SAT ID Requirements Explained

Understanding the SAT's ID requirements is crucial to ensure a smooth test day experience. This comprehensive guide outlines what forms of identification are acceptable, which ones are not, and offers important tips for ensuring that you are properly prepared on test day.

✅ Acceptable Forms of ID

To be admitted to the SAT test center, your ID must meet the following criteria:

• Valid (Unexpired):
  The ID must be current and not expired.

• Original Physical Document:
  Photocopies or electronic versions of an ID are not accepted.

• Full Legal Name:
  The name on your ID must exactly match the name on your admission ticket.

• Recent, Recognizable Photograph:
  The ID must have a current photo that clearly represents your appearance.

• Good Condition:
  Your ID should be in good condition, with legible text and an unblurred photo.

Acceptable IDs include:

• Government-issued driver's license or non-driver ID card.
• Official school-produced student ID card from the school you currently attend.
• Government-issued passport or U.S. Global Entry identification card.
• Government-issued military or national identification card.
• SAT Student ID Form (must be prepared by your school or notarized if you are homeschooled; only accepted in U.S. centers for students under 21).

🚫 Unacceptable Forms of ID

The following documents are not accepted:

• Any document that does not meet the criteria listed above.
• Photocopied or electronic versions of an ID.
• Documents that are worn, torn, or damaged.
• Documents that appear tampered with or digitally altered.
• Documents bearing statements such as "not valid as identification."
• Credit or debit cards, even if they include a photograph.
• Birth certificates.
• Social Security cards.
• Employee ID cards.
• Temporary ID cards.

🧾 Special Considerations

• Age 21 or Older:
  If you will be 21 or older on test day, only an official government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport) is acceptable. Student ID cards are not valid for test takers who are 21 or older.

• Testing Outside Your Home Country:
  If you travel to another country to take the test, you must use a valid passport as your ID. Exceptions are made for U.S. Department of Defense Common Access Cards (CAC).

• Specific Country Requirements:

  • Ghana: Valid passport or Ghana Card.
  • India: Valid passport or Aadhaar PVC Card.
  • Nigeria: Valid passport or permanent National Identity Number (NIN) card.
  • Others: Refer to the College Board's ID requirementsCollege Board's ID requirements for country-specific information.

📋 Tips for Test Day

• Name Consistency:
  Ensure that the name on your ID exactly matches the name on your admission ticket. If any changes are needed, contact the College Board at least 30 days before your test date.

• Keep ID Accessible:
  You may be required to show your ID multiple times during the test day (including during breaks), so keep it with you at all times.

• No Refunds for Non-Compliance:
  Failure to present an acceptable form of ID can result in dismissal from the test center, cancellation of your scores, and forfeiture of test fees.

For more detailed information, please visit the College Board's official ID requirements pageCollege Board's official ID requirements page.