Rules, comparisons and data

Can you take IELTS with an expired passport?

No. IDP India says the passport you bring must be original and valid, meaning not expired and fully legible, under a no passport, no test policy. IDP Australia accepts only original, current passports and says the expiry date must be at least 7 days after the test date. Photocopies are refused. For IELTS for UKVI, GOV.UK also requires a current, valid original document.
  • Guide updated · 30 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS
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Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026

What the test centres say

IDP India: test takers must bring an original, valid passport. Valid means it has not expired and all the information on it is clearly legible, and IDP India runs a no passport, no test policy (IDP India FAQ).

IDP Australia: bring your current passport; only original and current passports are accepted, and the passport must have an expiry date at least 7 days after the test date to count as valid. Photocopies or certified copies are not accepted (IDP Australia).

WhoRule on passport validity
IDP IndiaOriginal, not expired, fully legible; no passport, no test
IDP AustraliaOriginal and current; expiry at least 7 days after the test date
IELTS for UKVI (GOV.UK)Current and valid, original, with your photo, matching your booking

IELTS for UKVI

GOV.UK says your identity document must be current and valid, an original rather than a photocopy, include your photo and match the details you booked with. If you cannot prove your identity you will not be allowed to take the test (GOV.UK). The one exception it lists is for tests in the UK: if you cannot access your eVisa, you may be able to use an expired biometric residence permit or card, within 24 months of its expiry or until 31 December 2026, whichever is sooner.

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If your passport is about to expire

Renew it before you book if you can, because the ID you bring on test day must be the one recorded in your booking. IDP's terms say you must tell the centre about any change to your identity document before the test date, or you will not be allowed to sit and will get no refund or transfer (IDP terms). If you renew after booking, see our guide on getting a new passport after booking IELTS.

Detailed rules are set locally and can differ by country and test centre, so check your booking confirmation or ask your centre if anything here does not match what you were told.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use an expired passport for IELTS in India?+

No. IDP India says the passport must be original and not expired, and it runs a no passport, no test policy.

How long must my passport be valid for IELTS?+

IDP Australia says the expiry date must be at least 7 days after the test date. Other centres simply require a valid, unexpired passport.

Can I bring a photocopy of my passport to IELTS?+

No. IDP Australia does not accept photocopies or certified copies, and GOV.UK requires an original for IELTS for UKVI.

Can I use an expired BRP for IELTS for UKVI?+

Only for tests in the UK when you cannot access your eVisa, and only within 24 months of its expiry or until 31 December 2026, whichever is sooner (GOV.UK).

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Related

Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

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