If you’re preparing a research paper for journal submission, you may have noticed a field asking for your ORCID iD. An ORCID iD is a free, persistent identifier that distinguishes you from other researchers and connects your scholarly work to you throughout your career. It helps reduce confusion when researchers have similar names, different name formats, or change institutions.
ORCID stands for Open Researcher and Contributor ID. Unlike a journal article DOI, which identifies a specific research output, an ORCID iD identifies the person behind research contributions. It can be connected with publications, affiliations, funding information, peer-review activity, and other research contributions.
For authors, an ORCID iD is particularly useful during manuscript submission because many journal and publisher systems can connect it directly to an author's profile. Some journals request it, while others require it for certain authors or submission types. The exact requirement always depends on the target journal's current author guidelines.
What Is an ORCID iD?
An ORCID iD is a free, persistent, name-independent identifier for people involved in research, scholarship, and innovation. ORCID describes it as a way to distinguish researchers and contributors from others with similar names and connect them with their professional activities.
The identifier is represented as an HTTPS URL containing a unique code. Although people often call it an ORCID number, the more accurate term is ORCID iD. ORCID explains that the identifier contains no information about your country, institution, research field, or other personal characteristics. It is designed to remain useful even when your career circumstances change.
Your ORCID iD is different from your ORCID record. The iD identifies you, while the record contains information that you choose to connect with that identifier, such as publications, affiliations, funding, and other activities.
You can also connect your ORCID record with other researcher identifiers and scholarly systems. This makes it easier to maintain a consistent research identity across different platforms.
Why Do Researchers Need an ORCID iD?
The biggest problem ORCID addresses is author-name ambiguity.
Imagine that three researchers have the same surname and similar initials. One publishes as A. Khan, another as Ahmed Khan, and another as A. M. Khan. A database or publisher may have difficulty determining whether these records belong to one person or several different researchers.
The problem can become even more complicated when a researcher changes their name, moves between universities, or publishes using different versions of their name.
An ORCID iD gives those systems a persistent identifier that remains connected to the researcher rather than relying only on the spelling of a name.
According to ORCID, an iD can help you:
Distinguish yourself from researchers with similar names
Connect publications and other research outputs to your record
Maintain continuity when you change institutions
Reduce repetitive data entry in connected systems
Share professional information with trusted organizations
Improve the discoverability and attribution of your research
Connect research activities across publishers, funders, and institutions
This doesn't mean an ORCID iD automatically fixes every indexing or attribution problem. The quality of connections also depends on the systems involved and the permissions you provide.
Why Is ORCID Important Before Journal Submission?
An ORCID for journal submission can make the publishing process easier because many manuscript systems can connect author information with an ORCID record.
When a submission system supports authenticated ORCID collection, you can sign in through ORCID and authorize the connection. This is more reliable than simply typing an identifier into a form because the system receives an authenticated iD associated with the person who authorized it.
ORCID explains that its iD can be used in manuscript submission workflows to connect researchers with publications, affiliations, and other professional activities.
For example, when you submit a manuscript, the journal system may request your name, affiliation, email address, author information, and ORCID iD. If the system is integrated with ORCID, some information can potentially be reused rather than entered manually each time.
After publication, ORCID can also work with connected publishing infrastructure to associate the publication with your record when the relevant permissions and integrations are in place.
This is one reason it makes sense to create and maintain your ORCID record before starting a new submission.
Do All Journals Require an ORCID iD?
No. Not every journal requires an ORCID iD.
ORCID requirements vary between publishers, journals, article types, and author roles. Some journals request an ORCID iD, while others make it mandatory for the corresponding author or additional authors.
For example, Cambridge University Press states that corresponding authors must identify themselves using ORCID for certain journals. Other publishers and submission platforms encourage authors to connect their ORCID iD without necessarily making it a universal submission requirement.
Because policies can change, don't assume that one publisher's ORCID policy applies to every journal.
Before submitting, check the target journal's:
Author guidelines
Submission instructions
Manuscript submission portal
Instructions for corresponding authors
Requirements for co-authors
Metadata and author-information requirements
If the journal provides a current ORCID instruction, follow that specific requirement.
ORCID iD vs ORCID Record vs Authenticated ORCID iD
These terms are closely related but aren't identical.
ORCID iD
Your ORCID iD is the persistent identifier assigned to you. It is designed to remain associated with you throughout your research career.
ORCID Record
Your ORCID record contains information connected to your iD. Depending on what you add and your visibility settings, it can include publications, affiliations, funding, professional activities, and other research information.
Authenticated ORCID iD
An authenticated ORCID iD is collected through a process where you sign in to ORCID and authorize a system to receive your identifier.
This distinction matters during manuscript submission. If a journal provides a button such as "Connect your ORCID iD" or "Sign in with ORCID," using that option is preferable to manually typing the identifier when authentication is available.
ORCID specifically promotes authenticated collection because it helps establish that the iD belongs to the person connecting it.
How to Get an ORCID iD
If you're wondering how to get an ORCID iD, the process is straightforward and free for individual users.
Start by registering through ORCID. You'll provide the information requested during registration, verify your email address, and create your account.
After registration, don't stop at simply obtaining the identifier. Take a few additional steps to make your ORCID record useful.
Step 1. Verify your email address
Email verification helps maintain access to your account and enables important account functions.
Step 2. Add relevant email addresses
If you use an institutional email address, consider adding another active email address to your ORCID record. This can help you maintain access if you later move to another university or organization.
Step 3. Review your name
Add relevant versions of your name if you've published under different formats. For example, you might have used a middle initial in one publication and a full middle name in another.
Step 4. Add your affiliation
Keep your current professional affiliation updated where appropriate.
Step 5. Add your publications
Use ORCID's available tools to connect existing research outputs to your record. ORCID supports connections with services that can help researchers import works instead of entering every publication manually.
Step 6. Review visibility settings
Your ORCID record gives you control over what information is publicly visible, shared with trusted parties, or kept private. Review these settings rather than assuming everything should be displayed publicly.
How to Prepare Your ORCID Record Before Submission
Creating an ORCID iD is only the first step. A poorly maintained record may not provide the full benefit of having a persistent researcher identifier.
Before submitting a manuscript, check the following.
Your name: Make sure the name associated with your ORCID record matches the name you intend to use for publication.
Email access: Make sure you can still access the email accounts connected to your ORCID record.
Affiliation: Review your current institutional information.
Research outputs: Check that your important publications and other relevant works are correctly connected.
Visibility: Review who can see your information.
Other identifiers: Where relevant, connect other researcher identifiers to your ORCID record.
Submission connection: If the journal provides an authenticated ORCID option, use it rather than manually entering your identifier.
A few minutes of preparation can prevent unnecessary confusion when completing the submission form.
How to Use Your ORCID iD During Manuscript Submission
The exact process depends on the journal's submission platform.
In a typical workflow, you may create or log in to your author account and then find an option to connect an ORCID iD. Selecting the ORCID option takes you through an authentication process.
Once authorized, the submission system can associate your iD with your author profile.
You may also be asked to provide ORCID information for co-authors. Don't assume that every author must provide one. Check the journal's instructions because requirements differ.
If the journal specifically asks for your ORCID iD in the title page, cover letter, manuscript metadata, or another submission field, follow its instructions.
The important point is simple: use the target journal's current submission requirements rather than applying a generic ORCID rule to every journal.
ORCID vs Scopus Author ID and Other Researcher Profiles
Researchers often confuse ORCID with Scopus Author ID, Web of Science researcher identifiers, Google Scholar profiles, or ResearchGate profiles.
They serve different purposes.
| Research identity tool | Main purpose |
|---|---|
| ORCID iD | Persistent identifier for a researcher or contributor |
| Scopus Author ID | Author identity and publication record within Scopus |
| Google Scholar profile | Citation tracking and scholarly discovery |
| ResearchGate profile | Research networking and sharing |
| DOI | Persistent identifier for a research object such as an article |
An ORCID iD doesn't replace these systems. In many cases, it can complement them.
ORCID also allows researchers to link other identifiers to their record. This can help create connections between different parts of a researcher's digital identity.
Why ORCID Matters for Students and Early Career Researchers
You don't need an established publication record to create an ORCID iD.
Students, PhD researchers, postdoctoral researchers, independent researchers, reviewers, and other contributors can use ORCID when it is relevant to their research activities.
Creating an ORCID iD early can be useful because the identifier is designed to stay with you as your career develops.
For example, a PhD student may publish their first article under one university affiliation and later publish additional papers at another institution. Their affiliation may change, but their ORCID iD remains associated with them.
This career continuity is one of the main reasons persistent researcher identifiers are useful.
Common ORCID Mistakes Researchers Should Avoid
Having an ORCID iD doesn't automatically mean your research identity is properly maintained.
Avoid these common mistakes.
Creating multiple ORCID accounts
Researchers should generally maintain one ORCID iD. If you think you've created more than one account, use ORCID's account recovery and support options instead of creating another record.
Typing your iD when authentication is available
If a journal offers direct ORCID authentication, use it. This creates a more trustworthy connection between you and your identifier.
Ignoring visibility settings
Review what information is public and what information is shared only with trusted organizations.
Forgetting older publications
If you have already published research, check whether your existing works are connected to your ORCID record.
Assuming every journal has the same requirement
ORCID policies aren't universal. Always check the current instructions for the specific journal you're targeting.
Treating ORCID as an identity verification service
ORCID helps establish connections between your iD and research activities, but ORCID itself explains that it isn't an identity verification system. Don't describe an ORCID iD as proof of a person's identity.
ORCID Checklist Before You Submit a Research Paper
Before clicking the final submission button, run through this quick checklist.
Confirm whether you already have an ORCID iD
Make sure your email address is accessible
Review your name and publication-name variants
Check your current affiliation
Connect relevant publications to your ORCID record
Review your visibility settings
Connect other researcher identifiers where appropriate
Use authenticated ORCID sign-in when the journal provides it
Check whether the journal requires ORCID for the corresponding author or all authors
Follow the journal's current author instructions
This checklist is particularly useful when you're submitting to a journal for the first time.
Should You Put Your ORCID iD on Your Academic CV?
Yes, you can include your ORCID iD on your academic CV.
It can provide readers with a persistent way to access the research information you've chosen to make available through your ORCID record.
A common location is near your contact information, professional profile, or other researcher identifiers.
However, an ORCID record shouldn't be treated as a replacement for your CV. Your CV can contain detailed information about your education, employment, research experience, teaching, awards, projects, and other professional activities, while ORCID primarily provides a persistent connection between you and your research-related contributions.
Frequently Asked Questions About ORCID iD
Is an ORCID iD free?
Yes. ORCID provides free registration and use of an ORCID iD for individual users.
What does ORCID stand for?
ORCID stands for Open Researcher and Contributor ID. It provides a persistent identifier for people involved in research, scholarship, and innovation.
Is an ORCID iD the same as an ORCID number?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but ORCID's preferred terminology is ORCID iD. The identifier is represented as an HTTPS URI containing the unique code.
Do I need an ORCID iD to publish a research paper?
Not necessarily. Requirements depend on the journal. Some journals request or require ORCID, while others don't. Always check the target journal's current author instructions.
Can students get an ORCID iD?
Yes. ORCID is open to people who may benefit from an identifier for research, scholarship, or related contributions. You don't need to wait until you've published several papers.
Can I have more than one ORCID iD?
Researchers should generally have one ORCID iD. If you believe you have multiple accounts, use ORCID's account recovery or support process rather than creating another one.
Is ORCID the same as Scopus Author ID?
No. ORCID is a persistent identifier for the researcher, while Scopus Author ID is an author identifier used within the Scopus ecosystem. They serve different functions and can be connected.
What is an authenticated ORCID iD?
It is an ORCID iD collected through a process where the researcher signs in to ORCID and authorizes the connected system to receive the identifier. This is different from simply typing an iD into a form.
Final Thoughts
An ORCID iD is a simple part of a researcher's publishing workflow, but it can solve an important problem. Academic publishing relies heavily on names, affiliations, and metadata, yet names aren't always reliable ways to distinguish one researcher from another.
By creating an ORCID record, connecting your research outputs, keeping your information current, and using your authenticated iD when journal systems support it, you can maintain a more consistent scholarly identity across publishing workflows.
Before your next manuscript submission, check the target journal's current requirements and make sure your ORCID record is ready. If you also need help preparing the manuscript, checking submission requirements, or organizing the submission package, Scopus Journal Publications provides academic publishing support designed around the requirements of the selected journal.
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