Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
What your ID must show
Duolingo's accepted identification page lists five things the ID must show: your full date of birth, a recent photo of your face, a valid expiry date, the country of issue and your full legal name. The name you enter for the test must match the ID exactly, including any middle or additional given names and surnames.
Which document types count depends on the issuing country. The help centre has a country table that marks passports, driving licences and government photo IDs as accepted or not for each country (help centre). Check your country's row before you start, because the test checks your ID at the beginning.
| Document | Accepted? |
|---|---|
| Passport | Yes, where your country's row allows it |
| Driving licence | Depends on the issuing country |
| Government photo ID card | Depends on the issuing country |
| Official, stamped UNHCR asylum-seeker or refugee certificate with photo, name and birth date | Yes |
| Handwritten ID | No |
| Photocopy, or a photo of your ID on a phone | No |
| Damaged or tampered-with ID | No |
Refugees and asylum seekers
Duolingo accepts official, stamped UNHCR asylum-seeker or refugee certificates that include your photo, name and date of birth (help centre). In the country table, the refugee row accepts only the government photo ID type.
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When the ID check goes wrong
If your ID photo was not clear, Duolingo's advice is to clean your webcam lens, and if that does not help, to use an external webcam or a different computer (help centre).
A test can be invalidated if you submit an ID that has been falsified, altered or tampered with in any way (help centre). An invalid result can affect whether you can test again, so use the real, undamaged document you named when you set up the test.
Rules and fees change. Check the test owner's own page for your country before you book or pay. This guide is general information, not official advice from the test owner.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a driving licence for the Duolingo English Test?+
In some countries. Duolingo's country table shows whether a driving licence is accepted for the country that issued it.
Can I show a photocopy or a photo of my passport?+
No. Duolingo does not accept photocopies or digital images of an ID on a mobile device.
Does my name have to match my ID exactly?+
Yes. Enter your name exactly as it appears on the ID, including middle and additional names.
Can refugees take the Duolingo English Test?+
Yes. Official, stamped UNHCR asylum-seeker or refugee certificates with your photo, name and date of birth are accepted.
Can I use an expired passport?+
No. The ID must show a valid expiration date.
Keep reading
Related
- Duolingo English Test rules at home
- Duolingo English Test pattern
- Duolingo English Test fee 2026
- PTE ID requirements
- All 3112 guides
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.
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