---
description: Sign up for a Docker ID and log in
keywords: accounts, docker ID, billing, paid plans, support, Cloud, Hub, Store, Forums, knowledge base, beta access
title: Docker ID accounts
---

Your free Docker ID grants you access to Docker services such as the Docker
Store, Docker Cloud, Docker Hub repositories, and some beta programs. Your
Docker ID becomes repository namespace used by hosted services such as Docker
Hub and Docker Cloud. All you need is an email address.

This account also allows you to log in to services such as the Docker Support
Center, the Docker Forums, and the Docker Success portal.


## Register for a Docker ID

Your Docker ID becomes your user namespace for hosted Docker services, and becomes your username on the Docker Forums.

1. Go to the [Docker Cloud sign up page](https://cloud.docker.com).

2. Enter a username, a valid email address, and a password.

3. Click **Sign Up**.

   Docker sends a verification email to the address you provided.

4. Click the link in the email to verify your address.

> **Note**: You cannot log in with your Docker ID until you verify your email address.


## Log in

Once you register and verify your Docker ID email address, you can log in
to Docker services.

For Docker Cloud, Hub, and Store, log in using the web interface.

![Login using the web interface](images/login-cloud.png)

You can also log in using the `docker login` command. (You can read more about `docker login` [here](../engine/reference/commandline/login/).)

> **Warning:** When you use the `docker login` command, your credentials are
stored in your home directory in `.docker/config.json`. The password is base64
encoded in this file. If you require secure storage for this password, use the
[Docker credential helpers](https://github.com/docker/docker-credential-helpers).

## The Accounts API

Once you create and verify your Docker ID, you can also update it using the [Docker Accounts API](../engine/reference/api/docker_io_accounts_api/).
