Identification (ID) Requirements

• You must have an acceptable and valid ID with your name, signature, and a recognizable photograph to register and be admitted to a test center.
• All documents must be original. No copies will be accepted. 
• You must present a physical ID. ID on a cell phone or any other electronic device is not acceptable. 
• IDs must be valid and cannot be expired. Damaged IDs—such as those that are hole punched, cracked, or have a corner cut off—are considered invalid and unacceptable for testing.

• Provide your entire first name (given name) and entire last name (family name) exactly as they appear on your ID.
• Your complete name and signature on your ID must match the name under which you registered even if your name has changed or if you have a two-part last name.
• If your identification contains two last names, you must enter the names exactly as they appear on your ID.
• If your name exceeds the maximum number of characters allowed by the registration system fields, enter as much of your name that matches your ID into the field. When you arrive to your test, the check-in screen will display the shortened name you entered. Test center staff will admit you for testing as long as your name/characters on the check-in screen match those on your ID. For example, the name "Mariechristine Johnson-Hernandez" (as listed on the ID) may only display as "Mariechristine Johnson-Hernand" on the check-in screen.

• If your name has changed since you registered for a test, ETS Customer Service will not be able to change the name on your account. You will need to cancel your registration, create a new account, and register using your new name. We recommend that you have your ID in the correct name before you complete registration.
• If you have an account but haven’t yet registered for a test, create a new online SLS account with your name exactly as it appears on the primary identification you will have on test day. When creating your new account, leave the Social Security number (SSN) field blank to avoid technical issues. After the new account is created, you will have the opportunity to enter your SSN by clicking the "Update Personal or Contact Information" link.

You need only one form of primary ID containing your name, photograph, and a signature. Supplemental ID may be required if the test center administrator has concerns about the primary ID. If your primary ID does not contain your signature, you may sign the document or present an acceptable supplemental ID document. For more information, review the following information on Acceptable Supplemental IDs.

Acceptable forms of primary ID include:

• Passport with name, photograph, and signature
• Passport Card (United States only - must be accompanied by valid supplemental ID)
• Valid government-issued driver's license with name, photograph, and signature
• State or province ID issued by a motor vehicle agency with name, photograph, and signature
• National ID with name, photograph, and signature
• Provisional driver's license (issued in lieu of a renewal certificate) with photo, signature, and an expiration date

• You must present a valid passport as your primary ID document. If you do not meet this requirement, you may not be admitted to the test.
• If your passport does not contain your signature, sign either your passport or present a supplemental ID.
• Diplomatic and embassy ID cards will not be accepted as primary ID in place of a passport.
• The following documents may be acceptable for admission to U.S. test centers if presented with an acceptable supplemental ID.: a) Permanent Resident Card/Resident Alien Card or government-issued renewal authorization form; b) Temporary Resident Card; c) Employment Authorization Card or government-issued renewal form; d) Mexican Border Crosser Card (accepted only at test centers within 25 miles of the Mexican border)
• If you are in the process of renewing these documents and have the expired copy in your possession, you may present it together with the government-issued renewal extension letter.

If the test administrator questions your primary ID document and/or if your primary ID document is otherwise acceptable but does not bear your full name, photograph or signature. You must present a current supplemental ID in addition to your primary ID.

• The supplemental ID must contain your name; a clear, recent photo; and your signature.
• Supplemental ID documents may not be used to resolve last-name discrepancies. The last name on your primary ID must match the name on your registration.
• If your supplemental ID does not have a signature, you may present a second, government-issued photo ID.
• If you cannot present two forms of government-issued, photo-bearing ID in the same name as the name on your registration, you will not be permitted to take the test.

Acceptable supplemental ID documents include:

• Government-issued ID, including but not limited to: a) Passport; b) Passport Card (United States only - must be accompanied by valid supplemental ID); c) Driver's license; d) State or province ID card (including those issued by motor vehicle agencies); e) National ID card
• Student ID
• Confirmation letter of identity from your educational institution. The letter must be typed on school letterhead with the name and signature of the school official. The school seal must overlap your photo and not be older than one year from testing date. It must also include: a) Name; b) Date of birth; c) A recent, clear photo; d) Your signature; e) Date of issue.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your ID documents are up to date and available on the day of the test. ETS will not accept the following:

• Any document that is photocopied or expired
• Any ID document presented at the center on a cell phone or any other electronic device
• Any document that does not bear your complete name exactly as it appears on your registration
• 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
• Temporary ID card (excluding a driver's license, resident card, and employment authorization card renewals)
• Birth certificate
• Diplomatic, consulate, or embassy ID card
• Any document that is not recognized by a government agency

If you have been granted political asylum, have refugee status, or are otherwise unable to meet the identification requirements, you must contact the ETS Office of Testing Integrity (OTI) at least 7 days before registering to test. You must receive approval from OTI before you may register. You should also be prepared to give OTI any requested documents for review prior to receiving approval. If you do not contact OTI before you register, and as a result you are not permitted to test or your test scores are withheld, your test fees will not be refunded.

ETS Office of Testing Integrity (OTI):

• Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM-5:30 PM, U.S. Eastern Time
• Email: Office of Testing Integrity (OTI)
• Toll-free Phone: 1-800-750-6991

For test takers in the United States, U.S. territories and Canada:

• Phone: 1-609-406-5430

For general ID questions:

• Toll-free phone: 1-800-772-9476
• Test-takers in the United States, U.S. territories and Canada may also call 1-609-771-7393