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Identification Requirements

Identification (ID) Requirements for Computer-Based and Paper-Based Tests

The identification (ID) requirements in this section must be read by all test takers. It is your responsibility to ensure that your ID documents are up-to-date and available on the day of the test.

Your ID requirements depend on your country of citizenship and where you plan to test. Please read the specific information below for acceptable primary and supplemental ID documents.

  • You must have acceptable and valid ID with your name, signature, and photograph to be admitted to a test center. ID requirements are strictly enforced.
  • It is your responsibility to read and understand the ID requirements. It is not the responsibility of the test or registration center to relay these policies to you.
  • The photograph on your ID document must be recent and recognizable.
  • The ID must be current (not expired).
  • All documents must be originals; copies are not acceptable.
  • If you arrive at the test center without the required ID, you will not be permitted to test and you will forfeit your test fees.

When You Register

  • You must use the exact name and spelling of that name as shown on the primary ID document that you will present at the test center. If the name shown on your primary ID does not match the name on your registration record, you will not be permitted to test and a refund will not be issued. You will have to register again and pay
    another test fee.
  • Be sure to provide your entire first name (given name) and your entire last name (family name). Do not register under a nickname. If your ID document contains two last names, enter the names exactly as they appear on your ID. If you register by phone, please make sure you are registered under your complete name as it appears on your ID.

At the Test Center

  • Only misspellings of your name can be corrected at the test center—NAME CHANGES WILL NOT BE MADE. If your name has changed for any reason, including marriage, you still must present primary identification in the name under which you registered, or you will not be permitted to test. Marriage certificates and divorce decrees cannot be used to confirm name differences. Please do not bring these documents to the test center.
  • If the first name on your primary ID document contains only a first initial, a supplemental ID containing your entire first name must be presented.
  • If your ID does not contain your signature, either sign your ID document or present a supplemental ID that includes your signature.
  • If the test administrator questions the ID document you present, you will be required to provide a second proof of identity. If positive confirmation cannot be made, you may be refused admission to the test center and you will forfeit your test fees.
  • The test administrator will check your ID before assigning you a seat at the test center and you may be asked to sign the test center log. The test administrator will check your name, signature, and photograph to verify that you are the person in your ID document(s). This procedure will be repeated before and after all breaks.
  • Admittance to the test center does not imply that your form of identification is valid or that your scores will be reported. All reported cases of questionable ID are subject to review and approval by the ETS Office of Testing Integrity either during or after the test administration. ETS reserves the right to withhold and/or cancel scores in the event the ID requirements set forth herein are not met.
  • Test centers are not required to hold your seat if you leave the center to obtain acceptable identification.

ACCEPTABLE PRIMARY ID DOCUMENTS

Testing in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan

You MUST present a valid passport with your name, photograph, and signature as your primary ID document. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Testing in Your Country of Citizenship

Only one form of primary ID is needed if your primary ID document contains your name, photograph, and signature. Acceptable primary ID documents are:

  • Passport with your name, photograph, and signature
  • Valid driver’s license with your name, photograph, and signature
  • State or Province ID issued by the motor vehicle agency with your name, photograph, and signature
  • National ID with your name, photograph, and signature
  • Military ID with your name, photograph, and signature
  • If the test administrator has any concerns about the primary ID document, you will be required to present an acceptable supplemental ID.

Testing Outside Your Country of Citizenship

  • You must present a valid passport with your name, photograph, and signature as your primary ID document. (For citizens of European Union and Schengen Zone countries, see testing in those locations.) If you do not meet this requirement, you may not be permitted to test.
  • U.S. military personnel may present their U.S. military ID cards. If a military ID card does not contain your name, photograph, and signature, a supplemental ID is required.  
  • Diplomatic and embassy ID cards cannot be used as primary identification in place of a passport.
  • If your passport is not written in English-language letters, you must also present a supplemental ID that contains your name; a recent, recognizable photo; and is in English.

The following documents are also acceptable for admission but must be accompanied by a supplemental ID that contains your name, photograph and/or signature.  

  • Permanent Resident Card/Resident Alien Card (Form I-551 or I-151)
  • Temporary Resident Card (Form I-688)
  • Employment Authorization Card (Form I-688A, I-688B, or I-766)
  • Mexican Border Crosser Card (This form of ID may be accepted only at test centers within 25 miles of the Mexican border.)

Testing in European Union/Schengen Zone Countries

If you are testing in a European Union or Schengen Zone country other than the one where you reside, you can use your valid national or European identity card if you have one. The card must contain your name; a recent, recognizable photo; your date of birth; and your signature.

  • If your ID is not written in English-language letters and the test administrator cannot read the language in which it is written, you may not be permitted to test.

ACCEPTABLE SUPPLEMENTAL ID DOCUMENTS

If your primary ID is missing your name, photo, or signature, you must present one of the following supplemental IDs in addition to your primary ID. The supplemental ID must contain your name; a recent, recognizable photo; and your signature; and it cannot be expired.

  • Government-issued ID (including but not limited to passport, driver’s license, state/province ID card, national ID, or military ID). There are some exceptions; see “Unacceptable ID Documents.”
  • Student ID
  • Confirmation of identity letter from your educational institution. The letter must contain your name; date of birth; a recent, recognizable photo; your signature; the name of your school; and the date issued. It must be typed on the original letterhead of the educational institution you attend(ed), and the signature of the school official and the school seal must overlap your photo. A letter of identity is valid for only one year from the date of issue.

UNACCEPTABLE ID DOCUMENTS

  • Any expired ID
  • International driver’s license
  • Draft classification card
  • International student ID
  • Credit/debit card of any kind
  • Notary-prepared letter or document
  • Social Security card
  • Employee ID card
  • Learner’s permit or any temporary ID (for example, a temporary driver’s license)
  • Birth certificate
  • Any photocopied document

For general questions about acceptable ID, call:

  • 1-609-771-7670
  • 1-866-473-4373(United States, U.S. Territories and Canada)

If you have been granted political asylum or refugee status, you must contact the ETS Office of Testing Integrity before you register to test. If you do not contact this office before you register and you are not admitted to the test, you will forfeit your registration and test fees.

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