SAT ID Requirements: What You Need to Know Before Test Day

If you’re preparing for the SAT, you’ve probably already gathered your pencils, calculator, and admission ticket. But there’s one essential item that students often overlook — a valid photo ID. Without proper ID, you won’t be allowed into the test center, even if you’ve registered and paid.

In this guide, we’ll explain the official SAT ID requirements, which types of identification are acceptable, how to avoid common mistakes, and what to do if you don’t have a qualifying ID.

Why ID Is Required for the SAT

The College Board uses ID verification to:

  • Prevent impersonation or cheating
  • Match your registration details with your identity
  • Comply with security standards used across standardized tests

That means only certain types of IDs will be accepted, and they must be valid, original, and government-issued (in most cases).

Basic SAT ID Rules Every Student Must Follow

To be accepted on test day, your ID must:

  • Be original (no photocopies or digital versions)
  • Be valid (not expired)
  • Include your full name that matches your SAT registration exactly
  • Include a recent, recognizable photo
  • Be issued by a school or government agency
  • Be made of durable material (e.g., not paper or temporary)

If your ID is missing any of these features, you may not be allowed to test.

Accepted Forms of ID for the SAT

Here are the most commonly accepted IDs for U.S. and international students:

For U.S. Students:

  • State-issued driver’s license or non-driver ID card
  • Passport (U.S. or foreign)
  • School ID (with name and photo)
  • U.S. Military ID

✅ Pro Tip: If you’re homeschooled and don’t have a school ID, you can use the SAT Student ID Form, but it must be notarized and prepared in advance.

For International Students:

  • Valid Passport (most reliable)
  • National ID Card (must be in English or include English translation)
  • Student ID card from an international school (must meet all requirements)

Note: Some test centers may only accept passports for international students — always check the policies for your location.

IDs That Are NOT Accepted

Bringing the wrong ID is one of the most common reasons students get turned away on test day. Avoid bringing:

  • Expired IDs
  • Photocopies or scans of IDs
  • Digital IDs on phones or apps
  • Birth certificates
  • Credit/debit cards with photos
  • Temporary or paper IDs
  • Social Security cards

What If Your Name Doesn’t Match Your ID?

Your ID must match the exact name you used when registering for the SAT. If there’s even a small mismatch (e.g., “Alex” vs. “Alexander”), you could be denied entry.

If you made a mistake during registration, you can correct your name by logging into your College Board account before the registration deadline. Changes after the deadline may require customer support assistance.

What Is the SAT Student ID Form?

If you don’t have a government-issued ID (common for homeschooled students), you can use the Student ID Form, which is available on the College Board website. Here’s how it works:

  1. Download and print the form.
  2. Attach a recent photo.
  3. Have a notary public or school official sign and stamp the form.
  4. Bring it with you on test day — it counts as your ID.

This is a one-time-use ID and must be newly prepared for each SAT test date.

SAT ID Requirements for Digital Testing (Bluebook)

If you’re taking the SAT digitally using the Bluebook app, ID requirements are the same as for the paper version. You still need to bring physical ID to the test center.

Even though the test is digital, you’ll be checked in just like at any other SAT test site, and your ID will be used to verify your identity and admission ticket.

Tips to Avoid SAT ID Issues

  • Check your ID’s expiration date at least a month before your test.
  • Match your registration name exactly to what’s on your ID.
  • Keep your ID in a safe place so you don’t forget it on test day.
  • Plan early if using the Student ID Form, as you’ll need time for notarization.

SAT ID Requirements for Sunday Testing and Accommodations

Students testing on Sunday for religious reasons or those receiving testing accommodations must still present valid ID. However, some flexibility may be allowed in rare cases — contact College Board directly if you need help with ID policies under special circumstances.

What to Do If You Forget Your ID on Test Day

Unfortunately, you will not be allowed to take the SAT without acceptable ID, even if you bring your admission ticket and show up on time. Your test center will turn you away, and you will not receive a refund.

If this happens, you can:

  • Re-register for a future test date
  • Make sure to bring valid ID next time
  • Request a fee waiver if eligible

SAT ID Requirements

Your SAT ID is just as important as your calculator or test prep. Without proper identification, you risk being turned away at the door — and losing your chance to test on your chosen date.

To stay safe:

  • Double-check ID requirements 1–2 weeks before your test
  • Make sure your name matches your SAT registration
  • Keep your ID packed the night before the test

Need More Test Day Tips?

Explore our complete SAT Test Day Checklist, learn about what to bring and what not to bring, and check out top SAT prep strategies — all designed to help you stay stress-free and focused on scoring high.