NCLEX ID requirements and what happens if your name does not match
Written and reviewed by Rachel Goldberg, MSN, RN, CEN · 4 min read · Updated November 2026
Short answer
You need one physical, unexpired, government-issued ID showing your name in Roman characters, a recent photo and a signature, and its first and last names must match your Pearson registration exactly. Under the April 2026 NCLEX Candidate Bulletin, a mismatch means you are turned away, lose your exam fee and must register again.
What counts as acceptable ID
The 2026 Candidate Bulletin lists six tests every ID must pass: government-issued, non-expired, physical rather than digital, name in Roman characters, a recent photograph, and a signature. At US test centers, examples include a passport book or card, a driver's license, a state ID card, a permanent residence card, or a military ID.
A phone wallet ID or a photo of your license does not count, because the ID must be physical. An ID that is clipped, perforated, cracked or broken is treated as expired. If your ID meets every rule except the signature, bring a second ID whose signature matches the same first and last names.
The name-match rule, with examples
NCSBN's FAQ states that only the first and last names need to match between your ID and your registration, which is the name shown on your ATT. A missing or extra middle name is not what gets candidates turned away. A different first or last name is.
Example one: you registered as Katherine Reyes, but your driver's license says Katie Reyes. That is a first-name mismatch, and the bulletin says you will not be admitted. Example two: you registered as Ana Torres before your wedding and your new license reads Ana Bell. You need original legal name change paperwork with you, or you need the record fixed before test day.
Fixing a mismatch before test day
Name changes are handled by your nursing regulatory body, not by Pearson and not at the test center. The bulletin names the board as the contact for name changes and for name corrections on your ATT email, so call the board as soon as you spot the problem, not the week of your exam.
If the record cannot be changed in time, the bulletin accepts only three documents to bridge a different name: a marriage license, a divorce decree, or a court-ordered legal name change. They must be originals, in English, in Roman characters. When your Confirmation of Appointment email arrives, compare the names on it with your ID and call Pearson right away about any error.
Do you need to bring your ATT?
The check-in steps in the 2026 bulletin ask for a valid acceptable ID, a digital signature, a palm vein scan, a photograph and a security scan. The ATT is not on that list. You need the ATT number to schedule, and the ID is what admits you on the day.
Printing the ATT and the appointment email is harmless, but it does not rescue a bad ID. Your phone also goes into a sealed Pearson bag at check-in, so a digital copy of anything is out of reach once you are inside.
International centers and sanctioned-country passports
At international test centers, including Puerto Rico, the only acceptable ID is a passport book or card. A US driver's license that works in Ohio will not get you seated in Manila or Puerto Rico, so plan for passport renewal time if yours is close to expiring.
Candidates holding a passport from a US-sanctioned country must also show government-issued proof of residency from a non-sanctioned country, under US Treasury trade rules described in the bulletin. NCSBN keeps the current policy on its acceptable ID page, which is the place to check before booking.
Sources
2026 NCLEX Examination Candidate Bulletin (rev. April 2026), NCSBN and Pearson. ID requirements, examples, secondary signature ID, name change documents, sanctioned-country rule, check-in steps, board handles name corrections
Acceptable ID, NCLEX.com. Physical non-digital ID rule, exact first and last name match, legal name change documents
Frequently Asked Questions, NCLEX.com. Only the first and last names need to match between ID and ATT
Common questions
What ID do you need for the NCLEX?
One physical, unexpired, government-issued ID with a recent photo, a signature and your name in Roman characters, such as a passport, driver's license or state ID. International centers, including Puerto Rico, accept only a passport.
What if my name does not match?
If the first or last name on your ID differs from your registration, you are turned away and must register and pay again. Ask your board to correct the record early, or bring an original marriage license, divorce decree or court name change document.
Do I need to bring my ATT to the NCLEX?
The 2026 bulletin's check-in steps list your ID, signature, palm vein scan, photo and a security scan, not the ATT. You need the ATT to book the appointment; the ID is what gets you in.