This write-up states the important identification documents for GRE registration. Read on to know the importance of documents required as proof for registering for GRE.

Identification Documents For GRE Registration

The standardized test which is conducted for getting admissions in graduate schools in English speaking countries is Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). This test is administered to gauge the ability of the candidate to succeed academically amidst the tough competition from peers. As this is an international level test, the process for appearing for this test will have to be followed accordingly and providing right documents as identity proof of candidates is prioritized.

The security concerns of every individual country make the presence of identification proof very vital. With the increase in security measures, the usage of identification documents has become a trend in every genre possible.

GRE registration requires the candidate to provide a valid identity proof. The following are the document requirements that have to be noted:

Requirements of a Valid ID Proof Document:
  • Only original documents are accepted. Photocopies are invalid.
  • Documents which are outdated and have completed the validity date are not accepted.
  • The document should bear the candidate’s full name as it is in the admission ticket.
  • The document should have test taker’s signature and photograph.
Documents Considered Primarily as ID Proof:
  • Passport
  • Driver’s License
  • Military Card
  • State or Province ID card
  • National ID card
There are few documents which can be produced as supplement for primary ID proof documents, under the following circumstances:
  • If the test administrator questions about the primary ID document which is submitted.
  • If the document submitted for ID proof is acceptable but still does not have candidate’s full name, photograph and signature on it.
Documents Accepted as Supplement of Primary ID:
  • ID card issued by Government
  • Student ID card
  • Confirmation letter of identity issued by candidate’s educational institution

The letter from your last institution attended should be printed or typed on the original letter head of the institution. It should also include your date of birth and the date of issue. In addition to it, the institution’s official seal and the officer’s signature should also be there and both of these should overlap your photo.

Note: This letter is valid only for one year from the date of its issue.

There are few exceptions for test takers taking GRE test in few locations and the requirements vary from one location to another. They are stated below:

Test Schedule in Mainland China
  • Individuals of Mainland China, Macau and Hong Kong must provide the National ID card which is valid as the primary ID proof. The National ID card must be of Second Generation.
  • The individuals from Taiwan should provide their Travel Permit to Mainland China as the ID proof.
  • Individuals from other countries attending test in Mainland China should bring their valid passport as the document for ID proof.

Test Schedule in India and Pakistan and Bangladesh

The individuals must provide valid passport as the ID proof for test taking. No other documents are accepted.

Test Schedule in Countries in European Union or Schengen Zone

If the individual has a valid European or National ID card, it is considered as a valid proof for test taking in these countries. The card should have all details about the test taker such as recent photograph, date of birth and signature. But if the ID proof given is not in the English language and if the test administrator cannot understand it, the test taker will not be allowed to take the test.

Documents that are not Accepted for ID Proof:
  • Photocopied document
  • Document which does not bear candidate’s last name exactly as in the admission ticket
  • International student ID
  • International Driver’s License
  • Document prepared by a notary
  • Employee ID card
  • Credit/Debit card
  • Birth certificate
  • lD card which is only for temporary, for example temporary driver’s license
Few Fundamental Points:
  • It is test taker’s responsibility to ensure that the name used to register should exactly match the name printed in documents to be submitted for ID proof at the test center.
  • The supplement ID is to be provided when the test administrator questions the authenticity of the primary ID document. If even the supplementary ID fails to give a positive confirmation then the candidate will not be allowed to take test.
  • It is advisable to bring at least 2 valid documents for submitting the ID proof. If one document is not accepted the other one can be submitted.
  • The test taker is required to show the ID proof at the various points in test center throughout the administration of the test.
  • If the documentation submitted by test taker is not acceptable due to its invalidity on the test day, the fees of the test will not be refunded.
So all you folks planning to register for GRE test make sure that you have all the required documents updated and it obliges all the policies mentioned by test makers.


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