What to Bring to the Real Estate Exam
Forgetting a required document on exam day means being turned away — and losing your exam fee. Testing centers have zero exceptions for ID requirements.
This page covers exactly what Pearson VUE and PSI require, what you are not allowed to bring into the testing room, and what happens in each state if there is a problem at check-in.
Required Items — Bring All of These
You need all three of the following items to check in at any Pearson VUE or PSI testing center.
Primary photo ID: driver's license, state-issued ID card, or passport — the name must match your exam registration exactly (including middle name if used during registration)
Secondary ID with name and signature: credit card, debit card, student ID, employee ID, or military ID — no photo required, but name and signature must be present
Exam appointment confirmation: your confirmation number (from the registration email) — most centers accept it on your phone screen, but having a printout is safer
Accepted Forms of Primary ID
Driver's License
Most common. Must be current, not expired. Name must match registration exactly. Out-of-state licenses are accepted — it just needs to be government-issued with photo.
Passport
Accepted at all Pearson VUE and PSI locations. Must be valid (not expired). US and international passports both accepted. Useful if your driver's license is expired.
State-Issued ID Card
Accepted if you do not have a driver's license. Must be government-issued with your photo. Usually issued by your state's DMV.
Military ID
Accepted at most testing centers. Must include photo and not be expired. Military IDs can serve as either primary or secondary identification at most locations.
Not Accepted as Primary ID
Student IDs, employee badges, credit cards, and social security cards are NOT accepted as primary identification. They may be used as secondary ID only.
What Is NOT Allowed in the Testing Room
These items must be left in your car or in the testing center's lockers — not at your workstation.
Smartphone — must be powered off and stored in a locker; a phone in your pocket is grounds for immediate exam cancellation
Smartwatch or fitness tracker — any device with a display must be stored
Personal calculator — the exam software provides an on-screen basic four-function calculator
Notes, flashcards, textbooks, or any printed study material
Food and drinks (eat before you arrive — nothing is allowed in the testing room)
Bags, purses, or backpacks
Earbuds or headphones (noise-canceling foam earplugs may be provided by the testing center on request)
Hats, hoods, or scarves (some centers require these be removed at check-in — dress accordingly)
What Pearson VUE Provides at Check-In
Pearson VUE provides scratch paper and a pencil at your workstation — you cannot bring your own. At check-in they will photograph you, take a palm vein scan (biometric verification), and have you sign in digitally. You turn out your pockets before entering the testing room.
The on-screen calculator is built into the testing software. It is a basic four-function calculator with a square root function. Practice using a basic calculator before exam day — if you have been using a scientific calculator during practice, the on-screen calculator may feel limited.
What PSI Provides at Check-In
PSI testing centers use a similar process: photo ID check, digital photograph, and either fingerprint or signature verification. You are given paper and a pencil before being seated. Some PSI locations use dry-erase boards instead of paper.
PSI also provides an on-screen calculator. If you are testing at a PSI location, review the specific center's check-in process on PSI's candidate information page — some PSI locations have slightly different procedures than the standard.
State-Specific ID Notes
Florida (Pearson VUE)
Two forms of ID required. Name on both IDs must match registration. Florida candidates register through Pearson VUE — no state exam appointment can be made without completing the DBPR application first.
California (PSI)
Two forms of ID required. California uses PSI as its testing provider. Your name must match your DRE application exactly — even a nickname mismatch (Bob vs. Robert) can cause problems.
Texas (Pearson VUE)
Two forms of ID required. Texas uses Pearson VUE. Your eligibility letter from TREC is required to schedule — bring the letter number (not the letter itself) to your appointment.
New York (PSI)
Two forms of ID required. New York uses PSI. Bring your examination admission notice (emailed by the state). This serves as your confirmation document.
Georgia (PSI)
Two forms of ID required. Georgia uses PSI. Bring your Authorization to Test (ATT) email confirmation. PSI does not allow candidates in without the ATT.
North Carolina (PSI)
Two forms of ID required. North Carolina uses PSI. Your eligibility from the NCREC must be confirmed before scheduling. Bring your appointment confirmation number.
What Happens If You Forget Your ID
You will be turned away. Testing centers have no exceptions for missing ID — even if you have a photo of your license on your phone. Your exam appointment is forfeited and you will need to reschedule and pay the fee again.
If your name on your ID does not exactly match your registration (for example, you registered as 'Jennifer' but your license says 'Jen'), call the testing center before your appointment — not on the morning of the exam. Some name variations are resolved with additional documentation; others require updating your registration.
If your ID is expired, you will be turned away. Pearson VUE requires IDs to be current and unexpired. If your driver's license is expired, bring a passport or visit the DMV before your exam date.
State Exam Day Guides
Select your state for specific ID requirements, testing center details, and check-in procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a physical ID or is a photo on my phone acceptable?
You need a physical ID. A photo of your driver's license on your phone is not accepted at Pearson VUE or PSI locations. Bring the actual card.
What if my ID is expired?
Expired IDs are not accepted. If your driver's license has expired, bring your passport or another current government-issued photo ID. If you have no current photo ID, you need to get one before your exam date — there are no same-day exceptions.
Can I bring a water bottle into the testing room?
No. Food and drinks are not allowed inside the testing room at either Pearson VUE or PSI. If you need medication (such as cough drops or a water bottle for a medical condition), contact the testing center in advance — some accommodations are available with advance notice.
Is a debit card or credit card enough as a secondary ID?
Yes, a credit or debit card with your name and signature qualifies as secondary ID. It does not need a photo. Most candidates use their Visa or Mastercard as their secondary ID.
What if I wear glasses or contacts?
Glasses are fine — bring them. Contact lenses are fine. You do not need to declare them. There are no restrictions on corrective eyewear.
Can I bring noise-canceling headphones?
No personal headphones are allowed. If noise is a concern, ask the proctor for foam earplugs — most Pearson VUE and PSI locations provide them on request. These are a standard testing accommodation you do not need to request in advance.
Prepare for Exam Day
Knowing what to bring is one part of exam preparation. Use the free diagnostic and targeted practice to make sure you are ready for the questions too.