One of the most important things to remember on SAT test day is to take your photo ID with you to the test center. If you don't have an appropriate photo ID with you, you may not be allowed to take the SAT! But how do you know what types of IDs will work? What should you do if you don't have a photo ID?
In this article, I'll answer these questions and explain all of the SAT ID requirements so you can make sure to arrive on test day with an acceptable ID in hand.
A photo ID is required to confirm your identity and registration. In the past, there have been issues with cheating, and some students have taken the SAT for other people.
The information and picture on your photo ID will be checked against the info and photo on your Admission Ticket to ensure that everybody takes their own test.
If any of the information doesn’t match or you don’t have an acceptable ID, you won’t be allowed to take the SAT. If it’s discovered after the test that you used false or invalid ID, your scores will be cancelled, and your test fees won’t be refunded.
Your photo ID must meet the following requirements.
Your ID must be a valid (not expired) ID that is government-issued or issued by the school you currently attend. School IDs from the prior school year are valid through December of the next academic year. A school ID from the 2015-2016 school year is valid through December 31, 2016.
If you're 21 or over, the only acceptable form of identification is an offical government-issued ID. You can't use a student ID.
You can’t bring a picture or photocopy for your SAT photo ID. Also, i t must show your full legal name, and the name on your ID must completely match the name on your Admission Ticket.
The ID must have a photo that clearly matches the photo on your Admission Ticket and your appearance on test day.
The ID can't be torn or appeared altered in any way. Furthermore, the text and picture should be clear.
The text on your photo ID needs to be written in English.
Don't try to show your debit or credit card as your SAT ID.
If you don’t have an acceptable SAT photo ID, you can use the Student ID Form . A current photo must be attached to the form in the area indicated before the form is authenticated. The form will be used to verify your identity like a photo ID. You can only use this form if you’re testing in the US and under 21 years of age.
If you need to use the Student ID Form, talk to your counselor or any school official who can help you. The form must be copied on school stationery. Also, you'll need a signature from a school official and a school seal for the form to be valid.
If you're homeschooled, the form must be notarized and signed by an official notary.
All of the SAT ID requirements apply to the Student ID Form. The photo you use on your ID form must match the photo on your Admission Ticket and your appearance on test day. You must bring the original Student ID Form to be admitted to the test center.
The name on your photo ID must completely match the name on your Admission Ticket. When you’re registering, make sure you enter your name exactly how it appears on your ID. Don’t use a nickname or shortened version of your name. Middle names and initials are optional; however, if they’re provided, the middle initial must exactly match the first letter of your middle name on your ID.
If you register with the wrong name, you can change it free of charge. Contact the College Board to do so. You'll only have until 8:00 PM EST on the Monday before the test to make any changes.
On test day, your ID will be checked multiple times. Make sure you have it with you from the moment you arrive at the test center. Typically, your ID will be checked when you first arrive. Then, you’ll have to show your ID before you enter the room where you’ll take your test. And when you return to the room after breaks, you may have to show your ID again.
Don’t put your ID in your backpack. Keep it on you. Wear something with pockets, and have your ID with you throughout test day.
Are you trying to decide when to take the SAT? Learn more about how to choose your test date.
If you've never taken the SAT, find out what to expect on test day.
