Documents Required for GRE Exam: ID Requirements, Things to Carry and More

Is your GRE exam around the corner and you are burning the midnight oil for its preparation? Well, while you study hard for the exam, there is another aspect you must pay attention to. I am talking about the documents required for the GRE.

Having the right paperwork ready for the GRE is crucial to complying with the GRE testing rules and avoiding any issues on the exam day. Non-compliance with these rules may prevent you from taking the exam.

ETS (Educational Testing Service), the organization administering the GRE, has published a list of documents required for GRE registration and has strict rules for identification documentation. Preparing the documents required for the GRE is one of the most critical steps you must take to avoid any last-minute struggles.

Let us find out all about the acceptable and unacceptable documents for the GRE 2024.

What is GRE Test?

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test required for admission to various graduate,  business, and law programs worldwide. It assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. 

What are General Requirements for GRE Test?

Anyone who wishes to pursue master’s, specialized master’s in business, MBA, JD, or doctoral degree can take the GRE Test. There is no specific eligibility requirement. To take the GRE, you must register online on the ETS website, choose a test date and location, verify your details, and pay the test fee. 

What Documents are Required for GRE Exam?

Let us first address the question: which documents are needed to take the GRE exam? When appearing for the GRE, you must have:

• A valid photo ID for identification (Passport with name, photograph, and signature)

• GRE Admission Ticket

• Name Change Documentation, if applicable

• Valid Supplementary ID, if required 

The ETS ensures strict checks for photo ID requirements to prevent cheating and dishonesty among test takers. It is one of the essential documents required for the GRE. The photo ID requirement discourages students from paying others to take the GRE on their behalf. 

The required documents for the GRE exam must meet all of following conditions, (with a few exceptions), to be accepted. Each ID document must:-

• Be an original document, as photocopied documents are not allowed.
• Be a physical ID, as documents cannot be presented on a mobile phone or other electronic device.
• Be valid; national/state/provincial identity cards should be issued by the country's government where the applicant is a citizen or holds permanent residency. Documents with expired dates are not acceptable.
• Bear the candidate's first and last name exactly (excluding accents) as it was when they registered for the test. 
• Include a recent photograph.
• Include the candidate's signature (the name and signature on the ID document must match).

ID Requirements for Students Appearing for GRE Exam in India

All documents required for the GRE must include the candidate's name, photograph, and signature. Let us now look at the ID requirements for Indian students who want to take the GRE.

Important Pointers

• Accepted ID if a candidate is testing in the US and isn't a US citizen:

If you aren't a US citizen but wish to take the GRE in the country, you must bring your current valid passport, showing your name, photo, and signature.

Diplomatic or embassy IDs are not accepted in place of a passport. You must also produce at least one Supplemental ID document if your passport is not in the English language. This document should not only have your name, but must also have a recognizable and recent photograph, while being in English.

• Accepted ID if a candidate is testing in the US and is a US citizen:

  • Passport with name, photograph, and signature
  • Government-issued driver’s license with photograph, name, and signature
  • National ID with name, photograph, and signature
  • State or Province ID card with name, photograph, and signature
  • Military ID with name, photograph, and signature

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Documents Not Accepted as ID Proof for GRE Registration

You must remember that several documents are unacceptable for the GRE. When taking the GRE, the following documents are considered invalid. 

• An expired identity card (unless the government has issued an extension letter). 
• Photocopy of identity proof.
• A photo of candidates' identification that they show on their phone or other smart devices.
• Any ID that does not match the candidates' first and last names entered when they registered for the exam (excluding accents).
• International driver's license.
• Draft classification card.
• International student identification.
• A credit or debit card.
• Letter or document prepared by a notary.
• Certificate of Birth.
• Social security card.
• Employee identification card. 
• Temporary identification (excluding renewals of a driver's license, residence card, or employment authorization card).
• An identification card from a diplomatic mission, consulate, or embassy. 
• Any document that a government agency does not accept. 

What are GRE Supplemental IDs?

If you do not have the above-mentioned acceptable identity proofs, you may take the GRE using a supplemental ID and an acceptable additional document.

You may also be required to provide a supplemental ID document if the test administrator questions your primary ID document or the first and last name or signature in your primary ID document is missing or incorrect.

Acceptable Supplemental IDs

 The following documents are accepted as supplementary identification:-

• Primary ID Documents (government-issued ID cards). 
• Student identification card. 
• A letter from the candidate's educational institution confirming their identity. The letter must be on the official letterhead of the educational institution you attended and must have your date of birth and the date of issuance.

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What If Candidate Cannot Meet ID Requirement for GRE?

You must inform the ETS Office of Testing Integrity (OTI) at least seven days before enrolling in the test if you are given political asylum, have refugee status, or are otherwise unable to meet the identification requirements. Before you register, you must first get approval from the OTI.

You should be ready to provide any additional documents to the OTI for review.

You will not get a refund on your GRE test fees if you do not inform the OTI before registering, and as a result, you will not be permitted to take the test, or your test scores will be withheld.

Disability Documentation

You must determine and confirm beforehand if the disability documentation is needed. Here are the important guidelines for disability documentation.

• The diagnosis should be typed or printed on the letterhead. It must also be signed by a qualified evaluator whose license and area of specialization information must be provided. 
• The diagnosed disability must be clearly stated in the documentation on file for the applicant. 
• The functional limitations resulting from the disability must be categorically stated. 
• The disability documents must be current: 
  • Last five years for learning disabilities (LD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or intellectual disability (ID).
  • Last 12 months for psychiatric disabilities and brain injuries.
• The requirement does not apply to disabilities that are permanent in nature. 
• Add educational, developmental, and medical history relevant to the disability. 
• Include a list of test instruments that were used in the evaluation report and relevant subtest scores used to document the stated disability. 
• Discuss in detail the accommodations requested.
• Support the requested testing accommodation(s).

Accommodations in GRE for Candidates with Disabilities

Below are the accommodations offered for candidates with disabilities or health-related needs who meet the ETS requirements.

• They are offered a 50%-time extension.
• They are allowed an unlimited time to furnish any additional documents.
  The time allotted for testing does not include the breaks. 
  They are given an Ergonomic keyboard, an IntelliKeys® keyboard, JAWS with or without a refreshable braille device, a touchpad, screen magnification, and a trackball in the GRE General Test.
• If necessary, they are also given a reader or scriber for assistance.
• They are also given support with spoken directions.
• If they require a Braille slate or a Perkins brailler, they will be provided too.
• Differently-abled candidates are given alternate test formats if the standard test format is not understandable to them.

What to Carry on GRE Exam Day?

On GRE exam day, you must bring your valid passport or acceptable ID, the confirmation email or printout of your registration, and any other documents specified by the testing center. Ensure all documents are up-to-date and correctly filled out.

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Common Mistakes and Oversights with GRE Documentation

Common mistakes and oversights with GRE documentation can lead to significant issues on test day. Hence, you must avoid these mistakes to carry out your exam smoothly.

• One frequent error is bringing an expired ID. Even if all other documents are in order, an expired passport or ID will not be accepted, resulting in you being unable to take the test.
• Another common oversight is not verifying that the name on the ID matches exactly with the name used during registration. Any discrepancies, such as missing middle names or different spellings, can cause complications.
• Additionally, candidates often forget to bring their confirmation of registration. This document is critical as it verifies your registration and test appointment details.
• Not checking the specific requirements of the testing center is another common mistake. Different centers may have varying rules about what constitutes acceptable identification, so reviewing these guidelines well in advance is essential.

Last-minute Tips for GRE Documentation Preparation

In the days leading up to the GRE exam, it’s important to take several steps to ensure all your documentation is in order. Follow the below tips to ensure you have completed the GRE documentation preparation thoroughly and avoid any last-minute hassles.

• Create a checklist of required items, including your valid passport or acceptable ID, the registration confirmation, and any additional documents specified by your testing center. 
• Check each item off as you verify its presence and accuracy.
• Make sure your ID is not only valid but also in good condition, with no damage that could make it unreadable. 
• Print out your registration confirmation and any other necessary documents at least a day before the test to avoid last-minute technical issues. 
• Place all these documents in a designated folder or envelope to keep them organized and easily accessible.

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Conclusion

A great GRE score is the first step to enrolling in a renowned global university. Proper preparation of documents required for the GRE 2024 exam is essential for a hassle-free test day. By adhering to the guidelines and double-checking requirements, candidates can focus on performing their best on the exam.

Thorough preparation not only ensures compliance with testing regulations but also contributes to a more confident and stress-free testing experience. Remember to verify all documents well in advance, bring everything required on test day, and allow extra time to navigate any unexpected challenges.

With careful planning, you can avoid common pitfalls and concentrate on achieving your highest score on the GRE.