27 March 2025
5 minutes read
What are the Documents Required for GRE Exam (GRE Checklist)?

Key Takeaways
- Documents required for GRE exam include a valid passport, GRE entrance ticket, and acceptable ID proof matching your registration details.
- Documents required for GRE exam must be checked well in advance, as missing any can result in denied entry and loss of test fees.
- Documents required for GRE exam vary by country, so verify ETS guidelines and carry supplemental ID if needed to take the test.
The GRE is a standardized examination for students seeking to study for a graduate program abroad. The test is conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is an important part of the admissions process of universities across the globe. Before appearing for the GRE exam, it is vital to understand the documents needed for the GRE exam to prevent confusion at the eleventh hour. Missing one single document that is mandatory can result in cancellation of your test scores or even denial to appear at the test center. This article gives a complete check list of all the mandatory documents and requirements to ensure a seamless GRE registration and test day process.
What are the Documents Required for GRE Exam Registration?
To register for the GRE exam (Graduate Record Examination), you need to submit specific documents as part of the registration process. Ensure that the information you provide during registration matches the details on your valid ID to prevent any problems on test date.

List of Required Documents:
Document | Purpose |
---|---|
Passport | Primary ID for international exam takers |
National ID Card | Acceptable in some countries as a valid ID |
GRE Entrance Ticket | Confirmation of successful registration |
Supplemental ID (if required) | Additional identity proof if needed |
It is important to check the specific requirements set by ETS for your country before you register for the GRE.
ID Requirements for the GRE Registration
Your ID document must meet the ETS identification requirements to be permitted to test. The ID should be valid, original, and government-issued.
To be ready for the GRE, you must meet specific identification requirements before you take the test. Your photo ID is one of the most important documents needed to take the GRE, and failing to meet the ID requirements may result in denied entry.
Below are the key guidelines to ensure the test process goes smoothly:
- The name on your ID must match the name you used when you registered for the test. If there is any discrepancy, your ID may not be accepted, and you may have to provide a supplemental ID.
- Your ID must have a recent, recognizable photograph and signature. A damaged or unclear ID may lead to complications at the test center.
- Expired IDs will not be accepted. Make sure your primary ID document is valid on the day of your test to prevent last-minute issues.
- Some individual test centers may have additional requirements depending on your country. Check with ETS in advance to verify if certain documents are required beyond the standard list of documents.
To avoid stress on exam day, plan to test only when you have confirmed that all documents are essential and meet the required standards. A well-prepared approach will help you focus on the test itself rather than administrative issues.
Forms of Acceptable ID:
ID Type | Accepted? |
Passport | Yes |
National ID Card | Yes (Country-Specific) |
Driver’s License | No |
Student ID | No |
If you face issues with ID documents, contact GRE services in advance to avoid problems on your exam date.
Checklist: Documents to Carry on GRE General Test Day
On the day of your GRE, ensure you have all the necessary documents to enter the test center’s location without hassle. Here’s a GRE checklist for test day:

GRE Test Day Documents:
- Valid proof of Identity (Passport or National ID Card)
- GRE Entrance Ticket (Printed confirmation of registration)
- Exam Fee Receipt (If applicable)
- Additional ID Proof (If required by your country)
Without these essential documents, you may not be permitted to test.
Additional Requirements for GRE Test Takers
Depending on the test centers, some additional requirements may apply.
These include:
- Name Change Issues: If your name on your ID does not match your registration details, contact ETS as soon as possible.
- Supplemental ID Requirement: If your primary ID lacks essential details, a supplemental ID may be required.
- Test Administrator Questions: Be prepared to answer verification questions at the test center.
- Documentation Requirements for Special Needs: If you require special accommodations, you must submit supporting documents to ETS.
What Happens if You Forget a Required Document?
If you fail to bring the proper documents needed, you will not be allowed to take the exam.
This can result in:
Denied Entry
Without a primary ID document that meets the id requirements, you will be denied access to the test center on the day of your test. It is crucial to ensure your photo ID is valid, government-issued, and matches the name used during GRE preparation and registration. ID requirements vary by country, so confirm the details well in advance.
Loss of Test Fee
Failure to present the correct forms of ID means you cannot take the GRE general or GRE subject test, leading to the loss of your test fee. ETS does not offer refunds if you are denied entry due to missing or incorrect documentation. Always review the checklist of required documents before heading to the test center.
Rescheduling Requirements
If you are unable to sit for the exam due to issues on test day related to ID verification, you will need to choose a test date again and pay an additional rescheduling fee. Ensure your ID matches your registration details and that you have all necessary documents well in advance to avoid unnecessary delays.
To prepare for the GRE effectively, check and meet the identification requirements beforehand. Double-check all details related to GRE well before your exam day to prevent last-minute stress.
Top Universities by GRE Requirements
Choosing the right university is a crucial step for GRE test takers. Many top institutions across the USA, UK, and Canada consider GRE scores as part of their admissions process.
Below is a list of the top 10 universities based on GRE requirements, along with relevant details such as tuition fees, average graduate salaries, and additional exam requirements.
SL NO | University | Country | GRE Score Range | Fee (Annual) | Average Salary (Post-Graduation) | Other Exam Requirements |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Harvard University | USA | 320-340 | $55,000 | $120,000 | IELTS, TOEFL |
2 | Stanford University | USA | 315-335 | $54,000 | $125,000 | IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT |
3 | University of Oxford | UK | 320-335 | £45,000 | £100,000 | IELTS, TOEFL |
4 | University of Cambridge | UK | 315-330 | £44,000 | £98,000 | IELTS, TOEFL |
5 | MIT | USA | 320-340 | $53,000 | $130,000 | IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT |
6 | University of Toronto | Canada | 310-330 | CAD 45,000 | CAD 90,000 | IELTS, TOEFL |
7 | Columbia University | USA | 315-335 | $52,000 | $115,000 | IELTS, TOEFL |
8 | University of Chicago | USA | 310-330 | $50,000 | $110,000 | IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT |
9 | Imperial College London | UK | 315-330 | £42,000 | £95,000 | IELTS, TOEFL |
10 | McGill University | Canada | 305-325 | CAD 40,000 | CAD 85,000 | IELTS, TOEFL |
Conclusion
Being well-prepared with the documents required for the GRE exam ensures a stress-free test day experience. Make sure to have your passport, GRE entrance ticket, and any additional ID proof ready. Plan to take the GRE only after reviewing the specific requirements for your chosen test center.
Stay organized, register well in advance, and check your documents carefully to perform your best on the exam. Reach out to the experts at Ambitio for the best study abroad guidance!
FAQs
What are the documents required for GRE exam?
The documents required for GRE exam include a valid passport, GRE entrance ticket, and a primary ID document that matches your registration details.
Can I take the GRE without the documents required for GRE exam?
No, without the documents required for GRE exam, you will be denied entry to the test center and may lose your test fee.
Do the documents required for GRE exam vary by country?
Yes, the documents required for GRE exam depend on ETS guidelines, and ID requirements vary based on the test location.
When should I prepare the documents required for GRE exam?
It is recommended to prepare the documents required for GRE exam well in advance to avoid last-minute issues on exam day.
What happens if the documents required for GRE exam don’t match my registration details?
If the documents required for GRE exam do not match your registration details, you may need to provide a supplemental ID or risk being denied entry.
Are expired IDs accepted among the documents required for GRE exam?
No, expired IDs are not accepted as part of the documents required for GRE exam; your ID must be valid on the day of the test.
Can I use a student ID as part of the documents required for GRE exam?
No, a student ID is not accepted among the documents required for GRE exam; you must provide a government-issued ID.

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