There are a few things you absolutely have to have to gain admittance into a testing location. One of them is a photo id. Here is everything you need to know about what’s acceptable and what’s not.
Easiest IDs
The SAT requires a photo id. This photo id must be issued by the government or your school. The two ids that are easiest to use are a current school id or a current driver’s license. Your name on the id must exactly match what is printed on your admission ticket. You also need to have a picture that is a recognizable match to the picture you submitted for your admission ticket.
Alternate IDs
If you don’t have one of those two forms of id’s, the SAT will also accept an official passport, military id, or government issued non-driver id card. If none of these forms of id are available, you may use the SAT’s own Student ID Form. This can be obtained by downloading and printing the PDF. It must be prepared by a school official or a notary. Then, you have to bring it to the exam site and sign it there. You will need to have this form prepared well before the day of the exam.
Unacceptable IDs
The SAT will not accept any copies of photo ids or id that doesn’t have a picture such as a birth certificate or social security card. Keep in mind that neither a temporary drivers license or an expired drivers license will be accepted.
ACT vs. SAT Requirements
The ACT has very similar requirements to the SAT for acceptable photo ids. The ACT also has an official document that can serve as an id, if you don’t have the other options available. It must be printed and completed by a school official or notary before the day of the exam. Make note that you may not use the SAT form or the ACT form for both exams. If you are taking both exams you must print and complete separate forms for both exams.
The Safest IDs
The safest situation is using a drivers license as an id. Before the exam make sure the picture is identifiable, it is not expired, and your name matches your admission ticket. If you are uncertain, bring a back up id such as your school id card or a passport. It won’t ever hurt to have two forms of id with you, just in case.
For Your Protection
These rules may seem strict but they are in place to protect you and protect your scores. Ensuring fair scores for everyone maintains the integrity of the exams and perpetuates the exams as a fair means for evaluating college readiness. When you prepare a few days in advance you can avoid any stressful surprises when it comes to having the right id.
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