ACT Photo Requirements, Deadlines and Upload Options

For national test dates only (US, US Territories and Canada)

• Photo requirements
• Photo upload deadlines

ACT Photo Submission Overview

As part of ACT's test security requirements, you must now provide a recent photo of yourself in order to complete your test registration. This photo will be used for identification and test security purposes. This photo will print on your ticket and on the score report that is automatically sent to your high school. ACT will retain the photo for a period of time consistent with active use of test scores and test security purposes. Photo submission options include: 

• Uploading a photo from your computer
• Uploading a photo using a mobile device
• Submitting a paper photo

Your photo must be added by the photo upload deadline for your test date. You are strongly encouraged to complete this part of your registration and print your ticket as soon as possible, to ensure everything is in order well before test day. You can't print your ticket until the photo is added—and without a ticket, you can't test. If you don't add your photo by the photo deadline, your registration will be cancelled and you will NOT be admitted to test. More details are provided in the photo upload deadline section below.

You must bring a printed copy of your ticket and a valid photo ID in order to be admitted on test day. For more details, check out the Test Day Checklist.

Photo Requirements

The photo must meet the following requirements:

• Your photo must be a clear image of ONLY you (not blurry, grainy or fuzzy) against a plain, background.
• The photo must be a full face-and-shoulders shot, squarely facing the camera.
• You must use a portrait, not landscape, photo that is correctly oriented.
• You must be facing the camera.
• You cannot wear dark glasses.
• If you wear a head covering daily for religious reasons, adjust it to provide a full-face view.