PTE Identification Policy
When you arrive to take your test, you must provide an acceptable identification document (ID).
For all PTE tests, this should be your valid passport.
Note: If you do not have your passport due to an ongoing visa application, you must request it back to present on the day of your test. If you do not have your passport because you are renewing it or replacing a lost passport, you should wait for your passport to arrive before booking a test.
The ID you present on test day must meet the requirements listed below, otherwise you will not be allowed to sit the test and you will lose your test fee.
The ID you present on test day must be the same ID you selected when you booked the test
A physical ID must be presented. Digital IDs, digital copies, images, photocopies (including certified photocopies) of the ID are not accepted. The only exception is the UK eVisa (View and Prove) which is allowed for SELT tests taken in the UK. See the UK SELT tests section below.
Temporary versions of IDs are not accepted
The ID must be a valid document (not expired) and issued no more than 10 years ago. The only exception is UK Biometric Residence Permits (BRP) or UK Biometric Residence Cards (BRC) that expired on or after 31 December 2024. See the UK SELT tests section below.
The personal details on the ID must be in Roman characters (any special characters can be replaced with the equivalent Roman characters)
The name, date of birth, citizenship and gender you use when you book the test must exactly match the details on your ID
The picture on your ID must match your current appearance
If you are using a child passport (under 18) that is still valid, the picture on your passport must match your current appearance
If you cannot produce the required ID when you arrive at the test center, you will not be allowed into the test room and will lose your test fee.
If you are unable to provide a valid passport, please see the sections below for further details on alternative acceptable IDs based on your chosen PTE test.
The ID you present should be your valid passport.
If you are testing outside of your country of citizenship, the only acceptable form of ID is a valid passport.
Exceptions and variations
If you are not able to provide a valid passport, and are taking the PTE Academic test within your country of citizenship, you may be able to present an alternative ID.
You must check the country and regions exceptions and variations list to confirm whether you are allowed to present an alternative form of ID.
If you are not able to present a valid passport and present an alternative form of ID that is not included in the exceptions and variations list, you will not be allowed into the test room and you will lose your test fee.
If you are an immigrant, refugee or stateless person and are unable to provide any of the allowed IDs, please complete the Immigrant, Refugee and Stateless Person application form and our Customer Support Team will get back to you in 3-5 working days with guidance on the next steps. Please note, you must do this before scheduling your test.
In order to meet the requirements of the Canadian Government, you must bring one of the following documents to take PTE Core:
Passport (accepted anywhere and preferred)
Canadian Permanent Resident Card (accepted in Canada only)
Exceptions and variations
Please complete the Immigrant, Refugee and Stateless Person application form if you have one of the following documents issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC):
Refugee Protection Claimant Document
Immigration documents issued by CIC such as IMM 1442
Our Customer Support Team will get back to you in 3-5 working days. You must do this before scheduling your test.
To meet the UK government's requirements, you must bring one of the following documents to your PTE Academic UKVI, PTE Home A1, A2 or B1 test:
Passport (accepted everywhere)
A valid passport is accepted in any country.
UK eVisa View and Prove (accepted in the UK only)
To provide proof of ID using the UK eVisa View and Prove service, you must follow these steps:
Sign in to your UKVI account and get a share code* by selecting ‘To prove your immigration status for anything else’ (your share code should start with the letter ‘S’)
Enter the share code when you book your PTE test
This code will then be used to access your eVisa and verify your identity on test day.
*Note that the share code is valid for 90 days. If it has expired by test day you will need to provide a new valid share code at the test center. We recommend that you also bring a valid accepted physical ID on test day if possible. Otherwise, if there are any issues with your eVisa, you may not be allowed to take the test.
If you cannot provide a valid passport or eVisa (UK only), please check the alternatives below:
1. Alternatives accepted in the UK and outside the UK
UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)*
UK Biometric Residence Card (BRC)*
Convention travel document
Stateless persons travel document
*You may be able to use an expired BRP or BRC to book a test. Your test must be no later than 18 months after the expiry date printed on the card. You must bring your expired BRP or BRC with you on the day of the test.
*Note: Emergency travel documents will not be accepted as proof of identity.
2. Alternative IDs if you are taking the test in the UK or in the document’s country of issuance
Identity card of EEA nationals
Valid photographic government issued identity card e.g. photographic National ID card
Rules for all ID documents used for a SELT test
Your identity document must:
Be current and valid (please see BRP/BRC exception above)
Be an original, not a photocopy
Include a photo of you
Match the information you gave when you booked the test
If your identity document has a signature, this will also be checked. The details used to book your test must match the document you provide at the test location. If you are not able to prove your identity, you will not be allowed to take a test.
For further details on ID requirements, refer to UK government guidance for proving your identity.
Exceptions and variations
If you do not have a valid identity document to be able to take your PTE Academic UKVI, PTE Home A1, PTE Home A2 or PTE Home B1 test, contact the UK Home Office.