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Complete ASP NET MVC Identity Tutorial Step by Step Guide

Kenneth Jul 13, 2026

Dive into the world of ASP.NET MVC, where you'll find a robust framework for developing dynamic, data-driven web applications. A critical component of this framework is the Identity system, which enables user authentication and authorization. Let's explore this essential feature with an SEO-optimized tutorial, guiding you through the process step by step.

ASP.NET and MVC Tutorial Guide
ASP.NET and MVC Tutorial Guide

Before we delve into the tutoring, let's ensure you're equipped with the necessary tools. You'll need Visual Studio 2019 or later, with ASP.NET and web development features installed. Also, familiarize yourself with C# basics and MVC pattern. Let's start!

CRUD Operations using ADO.Net Entity Framework in Asp.Net MVC Example - Tutlane
CRUD Operations using ADO.Net Entity Framework in Asp.Net MVC Example - Tutlane

Setting Up ASP.NET Core Identity in Your Project

First, create a new MVC project in Visual Studio. In the 'New Project' dialog, select 'Web' > ' ASP.NET Core Web App (Model-View-Controller)'. Name your project and choose 'WebAdministration' as the template.

Role Based Security in ASP.NET MVC 5 Web Applications
Role Based Security in ASP.NET MVC 5 Web Applications

Post-project creation, navigate to your solution explorer. Right-click on your project, and select 'Manage NuGet Packages'. Add 'Microsoft.AspNetCore.Identity.EntityFrameworkCore' and 'Microsoft.AspNetCore.Authentication.Cookies'.

Creating the IdentityDbContext class

Ceylinco E - Motor Card
Ceylinco E - Motor Card

Next, create a new class named 'IdentityDbContext' that inherits from 'IdentityDbContext<User>'. This class will hold our identity data schema.

Do not forget to apply DbSet properties for the 'Users' and 'Roles' tables.

Configuring the Startup class

How to use Master Page in Asp.net
How to use Master Page in Asp.net

In your 'Startup.cs' file, add 'services.AddIdentity<User, Role>()' under the other service configurations. Ensure to pass your 'IdentityDbContext' as an argument in the configuration methods.

Then add the authentication and authorization middleware beneath the use of Kestrel.

Implementing Account Controller and Views

Code First Approach in Entity Framework in Asp.net MVC with Example - Tutlane
Code First Approach in Entity Framework in Asp.net MVC with Example - Tutlane

Now, let's set up the AccountController which manages user registrations, logins, and password resets.

Create a 'Controllers' folder if you don't have one. Inside it, create 'AccountController.cs'. Use the 'AccountController' template from the 'ASP.NET Core MVC Controller' context menu.

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Data Access in ASP.NET Core using EF Core (Code First)
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ASP.NET Framework
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Difference Between .NET and ASP.NET
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Identity Column: How to Check Identity Column in SQL Server
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an image of a diagram with many different types of logos and icons on it, including the
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ASCII effect in After Effects
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there is a movie poster with two men in suits and ties on the back of it
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My Account Page / My Profile Page / Settings Page - Julija Jelicanin
My Account Page / My Profile Page / Settings Page - Julija Jelicanin

Register View Creation

To create views for the AccountController, right-click on the 'Controllers' folder, select 'Add View', then 'Register.cshtml'. Repeat this process for 'Login.cshtml' and 'Logout.cshtml'.

Also, create a '_Layout.cshtml' file in the 'Views' folder for the site-wide navigation bar.

Creating Login and Logout Features

Within your 'AccountController.cs', implement the 'Login' and 'Logout' actions as per the MVC pattern. Ensure to configure your site's application cookie options appropriately.

Use the guide below for setting up the views for each action:

  • For 'Register', use helper methods like '@Html.TextBoxFor', '@Html.ValidationSummary', etc.
  • For 'Login', use '@Html.TextBoxFor', '@Html.PasswordFor', and '@Html.ButtonFor'.

Finally, navigate to '/Account/Login' in your browser. You'll see a login interface, signifying a successful setup. Register a new user and log in to test the full cycle. Your ASP.NET Core Identity tutorial journey ends here. Happy coding!