Building Access for Partners or Dependents
Building Access
MIT Housing & Residential Services (HRS) maintains building security by requiring residents to use their active MIT ID to open exterior doors of MIT residences. All residents five years of age and older need to maintain an MIT ID for building access.
All housing-related communications are sent to the @mit.edu email address associated with each resident’s MIT ID. Ensure any spouses, partners, dependents, or other authorized occupants monitor their MIT email account for important housing notifications (or encourage them to forward all emails from their MIT email to their preferred email account.) .
| Campus Resident Population | Eligible For | |||
| MIT ID Number | MIT ID Card | Kerberos ID | Mobile ID/App | |
| Children ages four and under | Automatic | N/A | Optional | N/A |
| Residents ages five and older | Automatic | Required | Required | Optional |
As displayed in the grid above:
Children ages four and under: Will automatically be provided an MIT ID number once the additional occupant has been approved by HRS, however MIT ID cards will not be issued. Obtaining a Kerberos ID is optional.
Residents ages five and older: Will automatically be provided an MIT ID number, and are required to obtain both an MIT ID Card and a Kerberos ID.
MIT ID Numbers
- Once you have submitted your Proof of Family documentation, MIT Housing & Residential Services (HRS) will review and approve. Once additional occupant(s) have been approved, an MIT ID number will be automatically generated for them.
Kerberos IDs
- After your additional occupant(s) have been approved by HRS, you will receive an automated email from accounts@mit.edu with instructions on how to set up their Kerberos ID.
Physical & Mobile MIT ID Cards
- Please visit the MIT ID website and follow the instructions only after the Kerberos ID has been created. It may take about one business day for MIT’s systems to populate a newly-created Kerberos account.
Enable a digital MIT ID:
- Install the MIT Atlas mobile app for iOS 13+ or Android 7+.
- Log in through Touchstone using your Kerberos username and password (or a certificate).
- Select the Mobile ID feature, and follow the guided steps.
To acquire a physical ID card:
Enable your digital ID (above), then print your own card at a self-service kiosk on campus.
If you encounter access issues or if you need additional assistance with your MIT ID please reach out to servicedesk@mit.edu or call (617) 253-1101.
While residents should always have their physical MIT ID card while accessing campus residence halls, residents can also use a digital version of the MIT ID (as described above) for convenient access to campus buildings. Please note that the mobile ID does not give you access to the local public transit systems.
Housing-Related Inquiries
- If you have housing-related inquiries such as how to submit "proof of family" documentation, please connect with a member of the HRS team by visiting our contact page.
- We offer a variety of ways to connect with our office, including drop-in virtual office hours.
MIT ID Card or Kerberos ID Inquiries
- If you have any questions related to your MIT ID Card, please contact the Atlas Service Center via email at atlascenter@mit.edu or by phone at (617) 253-3000. For after-hours support, please contact servicedesk@mit.edu or call (617) 253-1101.
