What to Bring to the GRE: Valid ID, Registration Proof, and Prohibited Items

Quick answer: For the GRE, bring the valid, government-issued identification that matches the name on your registration, a printed or digital copy of your registration confirmation if you want, and any approved items required for specific accommodations. Do not bring phones, smartwatches, notes, or unauthorized electronic devices to the test center. If you are taking the GRE at home, follow ETS’s at-home technical and identification instructions, and be prepared to show your ID and perform a room scan for the remote proctor.

Why this matters

Knowing what to bring to the GRE helps you avoid being denied admission to the test, wasting a testing appointment, and creating delays for graduate school application timelines. The most common reasons test takers are turned away are identification problems, name mismatches, expired documents, and bringing prohibited items. Being prepared lowers stress on test day and helps you focus on performance rather than logistics.

Main explanation

This section explains the key items ETS and test centers typically require, differences between testing at a test center and testing at home, and practical rules you must follow. Policies can vary by country, testing center, and the at-home test environment, so you should verify the current, official requirements on the ETS website before test day.

Core items you must have

• Acceptable, unexpired identification. The name on your ID must match the name on your GRE registration exactly. Acceptable IDs generally include a passport, national identity card, or government-issued driver’s license, but the exact list varies by country and center. International test takers usually need a passport.
• GRE registration confirmation. A printed or digital copy of your registration confirmation or appointment details is useful for reference. Most centers do not require a printed ticket, but it can speed check-in.
• Accommodation documentation. If you have approved ETS testing accommodations, bring the documentation ETS provided, and any instructions included with your accommodations approval communications.

What you cannot bring

ETS standard rules prohibit bringing unauthorized items into the testing room. Typical prohibited items include:

• Mobile phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, and other electronic devices
• Notes, study materials, textbooks, and scratch paper not provided or approved by the test center or proctor
• Personal calculators (an on-screen calculator is provided during the Quantitative Reasoning sections when allowed)
• Food and drinks in the testing room (you may be allowed to consume these during breaks in a designated area)
• Hats that obscure your face and sunglasses, unless required for medical reasons and approved by the proctor

Differences between test center and GRE at Home

Testing at an approved test center and taking the GRE at home share the core requirement of valid identification and adherence to ETS policies, but they differ in logistics, environment checks, and acceptable items. The “Requirements, Rules, and Eligibility” and the comparison table below describe these differences in more detail.

Requirements, rules, and eligibility

The following list focuses on identification, registration, technical, testing, and documentation requirements that directly affect what you bring and how you prepare.

Identification requirements

• Name match: Your name on registration must exactly match the name on your valid ID. Differences in full name order, omitted middle names, or nicknames can cause problems. If your name has changed since you registered, contact ETS immediately.
• Unexpired ID: The ID must be current and unexpired. Expired documents are commonly rejected at check-in.
• Acceptable forms: Acceptable ID types differ by country. Common IDs include passports, national ID cards, and driver’s licenses. Military IDs are sometimes accepted. Check the ETS acceptable ID list for your country or region.
• Secondary ID: Some centers may request an additional ID or a photocopy. Bring an extra government-issued ID if available.

Registration requirements

• Register for the correct exam (GRE General Test) and confirm the appointment time, test center, or at-home session details.
• Ensure your name is entered exactly as it appears on your identification used for test day.
• Keep your registration confirmation and appointment number accessible.

Technical requirements (for GRE at Home)

• ETS publishes specific technical requirements for the at-home GRE, including operating system, browser, video camera, microphone, and internet bandwidth. Verify these requirements on the ETS website well before test day.
• Expect to use a desktop or laptop computer. Tablets and smartphones may not be permitted, depending on ETS policies at the time.
• Have a reliable, wired internet connection if possible. Wireless connections can be acceptable but may have higher risk of interruption.
• Testing rooms must be private, quiet, and free from interruptions. The remote proctor will request a 360-degree scan of the room and your work area.

Testing requirements

• Arrive at the test center early or be online and logged in early for an at-home session so you can complete check-in procedures and identification checks.
• Expect security checks such as metal detectors, bag searches, or a requirement to clear pockets. Follow proctor instructions for room scans during an at-home test.
• Follow ETS rules regarding breaks, food, and restroom access. Many centers direct candidates to leave personal items in a secure locker for the test duration.

Eligibility rules

• There are no age or citizenship restrictions for taking the GRE General Test. Eligibility is generally open to anyone who registers and meets identification requirements.
• If you require special accommodations for disabilities, request them early through ETS’s Services for Test Takers with Disabilities process. Documentation and prior approval are required.

Step-by-step process: What to bring and what to do

The following step-by-step checklist covers preparations before test day, items to bring, and what to expect during check-in and testing for both test center and at-home options.

Before test day

1. Verify the name on your ETS registration is exactly the same as your government-issued ID.
2. Visit the ETS website and review the Acceptable ID for GRE test day and GRE at-home technical requirements pages for your country or region.
3. Collect required items: primary ID, secondary ID if available, printed or digital registration confirmation, and any accommodations documentation.
4. Confirm transport and arrival logistics for a test center appointment. For at-home testing, run the ETS compatibility check and complete a full system test at least 24 hours before your appointment.
5. Prepare a small, plain bottle of water and quick snacks in case you need them during breaks, and pack them in line with the test center’s locker rules. For at-home testing, check whether consuming food or drink during breaks is permitted by the proctor and prepare accordingly.

On test day at a test center

1. Arrive at the test center early. Check-in times vary, so allow extra travel time for traffic, public transport delays, or security procedures.
2. Bring your primary, unexpired government-issued ID that exactly matches your registration name. Bring a backup ID if available.
3. Present your ID to the check-in staff. You may be asked to remove glasses for a quick photo or to place personal items in a locker.
4. Follow staff directions regarding storage of prohibited items. Lockers or secure storage areas are usually provided for items you cannot bring into the testing room.
5. Complete the security and check-in process. You may receive scratch paper, a whiteboard, pencils, or dry-erase markers from the test center. Confirm what the center provides and how you should handle used materials at the end of the test.
6. Take the test according to proctor instructions. For breaks, follow the center’s policy on where to store and when you can access personal items.

On test day at home

1. Set up your testing area ahead of time in a private, quiet room with a clear desk space and minimal background distractions.
2. Have your valid, unexpired ID ready. During check-in you will be asked to show it to the proctor via webcam.
3. Run the system check and sign in to the remote-proctoring platform at least 30 to 60 minutes early to allow time for identity verification and the mandatory environment scan.
4. Perform the room scan requested by the proctor. You will likely be required to show all sides of the room, under your desk, and your pockets.
5. Only items approved by ETS may remain in the room. Remove books, notes, electronics not being used for the test, and unauthorized items from the area before the scan.
6. Follow the proctor’s instructions. If a technical issue occurs, use the test platform’s procedures to request help and follow the proctor’s troubleshooting steps.

Common problems and solutions

Below are frequent issues test takers encounter regarding what to bring and test-day logistics, and how to avoid or resolve them.

Name mismatch

Problem: Your registration name does not exactly match the name on your ID.

Solution: Contact ETS before test day to correct the registration name. If you cannot make a change in time, bring documentation that explains the discrepancy such as a court order for a recent name change and be prepared for possible denial of admission if the center requires an exact match.

Expired or unacceptable ID

Problem: You arrive with an expired ID or an ID type not accepted at the center.

Solution: Check the acceptable ID list for your location before test day. If your ID will expire before the test, renew it immediately. If you only have one unacceptable ID, consider changing your test date after verifying ETS policies, or obtain the required ID as soon as possible.

Forgetting your ID

Problem: You forget your ID at home.

Solution: If you are already at the test center, do not assume you will be allowed to test without proper ID. Some centers allow someone to bring your ID if they can deliver it before check-in is complete, but many do not. Call the test center and ETS immediately for instructions. For at-home tests, the proctor will require identity verification so you will not be allowed to proceed without a valid ID.

Technical failure during an at-home test

Problem: Your computer, webcam, microphone, or internet fails during the exam.

Solution: Keep ETS and the remote-proctoring helpline contact information handy. Most remote-proctoring platforms have procedures for reconnecting or transferring to a different session. If the issue cannot be resolved promptly, ETS can advise on refunds, rescheduling, or score handling. To reduce the risk, run the system check long in advance and use a wired internet connection when possible.

Prohibited items detected

Problem: A proctor or test center finds prohibited items in your possession during check-in or a room scan.

Solution: Remove prohibited items and follow the proctor’s or center staff’s instructions. If you are suspected of misconduct for having prohibited materials, ETS may impose score cancellations or further sanctions. Avoid this risk by reviewing the list of prohibited items and preparing accordingly.

Late arrival

Problem: You arrive late to the test center or log in late for an at-home test.

Solution: Most test centers and remote-proctoring sessions have strict check-in deadlines. If you are late, you may be denied testing and will need to reschedule. Plan travel and login times conservatively to avoid this outcome.

Practical examples and scenarios

Realistic scenarios illustrate how policies apply in practice.

Scenario 1: Nickname vs. legal name

Maria registers as “Maria Lopez” but her passport lists “Maria Isabel Lopez”. On test day she presents her passport. Because the registration and passport are sufficiently similar, the test center typically accepts the passport. However, if Maria had registered as “Mari” or “M. Lopez” the center might refuse her entry. The safest practice is to register using the full legal name exactly as shown on your primary ID.

Scenario 2: Expired driver’s license

Sam plans to present his driver’s license, but it expired a week before the test. The test center denies entry because the license is not valid. Sam must either reschedule his test after renewing his license, or, if available, present an alternative acceptable ID such as a passport.

Scenario 3: At-home test with pets

Priya takes the GRE at home and forgets to secure her dog. The dog barks during the test and the proctor records an incident. The proctor may take notes and follow ETS procedures for interruptions. To avoid this, Priya should arrange for a quiet, pet-free environment during the test session.

Scenario 4: Phone left in pocket

Carlos leaves his phone in his pocket and the metal detector alarms at the test center. He is asked to place the phone in a locker. He completes the test without the phone. A phone in the testing room would have been a violation, but storing it as instructed resolves the issue. However, if the phone rang during the test, ETS could treat it as misconduct depending on circumstances.

Comparison table: Test center vs GRE at Home

Category	Test center	GRE at Home
Identification	Check-in with physical ID. Name must match registration.	Live ID verification via webcam, name must match registration.
Environment	Standardized testing room with proctor physically present.	Your private room is scanned and monitored by a remote proctor.
Allowed items	Center provides approved scratch materials. Prohibited electronics stored in lockers.	Only items approved by ETS allowed. Room must be cleared of unauthorized materials before testing.
Technical needs	No special technical setup needed.	Computer, webcam, microphone, and reliable internet required. Run ETS compatibility check.
Breaks	Break policies and locations set by center. Personal items are stored in lockers.	Breaks monitored; you may be required to stay in view or follow proctor instructions when returning.
Security	Physical security checks, lockers, staff monitoring.	Digital monitoring, continuous video and audio recording, room scans.

Frequently asked questions

1. What exact ID is required for GRE test day?

ETS requires a valid, government-issued photo ID that matches the name on your registration exactly. Accepted ID types and country-specific rules vary. Check the ETS Acceptable ID for GRE test day page for the definitive list for your location.

2. Can I bring my phone to the test center?

No. Phones, smartwatches, and other personal electronic devices are not allowed in the testing room. You will normally be asked to store them in a locker or another secure area before testing begins.

3. Do I need to bring a calculator?

No. An on-screen calculator is provided when allowed for the Quantitative Reasoning sections. Personal calculators are not permitted in the testing room.

4. Can someone bring my ID to the test center if I forgot it?

Some test centers may accept someone delivering your ID prior to final check-in, but this is not guaranteed. Contact the test center and ETS immediately if this happens. The safer course is to reschedule if you cannot produce an acceptable ID.

5. What should I bring for testing accommodations?

Bring the ETS approval letter or documentation provided after your accommodations request is approved, and any instructions ETS supplied. Arrive early and confirm with the center that your accommodations are in place.

6. For GRE at home, what technical checks should I run beforehand?

Run the ETS compatibility check available on the GRE at-home page. Verify your operating system, browser, webcam, microphone, and internet connection meet the published requirements. Test everything at least 24 to 48 hours before your appointment.

7. Are snacks or drinks allowed during the GRE?

Policies vary. Many centers allow food and drinks during scheduled breaks but require candidates to store them in lockers during test sections. For at-home testing, check with the proctor about consuming items during breaks. Do not bring or open snacks during a timed test section.

8. What happens if I arrive late?

Late arrival may result in denial of testing and a required reschedule. Plan buffer time for transportation and security checks. If you expect to be late due to unforeseen circumstances, contact the test center and ETS as soon as possible for guidance.

9. Can I bring a sweater or jacket into the testing room?

Clothing is allowed, but items like hoodies with large pockets or hats that obscure your face may be restricted. You may be asked to remove outerwear that could hide notes or devices. Follow the proctor’s instructions.

10. How do I handle name changes between registration and test day?

Contact ETS immediately to correct your registration name. Bring legal documentation of a name change if necessary. Testing centers often require that the name on your ID match the registration exactly to allow entry.

Important notes

• Policies can change. Always verify identification, test-day, and at-home technical requirements on the official ETS website before registering or traveling to the test center.
• Acceptable IDs and testing procedures may differ by country and testing location. International test takers should confirm local rules.
• ETS is the authoritative source. When in doubt about documents, accommodations, or technical issues, contact ETS directly or consult the ETS Help Center.
• Plan ahead. Getting IDs renewed, completing at-home system checks, or arranging accommodations can take time. Start the process well before your intended test date.

Final thoughts

Bringing the right identification and preparing the appropriate environment are the simplest ways to avoid test-day problems. Before your appointment, confirm that the name on your registration matches your primary ID exactly, check the ETS list of acceptable IDs and the at-home technical requirements, and gather backup identification if possible. Pack only permitted items, leave valuables and electronics at home or in a secure locker, and arrive early or log in early for an at-home session. Careful preparation lets you focus on the test itself, not logistics, and reduces the risk of being turned away or losing valuable test time.