Short answer: maybe. You can create an ETS account and begin GRE registration without a passport in many cases, but you must present an acceptable, government‑issued photo ID that exactly matches the name used for registration on test day. Which IDs are accepted depends on whether you take the test at a test center or at home, and on local test‑center policies and country rules. If you do not have any acceptable ID on test day you will not be permitted to test and you will lose your test fee.
Why ID matters for GRE registration and test day
ETS and test centers use photo ID to verify your identity, prevent fraud, and ensure score integrity. When you register you enter your name and identification details. On the day of the test the proctor will check an ID that matches the registration exactly. Because of this, the question is not only whether you can register without a passport, but whether you can present an acceptable alternative ID on test day.
Quick overview: on‑center test vs GRE General Test at Home
| Item | At a test center (in‑person) | At home (GRE General Test at Home) |
|---|---|---|
| Commonly accepted IDs | Passport, national ID card (where permitted), government‑issued photo ID, national immigration card, military ID or driver’s license (varies by country) | Valid government‑issued photo ID (passport preferred), driver’s license, national ID where available |
| Passport required? | Often required for foreign test takers or when local rules demand it. For some countries local national IDs are accepted. Check your local test center. | Not strictly required in all countries, but the ID you present must be accepted for at‑home proctor verification and must match your registration name |
| When ID is verified | At check‑in at the test center; proctor compares ID to registration | At check‑in with the remote proctor. You may need to show the ID on camera and scan or hold it to the webcam |
Which IDs does ETS accept?
ETS requires a valid, government‑issued, photo ID that includes your name exactly as it appears on registration and a recent photograph. Acceptable ID types vary by country and by whether you test in a center or at home. Common acceptable IDs include:
- Passport (widely accepted worldwide, often preferred for international test takers)
- National ID card with photo, where recognized by ETS and local test centers
- Driver’s license or state ID, where permitted
- Military ID or national immigration document, in countries where those are accepted
Exact acceptance rules vary by country. Some countries require a passport for foreigners, or require passport presentation even for locals. Always check the acceptable ID list for your specific test country and test delivery mode.
Can you register on the ETS site without a passport number?
Yes. You can create an ETS account and begin the registration process without having a passport in hand. The registration system will allow you to schedule a test and select ID type in many cases. However, when you go to the center or connect for an at‑home test, you must present one of the accepted IDs with the same name entered during registration. In some cases the scheduling step may request your ID type and number; if you do not have a passport you can select another acceptable ID type if it is on the list for your country.
How to register if you do not have a passport: step‑by‑step
- Check ETS ID requirements for your test country and test type. Start at the official GRE site (https://www.ets.org/gre) and locate the identification policy or test day requirements. Acceptance rules differ by country.
- Decide whether to test at a center or at home. The at‑home test may be easier if you do not have a passport and local rules accept another ID for remote proctor verification. Confirm that the at‑home delivery is available in your country.
- Identify acceptable alternative IDs. If you do not have a passport, check whether a national ID, driver’s license, or other government ID is accepted where you will test. Contact the local test center or ETS customer service if the website is unclear.
- Create your ETS account and register. When you register, enter your name exactly as it appears on the ID you will use. If you plan to use a national ID, use that name format. If you later obtain a passport, update your registration only according to ETS procedures and before the test day.
- Confirm ID details when scheduling or on confirmation emails. Some test centers ask you to provide ID type and number in the scheduling step. If you do not have the requested ID now, contact ETS or the test center to learn how to proceed.
- If no acceptable ID is available, apply for one immediately. For many admissions timelines a passport or government ID is required by universities anyway. If you need a passport, use expedited processing if available in your country.
What to do if you registered with one ID but will bring a different ID on test day
ETS requires that the name on your registration match the name on the ID you present. Minor differences in punctuation or spacing sometimes are tolerated, but you must avoid using nicknames or initials if your ID shows your full legal name. If the ID you will present shows a different legal name, contact ETS support or the test center immediately for instructions. In many cases you will need to update your registration so the name matches, and you may need to provide documentation for a legal name change.
If you don’t have any acceptable ID on test day
If you do not present an acceptable, valid ID that matches your registration on the day of the test, you will not be permitted to test. ETS regards this as an invalid attempt and you will forfeit the test fee. If you realize you will not have acceptable ID before test day, contact ETS and your test center right away to reschedule or cancel according to ETS refund and rescheduling rules.
Common scenarios and recommended actions
Scenario: You are an international student without a passport
Recommendation: Apply for a passport as soon as possible. If your timeline is tight, check whether your national ID or other government ID is accepted for the test center or for the at‑home proctoring process in your country. If neither option is available, you will need a passport to proceed.
Scenario: You have a passport but it is expired
Recommendation: Many centers will not accept an expired passport. Renew your passport before registering or before the test date. If renewal timelines are tight, check expedited renewal options in your country.
Scenario: You registered using one form of ID and later obtained a passport
Recommendation: If your new passport name exactly matches the name on your registration, you are fine. If the name differs, contact ETS for instructions on updating your registration. Do not assume you can change names on test day without prior approval.
Scenario: You plan to take the GRE at home but lack a passport
Recommendation: Confirm which IDs are accepted for remote proctor verification in your location. The at‑home GRE often accepts driver’s licenses and national IDs, but rules vary. Ensure your workspace and webcam meet ETS requirements as well.
Practical tips to avoid ID problems
- Match names exactly. Use the exact legal name from your ID on ETS registration. Do not use nicknames or omit parts of your legal name.
- Bring the same ID used for registration. If you had to enter an ID number when scheduling, bring that exact document.
- Check local rules early. Visit the ETS site, and call or email your test center to confirm which IDs are acceptable.
- Plan extra time for document processing. Passport or national ID applications can take weeks. Use expedited services if necessary for admissions timelines.
- Keep digital copies ready. For at‑home testing you may be asked to display the ID to the webcam; have it available and ensure the photo is clear.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I register for the GRE now and get a passport later?
A: Yes, you can register now, but you must present an acceptable ID that matches your registration name on test day. If you plan to obtain a passport later, make sure the name you enter now will match the passport when it arrives, or update your registration according to ETS instructions before your test date.
Q: Will a student ID or university card work?
A: Student or university ID cards are generally not acceptable as the primary ID for GRE test center check‑in. ETS requires a government‑issued, photo ID. Some exceptions are rare and country specific. Confirm with ETS or the local test center.
Q: I have two last names. Which order should I use?
A: Enter your name exactly as it appears on the ID you will show on test day. If your passport or national ID lists both last names in a particular order, use that same order on registration.
Q: What if my name changed since I applied to schools?
A: Use the legal name on your ID for registration and bring supporting documentation if your graduate applications use a different name. Contact the admissions offices where you applied to explain and provide name‑change documentation if needed.
Where to verify and get official guidance
Always verify ID rules with ETS and with the local test center. The official GRE pages at ETS are the definitive source for identification and test day policies. If the online information is unclear, contact ETS customer service or your test center directly. Policies can change and rules differ by country and by test delivery method.
Final thoughts
Passport is a widely accepted and often preferred form of ID for GRE test takers, especially for international students testing in a country where they are not citizens. However, you can often register without a passport. The crucial point is that you must present an approved, government‑issued photo ID that exactly matches your registration name on test day. Check ETS requirements early, confirm which specific IDs your test center accepts, and obtain or renew the necessary document in time for your test. Verifying with ETS and your test center will prevent last‑minute problems that could cost you the test fee and your scheduled appointment.
