Documents Required for GRE Exam: ID Requirements, Things to Carry and More

Is your GRE exam around the corner and you are burning the midnight oil for its preparation? Well, while you study hard for the exam, there is another aspect you must pay attention to. I am talking about the documents required for the GRE.

Having the right paperwork ready for the GRE is crucial to complying with the GRE testing rules and avoiding any issues on the exam day. Non-compliance with these rules may prevent you from taking the exam.

ETS (Educational Testing Service), the organization administering the GRE, has published a list of documents required for GRE registration and has strict rules for identification documentation. Preparing the documents required for the GRE is one of the most critical steps you must take to avoid any last-minute struggles.

Let us find out all about the acceptable and unacceptable documents for the GRE 2024.

What is GRE Test?

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test required for admission to various graduate,  business, and law programs worldwide. It assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. 

What are General Requirements for GRE Test?

Anyone who wishes to pursue master’s, specialized master’s in business, MBA, JD, or doctoral degree can take the GRE Test. There is no specific eligibility requirement. To take the GRE, you must register online on the ETS website, choose a test date and location, verify your details, and pay the test fee. 

What Documents are Required for GRE Exam?

Let us first address the question: which documents are needed to take the GRE exam? When appearing for the GRE, you must have:

• A valid photo ID for identification (Passport with name, photograph, and signature)

• GRE Admission Ticket

• Name Change Documentation, if applicable

• Valid Supplementary ID, if required 

The ETS ensures strict checks for photo ID requirements to prevent cheating and dishonesty among test takers. It is one of the essential documents required for the GRE. The photo ID requirement discourages students from paying others to take the GRE on their behalf. 

The required documents for the GRE exam must meet all of following conditions, (with a few exceptions), to be accepted. Each ID document must:-

• Be an original document, as photocopied documents are not allowed.
• Be a physical ID, as documents cannot be presented on a mobile phone or other electronic device.
• Be valid; national/state/provincial identity cards should be issued by the country's government where the applicant is a citizen or holds permanent residency. Documents with expired dates are not acceptable.
• Bear the candidate's first and last name exactly (excluding accents) as it was when they registered for the test. 
• Include a recent photograph.
• Include the candidate's signature (the name and signature on the ID document must match).

ID Requirements for Students Appearing for GRE Exam in India

All documents required for the GRE must include the candidate's name, photograph, and signature. Let us now look at the ID requirements for Indian students who want to take the GRE.

Important Pointers

• Accepted ID if a candidate is testing in the US and isn't a US citizen:

If you aren't a US citizen but wish to take the GRE in the country, you must bring your current valid passport, showing your name, photo, and signature.

Diplomatic or embassy IDs are not accepted in place of a passport. You must also produce at least one Supplemental ID document if your passport is not in the English language. This document should not only have your name, but must also have a recognizable and recent photograph, while being in English.

• Accepted ID if a candidate is testing in the US and is a US citizen:

  • Passport with name, photograph, and signature
  • Government-issued driver’s license with photograph, name, and signature
  • National ID with name, photograph, and signature
  • State or Province ID card with name, photograph, and signature
  • Military ID with name, photograph, and signature

Important Resources to Read About GRE:

Documents Not Accepted as ID Proof for GRE Registration

You must remember that several documents are unacceptable for the GRE. When taking the GRE, the following documents are considered invalid. 

• An expired identity card (unless the government has issued an extension letter). 
• Photocopy of identity proof.
• A photo of candidates' identification that they show on their phone or other smart devices.
• Any ID that does not match the candidates' first and last names entered when they registered for the exam (excluding accents).
• International driver's license.
• Draft classification card.
• International student identification.
• A credit or debit card.
• Letter or document prepared by a notary.
• Certificate of Birth.
• Social security card.
• Employee identification card. 
• Temporary identification (excluding renewals of a driver's license, residence card, or employment authorization card).
• An identification card from a diplomatic mission, consulate, or embassy. 
• Any document that a government agency does not accept. 

What are GRE Supplemental IDs?

If you do not have the above-mentioned acceptable identity proofs, you may take the GRE using a supplemental ID and an acceptable additional document.

You may also be required to provide a supplemental ID document if the test administrator questions your primary ID document or the first and last name or signature in your primary ID document is missing or incorrect.

Acceptable Supplemental IDs

 The following documents are accepted as supplementary identification:-

• Primary ID Documents (government-issued ID cards). 
• Student identification card. 
• A letter from the candidate's educational institution confirming their identity. The letter must be on the official letterhead of the educational institution you attended and must have your date of birth and the date of issuance.

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