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What is a NetID?

KB Article: KB00366
Original Source: TeamDynamix KB
Last Updated: January 2026
Applies To: All Texas A&M students, faculty, and staff

Overview​

Your NetID is a user ID that Texas A&M campus members use to log into various systems and services, including:

To create and set up your NetID account, you will need your Universal Identification Number (UIN). A UIN is a unique ID number used to identify campus members at A&M. Your UIN is sent to you via email a few days after submitting your application to Texas A&M.

How Do I Get a NetID?​

You can claim and activate your NetID at the NetID activation portal.

note

If you've already claimed a NetID, you'll see the error "Your account has already been activated." If you don't know your NetID, call Help Desk Central at (979) 845-8300.

How Do I Retrieve My UIN?​

A UIN cannot be given out over the phone, email, or chat due to confidentiality requirements. Follow the instructions for your affiliation:

Applicants​

Current Students / Former Students (Less Than 2 Years)​

Former Students (2+ Years)​

Staff/Faculty​

Contact your HR Identity Agent. Find the agent for your college or division here.

NetID Account FAQ​

I've forgotten my NetID. What do I do?​

If you know your Texas A&M email address, your NetID is everything before the '@' symbol:

[YOUR_NETID]@tamu.edu

If you can't recover your NetID, call Help Desk Central at (979) 845-8300.

How complex must my NetID password be?​

Passwords must:

  • Be 8-128 characters long
  • Contain at least one uppercase letter
  • Contain at least one lowercase letter
  • Contain at least one number OR special character
  • Use only these characters: a-z, A-Z, 0-9, ~!@#$%^&*()-_=+[{]}\|:;',<.>?/
  • Not contain your NetID
  • Not be easily guessed (dictionary words, "tamu", "aggie", etc.)

How do I find out when my password expires?​

  1. Go to gateway.tamu.edu and log in
  2. Click Password Settings
  3. Your expiration date is shown at the top

You'll receive email reminders as your password expiration approaches.

Why does my NetID password expire?​

NetID passwords expire periodically to comply with University Rule 29.01.03.M0.02. Old passwords cannot be immediately reused.

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