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What To Bring On SAT® Test Day | A 2026-2027 Complete Checklist!

Last updated: December 12th, 2025

Students carrying the important things to bring on SAT Test Day
If you are taking the SAT® in 2026-2027, it is important to know what to bring for SAT test day so you can check in quickly and avoid any last-minute stress.
Students carrying the important things to bring on SAT Test Day

In this article, we have put together a complete SAT® test day checklist, including key SAT test day requirements and the acceptable photo ID you will need to bring, plus a quick refresher on SAT exam format and test-day logistics.

SAT Test Day Checklist

Before you head out to your SAT test center, use this SAT test day checklist to make sure you have everything you need.

  • A fully charged approved testing device with BluebookTM installed
  • A printout of your updated admission ticket.
  • An acceptable Photo ID.
  • Pencils/pens for scratch work.
  • If your testing device is unable to sustain a charge for 3 hours, make sure to bring a portable charger
  • A calculator approved as per the SAT Calculator Policy.
  • Optional: Epinephrine auto-injectors, such as EpiPens, if needed. Students may carry them in a clear bag without needing accommodation and keep them under their desks during the test. Please contact the “Students with Disabilities Services” to learn about the policies on different medical devices and medications allowed in the test center.

Additionally, you are allowed to carry the following things on your test day:

  1. A watch with a silent alarm
  2. An alternate testing device
  3. A bag to carry your stuff 
  4. A snack and a water bottle
Before the day of your SAT test, sign into your College Board® account to ensure that there are no changes to your test center. You can enter the test center only with an up-to-date printout of the admission ticket.

You must note that the College Board has listed a few things that are prohibited at the test center, and violations may result in score cancellation. Review the official test-day rules in your College Board account before you arrive at the test center.

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ID Requirements for the Digital SAT

According to the SAT policy, carrying a valid photo ID on test day is mandatory. In addition to the admission ticket, your photo ID will be used to confirm your identity and registration at the test center.

Acceptable IDs

  • Driving License or Non-driver’s ID issued by the government
  • Official student ID card received from your current school
  • Passport or US Global Entry Identification Card issued by the government
  • Military or National Identification Card issued by the government
  • SAT Student ID Form (prepared by your current school or by a notary in case you are homeschooled)

Unacceptable IDs

Identity documents that do not meet the SAT test day requirements mentioned above are unacceptable. You need to keep a few additional things about IDs in mind. Check the list below for those:

  • Documents that are torn, worn, scarred, or damaged in any way
  • E-documents shown on a device
  • Documents that appear digitally altered or tampered
  • Documents bearing statements that they are not valid as identification
  • Credit or debit cards (even those with a photograph)
  • Birth certificate
  • Social security card
  • ID card of employment
  • Temporary ID card of any type
  • Missing Child (“ChildFind”) ID card
Student ID Forms are not valid for the SAT if you are 21 or older. The only form of ID accepted in such a case is an official driving license or a passport issued by the government that meets the requirements stated above.

If You Don’t Have an Acceptable ID

If you do not have an acceptable ID for the SAT, the Student ID Form may be used. If you are homeschooled, this form must be prepared and authenticated by your current school or a notary. You must attach your current photo to the form before getting it notarized. The Student ID Form is only considered if you are under 21 years of age and taking the test in the U.S. Any items that fall outside standard test-day rules are typically handled through SAT test accommodations and policies, which outlines what is permitted in the room and what requires prior approval.

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Device Requirements for the Digital SAT

For the digital SAT, your testing device must meet College Board requirements and have Bluebook installed so you can access and complete the exam. Since you will test digitally, it is a good idea to confirm your device setup well before test day to avoid last-minute issues. To feel more prepared before test day, you can build a structured plan with the SAT Course and reinforce key concepts using SAT Books.

Approved Testing Devices

Bring a device that is approved for Digital SAT testing and can run Bluebook smoothly. Your device should also be fully charged before you arrive at the test center.

If you want to build comfort with digital testing, you can practice with realistic question sets using the SAT QBank or take a full-length SAT Practice Test.

Prohibited Devices / Devices NOT Allowed

The College Board prohibits certain devices and electronics at the test center. Bringing a prohibited device, or using unapproved technology during testing, can lead to testing irregularities and score cancellation.

To avoid issues, review the rules on what is allowed and what is not allowed before test day in the Bluebook app and your College Board account, including any test-day instructions listed with your registration.

If You Don’t Have an Approved Device

If you do not have an approved device for the digital SAT, try to arrange one well before test day. In many cases, schools or test centers may be able to provide a loaner device, but availability can vary.

If you think you will need support or special arrangements, review the steps and documentation requirements in your College Board account well in advance of test day.

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What Things To Bring on SAT Test Day: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Log in to your College Board account and go to your SAT registration dashboard, where you can access your admission ticket. Download the most recent version and print it on standard paper so test center staff can easily read your details at check-in. Print your admission ticket close to your test date because your test center location may change. Before you pack it, double-check that your name matches your photo ID and that the test date and location are correct. This is one of the simplest parts of what to bring for SAT test day, and it helps you avoid delays during check-in.
Even though you will test in Bluebook, you should still bring a printed admission ticket unless your College Board account clearly says you do not need one. A paper copy makes check-in easier and helps if your phone is not allowed or your device has trouble loading your account details at the test center. Printing it also lets you confirm your test center address, reporting time, and registration information before test day. If you are unsure, follow the instructions shown in your College Board account for your specific test date. Keep the printout with your acceptable photo ID so staff can check you in quickly. Printing it ahead of time is an easy way to avoid last-minute stress.
Yes, you can generally use your own laptop or iPad for the Digital SAT as long as it meets College Board’s device requirements and can run Bluebook reliably. The key is to prepare early by installing Bluebook in advance, updating your operating system if needed, and confirming you can sign in without errors. On test day, your device should be fully charged and able to stay powered for the full testing window, so bring your charger or a portable charger if battery life is a concern. Avoid arriving with a device that has pending updates, storage issues, or security restrictions that could interrupt testing. If you want extra reassurance, do a short practice run inside Bluebook at home so the test-day experience feels familiar. The goal is to remove technology surprises so you can focus on the exam.
In most cases, phones are not allowed in the testing room, even if you keep one in your bag. Test centers have strict rules because phones can store or share information, and breaking the rules can affect your scores. Some test centers may ask you to store your phone outside the room or in a specific area, but rules can differ by location. Do not assume your phone is allowed just because it is turned off. If possible, leave it at home or plan a safe place to store it before you arrive. If you must bring a phone, follow the proctor’s instructions and do not use it during the test or breaks unless you are clearly told it is allowed.
Medical items, such as inhalers are usually allowed on SAT test day. EpiPens are often allowed in a clear bag without formal accommodations, and you may be able to keep one under your desk during the test. Rules can still vary by test center, so it helps to check the policy ahead of time if you use any other medical device or medication. Bring only what you need, and keep items in their original packaging when possible. If staff ask about it during check-in, having it easy to show can help. Also, decide where you will keep the item during the test so you can reach it if needed without it getting in the way. Checking these details early can prevent stress on test day.
If you have testing accommodations, start with the same essentials every student needs, then add only the extra materials that are specifically approved for your accommodations. This might include assistive technology, permitted medical items, or other tools as documented in your accommodation plan. Check your College Board account in advance to confirm what has been approved and whether there are any test-day instructions you need to follow. On test morning, arrive early because accommodated testing sometimes involves a different room, different timing, or additional check-in steps. Pack your approved items the night before and keep them organized so you can present them easily if asked. If you are unsure whether something is allowed, confirm before test day rather than guessing at the test center. A little preparation helps the morning run smoothly.
The basic items stay largely the same for both the School Day and weekend testing, so your admission ticket (if required), acceptable photo ID, and approved device are still the core essentials. The difference is usually in logistics, not in what you need to pack. For example, School Day testing may have procedures managed through your school, and some students may have more access to on-site support or a provided device. Weekend testing often depends more on what you personally bring, and test centers may feel stricter about check-in timing and prohibited items. To avoid surprises, confirm instructions in your College Board account and follow any guidance from your school or test center coordinator. If you treat both test types as “bring all essentials unless told otherwise,” you will be covered.
Pack your essentials the night before the digital SAT so you are not rushing in the morning. Bring your approved device with Bluebook installed, your printed admission ticket, and your acceptable photo ID for check-in. Add your charger or a portable charger if your battery may not last through the test. If you are using a calculator, bring one that is approved under the digital SAT rules, along with pencils or pens for scratch work. Pack a snack and water for breaks, and keep a light layer with you since test centers can feel cold. Place everything by the door so you can leave calmly on test morning.

References

  1. What to Bring on SAT Test Day. (2025). SAT Suite of Assessments. College Board. Retrieved from https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/what-to-bring-do/what-to-bring
  2. ID Requirements. (2025). satsuite.collegeboard.org. Retrieved from https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/what-to-bring-do/id-requirements
  3. Approved Testing Devices. (2025). bluebook.collegeboard.org. Retrieved from https://bluebook.collegeboard.org/students/prepare-your-device/approved-devices
  4. SAT Calculator Policy. (2025). satsuite.collegeboard.org. Retrieved from https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/what-to-bring-do/calculator-policy
  5. SAT Device Lending. (2025). satsuite.collegeboard.org. Retrieved from https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/device-lending
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