A CalNet ID, along with a CalNet Passphrase, allows you to access services and applications that are available to members of the UC Berkeley community. Your CalNet ID will also be the first part of your campus bMail address (if you are eligible for one). In order to claim a CalNet ID, you must have a non-berkeley.edu email (Recovery Email Address) address on your record.
When do I need a CalNet ID?
Students are prompted to create a CalNet ID when admitted. Students can also issue delegate accounts for their parents through CalCentral.
Employees and campus affiliates are assigned an UCPath ID number when their data is entered into the HR database called UCPath. This ID number can be used to claim a CalNet account using this tool.
Alumni can set up a CalNet account via the Alumni Network.
See these instructions on obtaining a Cal1Card.
CalNet offers two passphrase options, the regular passphrase and the long passphrase.
- You cannot reuse a passphrase; the system will reject reused passphrases.
- Your passphrase should not contain common passphrases, standard dictionary words, sequences (“123”, “DEF”) in any order, or repeating characters (“444”, “ooo”). Such passphrases may be rejected.
CalNet Passphrase Requirements
Regular CalNet Passphrase Requirements
Your passphrase must:
- Be at least 12 characters long (maximum 255) and may include spaces
- Contain at least three of the four following character groups:
- Uppercase letters (A through Z)
- Lowercase letters (a through z)
- Numbers (0 through 9) or
- Symbols/special characters (!, $, #, or %, etc.)
Your passphrase must NOT:
- Contain your first name, middle, or last name(s)
- Contain your CalNet ID
- Contain leading or trailing spaces
Long CalNet Passphrase Requirements
- Your long passphrase must be at least 20 characters long (maximum 255) and may include spaces
- Your passphrase must NOT contain your first name, middle, or last name(s) or your CalNet ID
- Cannot contain leading or trailing spaces
- There are no other requirements