What the TRF shows
Your photo and personal details, an overall band and a band for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking (British Council). An IELTS for UKVI Life Skills TRF shows PASS or FAIL instead (British Council).
If you had an approved exemption from one or two skills, the TRF carries a printed statement that those bands were notionalised from the average of your other bands (ielts.org).
Paper TRF or eTRF?
ielts.org says IELTS on computer at a test centre comes with a paper TRF, with eTRFs now issued in some countries; IELTS Online comes with an eTRF (ielts.org). The British Council issues IELTS on computer and IELTS Online results electronically only, downloadable from the Test Taker Portal, and does not issue additional paper TRFs (British Council).
| Test | ielts.org | British Council |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS on computer | Paper TRF; eTRF in some countries | eTRF only |
| IELTS Online | eTRF | eTRF only |
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The July 2026 Ofqual redesign
IELTS is regulated by Ofqual, England's qualifications regulator. From 15 July 2026 all TRFs, paper and digital, include the Ofqual logo and qualification title. Older TRFs stay valid for university and visa applications; you do not need a new one or need to resend one (ielts.org).
If your TRF was issued between June 2024 and 14 July 2026 you may request an updated version free of charge. It is optional and does not reset the validity period (ielts.org).
How organisations verify a TRF
Organisations use the free IELTS Results Service to look up a result by its Test Report Form number and check the identity and scores, or to download results sent by e-delivery (ielts.org). TRFs older than two years can still be verified for as long as data-protection law allows, but IELTS will not investigate TRFs more than three years old.
The IELTS partners recommend accepting a result for two years from the test date; see IELTS validity.
Lost TRF and extra copies
IDP India says it cannot give you another copy of a lost or damaged TRF, but can forward a TRF to an institution for you (IDP India). To collect a TRF in person you need the same ID you registered with, and centres will not give results by email, phone or fax (IDP India). For sending copies to universities, see how to send IELTS results.
Frequently asked questions
What is the IELTS TRF number used for?+
Organisations enter it in the IELTS Results Service to look up and verify your result.
Do I need the new Ofqual TRF?+
No. ielts.org says TRFs issued before 15 July 2026 remain valid; the updated version is optional and free for TRFs from June 2024 to 14 July 2026.
Can I get a duplicate IELTS TRF?+
IDP India says it cannot reissue a lost TRF to you, but can send one to an institution on your behalf.
Where do I download my eTRF?+
From the Test Taker Portal (British Council) or your IDP account, once results are released.
How long is an IELTS TRF valid?+
The IELTS partners recommend two years from the test date. The TRF itself prints no expiry date.
Keep reading
Related
- How to send IELTS results to universities
- How long IELTS results take
- IELTS validity
- IELTS re-mark (Enquiry on Results)
- All 1066 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 11 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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