---
layout: docs
page_title: authenticate - Command
description: |-
  The "authenticate" command authenticates the Boundary command line client using a specified auth method.
---

# authenticate

Command: `boundary authenticate`

The `authenticate` command authenticates the Boundary command line client using the auth method that you specify.


## Examples

The following example authenticates the Boundary CLI using a configured OIDC auth method where the auth method ID is `amoidc_q7jAdI1QgA`:


```shell-session
$ boundary authenticate oidc -auth-method-id amoidc_q7jAdI1QgA
```

**Example output:**

<CodeBlockConfig hideClipboard>

```plaintext
Opening returned authentication URL in your browser...

Authentication information:
  Account ID:      acctoidc_oztPFBFesH
  Auth Method ID:  amoidc_oHt4HQFCrN
  Expiration Time: Thu, 13 May 2021 17:01:11 MDT
  User ID:         u_JCRQP3ID7l

The token was successfully stored in the chosen keyring and is not displayed here.
```

</CodeBlockConfig>

## Usage

<CodeBlockConfig hideClipboard>

```shell-session
Usage: boundary authenticate [sub command] [options] [args]

  # ...

Subcommands:
    ldap        Invoke the ldap auth method to authenticate with Boundary
    oidc        Invoke the OIDC auth method to authenticate with Boundary
    password    Invoke the password auth method to authenticate with Boundary
```

</CodeBlockConfig>

For more information, examples, and usage, click on the name
of the subcommand in the sidebar or one of the links below:

- [ldap](/boundary/docs/commands/authenticate/ldap)
- [oidc](/boundary/docs/commands/authenticate/oidc)
- [password](/boundary/docs/commands/authenticate/password)