Your NetID password/passphrase works in conjunction with your NetID to guarantee the security of University systems and validate your identity on the NU Network. As your key to the network and your user account, your password should be guarded carefully and never shared with anyone.

Northwestern uses a password aging system which requires you to change your password for your NetID every year. You will receive several e-mail reminders to change your password as the expiration date approaches.

Password/Passphrase Guidelines

A NetID password must:

• be 8-31 characters in length
• contain a non-alphanumeric character such as ( ! ] & * , + = : - )

A NetID password cannot:

• be exactly the same as your last NetID password
• include a caret ( ^ ), dollar sign ( $ ), a single quote ( ' ), a double quote ( " ), a number sign ( # ), a less-than sign ( < ), a question mark ( ? ), a pipe ( | ), a back quote ( ` ), or a backslash ( \ )
• include character strings from your name or your NetID (examples for "James Smith": "James", "Smith")
• include more than four repeated letters or numbers (example: "aaaaa", "33333")
• include reserved sequential character strings (example: “asdf” or “jkl;”)

How do I verify my NetID password?

To verify your NetID password, visit Check NetID Password, and contact the NUIT Support Center with any follow-up questions.

How do I change my NetID password?

If you previously answered security questions, you may change NetID password by following these steps:

1. Navigate to the NU Validate log in page.
2. Enter your NetID and current NetID password, click Login.
3. Click Change your NetID password.
4. Enter and repeat your new NetID password.
5. Check I agree to the above conditions.
6. Click Change Password.

What if I forget my NetID password or if it expires?

If you previously answered security questions, you may self-reset a forgotten or expired NetID password by following these steps:

1. Navigate to the NU Validate log in page.
2. Enter your NetID.
3. Click the Forgot Your Password? button.
4. Answer at least two of your security questions.

If you have forgotten or let your NetID password expire and have not answered your security questions, you must contact your NetID administrator or present photo identification at the NUIT Support Center on the Evanston campus or at the NUIT NetID Support Kiosk located in the University Services Parking/WildCARD Office in Chicago. More information is available at NetID Password Reset Guidelines.

How do I update my security questions?

If you know your NetID and NetID password, you can update your security questions by following these steps:

1. Navigate to the NU Validate log in page.
2. Enter your NetID and NetID password.
3. Click Record or update answers to your security questions.
4. Answer as many questions as possible (minimum two answers).
5. Click Save.

Additional Information

Support Contacts