Is Passport Mandatory for GRE Exam

Christina had been studying for the GRE for months and had scheduled the exam in two weeks. She had everything planned out perfectly - the test center's location, the exam's time, and the documents she needed to bring. But then, disaster struck. She realized that her passport had expired. How could she forget to double-check such an important document? The GRE was a vital component of her graduate school application. Now, without a valid passport, she was facing the possibility of being unable to take the exam.
After reading Christina's story, you now understand the significance of a passport as GRE test takers. This also answers the most widely asked question- is a passport required for the GRE exam?

The GRE® (Graduate Record Examinations) is a multiple-choice, computer-based exam required globally for admission to graduate programs, including graduate business courses (MBA). Educational Testing Service (ETS) administers the GRE. The GRE, according to ETS, is designed to assess verbal reasoning, mathematical reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking abilities gained through time.
A passport is mandatory for the GRE exam for all applicants outside the United States. In fact, the only kind of identification accepted by GRE testing centers is a passport. A driver's license or any other form of identification is not accepted at testing centers in India. However, a passport number is not required to register for GRE online; you can schedule the GRE exam easily without a passport.

Unacceptable ID Documents for GRE

Certain ID documents, as listed below, are not accepted for the GRE.

• Expired ID proof
• Photocopy of ID proof
• Softcopies of the ID proof
• International student ID card
• International driving license
• Draft classification card
• Credit/debit card
• Employee ID card
• Birth certificate of the candidate
• Notary-prepared letter or document
• Embassy ID card
• Social security card
• Diplomatic ID card
• Consulate ID card
• Temporary ID proofs
• Any document that the government agency does not recognize

What If Candidate Cannot Meet ID Requirement for GRE

ETS is well aware that candidates who have been granted political asylum or who have a refugee status may not get access to a valid passport. In this case, you must contact the ETS Office of Testing Integrity (OTI) at least seven days prior to registering for the test. 

Conclusion

It is mandatory to have a valid passport to take the GRE. During the pandemic, ETS accepted Aadhar cards as a form of identification until April 15, 2023. But as of now, only a passport is considered for GRE applicants.