in the NetID Center. When your old password stops working, please reset it at the NetID Center (go.illinois.edu/password).

In addition, once the change is complete you will need to re-enroll in MFA. This is also done in the NetID Center.

What happens to my Exchange username and email address when I change my NetID?

Office 365, Email, Exchange, How does changing NetID impact the Exchange service? 

Emails sent to your old NetID email address will be forwarded to your new NetID email address for one year.

What happens to my Box account when I change my NetID?

U of I Box, NetID or name change 

I have not yet claimed my NetID, but I want to change it. Can I do so?

If you meet one of the criteria above for changing your NetID, you may change it before claiming. This process is actually smoother than changing the NetID after claiming.