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Step-by-Step TOEFL Registration Process (2026) — How to Register, Fees, IDs & Pro Tips

  • Feb 6
  • 6 min read

Step-by-Step TOEFL Registration
Step-by-Step TOEFL Registration



Registering for the TOEFL in 2026 is simple if you know the exact steps, common traps, and the latest ETS rules (including Home Edition requirements and 2026 timing updates). This guide walks you through the TOEFL registration process step by step, with verified 2026 details, fee examples, ID rules, a handy table checklist, and a FAQ that answers the most common registration questions. Follow this and you’ll register correctly — the first time.



Why getting registration right matters (quick)

Misspelled names, wrong ID, or misunderstanding Home Edition rules can cause denial of testing or canceled scores. ETS enforces identity and registration rules strictly, so register carefully and double-check everything. For official step descriptions use the ETS registration pages and the TOEFL iBT Bulletin.



Overview — what you’ll do (one line)

Create an ETS account → choose test (TOEFL iBT or TOEFL Essentials) → pick a format (test center or Home Edition) → choose date & location → upload/confirm ID → pay → receive confirmation and prepare for test day.






Table — Quick timeline of the TOEFL registration process (step by step)

Step

What to do

Time to complete

1

Create an ETS account (or log in)

5–10 minutes.

2

Choose test type (TOEFL iBT / TOEFL Essentials)

2–3 minutes.

3

Select format: Test center or Home Edition

2–5 minutes (check Home Edition requirements).

4

Pick city/center or Home slot and date

5–10 minutes (availability varies by center).

5

Enter personal details (exactly as ID)

5–10 minutes — name must match ID.

6

Upload/confirm ID and accept policies

5–10 minutes (read ID rules!).

7

Pay fees and confirm booking

5–10 minutes (cards/payments vary by country).

8

Get confirmation email & prepare (download test app for Home Edition)

Instant confirmation; Home app install recommended.

Step-by-step: the TOEFL registration process explained



1) Create (or use) your ETS account

Go to the official ETS TOEFL registration page and sign in or create a new account. Use an email you check frequently. Your ETS account holds your registration history, scores, and booking options. ETS accounts are NOT transferable — use your own account.

Pro tip: Use the same email and personal name format you’ll present on test day — last name / family name exactly as it appears on your passport or national ID.



2) Choose which TOEFL test you need

ETS offers TOEFL iBT (the standard academic test) and TOEFL Essentials (shorter, broader skills). Decide which your target universities accept. The registration pages let you pick the correct test type.



3) Decide Home Edition vs test center

If you prefer testing from home, choose TOEFL iBT Home Edition and confirm your room and equipment meet ETS requirements (quiet room, specific OS, webcam, stable Internet). If you prefer a test center, choose the city/center when prompted. Home Edition has a mandatory equipment check and room scan.

Home Edition checklist (before booking):

  • Private, quiet room with no interruptions.

  • Desktop or laptop (Windows or Mac), camera and microphone.

  • ETS Home app installation and equipment check.



4) Pick date and test center / slot

Search by country and city; ETS shows available dates per center (there’s no single global calendar — availability is per center). Book early: ETS recommends booking well before application deadlines because popular centers fill up. Registration normally closes 7 full days before the test date; late registration options (with extra fees) may be available.






5) Fill your details — name, DOB, contact info

Carefully enter your name exactly as on your primary ID (passport or national ID). ETS will not allow names that don’t match ID on test day. Also select your score recipients (you can send up to 4 institutions for free at registration; additional reports cost extra).



6) Prepare and upload your ID (or confirm on test day)

ETS requires an acceptable primary ID — passport is universally accepted. Some countries allow national ID; check the ETS ID page for country-specific acceptable documents and unacceptable documents (e.g., driver’s license may not be acceptable everywhere). Photocopies are not accepted. Confirm your ID when booking and bring the ORIGINAL on test day.



7) Payment — complete checkout

Pay using the methods allowed for your country (credit/debit card, PayPal or other local methods where available). Fees vary by country — see official fee pages for exact amounts. After successful payment, you’ll receive immediate booking confirmation.

Example fee snapshot (India, 2026) — indicative

Fee type

Approx. amount (INR)

TOEFL iBT registration

₹15,254 – ₹18,000 (regional variations)

Late registration

₹3,300 – ₹3,900 (approx.)

Rescheduling

₹5,000 – ₹5,900 (approx.)

Additional score reports

₹1,950 – ₹2,300 each

Fees differ by country and can change — always confirm on the ETS fee page for your location before paying.



8) Confirmation & test day prep

After payment you’ll get an email with test date, center or Home Edition instructions, and what to bring (ID, confirmation). For Home Edition install the TOEFL Test App and run the equipment check; ETS recommends doing this at least 48 hours before test day.




Common registration problems and fixes

  • Name mismatch: Fix by contacting ETS immediately — do not wait until test day. Name changes are sometimes possible but can take time.

  • Payment failure: Try another card or payment method; confirm with your bank about international transactions and additional bank/GST charges.

  • No Home slot available: Check back — Home Edition slots are added often; consider a nearby center if schedules conflict.





Table — Quick pre-test checklist (what to do before test day)

When

Task

2+ weeks before

Confirm test booking in ETS account; verify ID validity (expiry) matches test date.

7 days before

Registration closes for standard booking — confirm your slot.

48 hours before (Home)

Install TOEFL Test App; run equipment & room checks.

Night before

Prepare original ID, test confirmation email, and a light, restful routine.

Test day

Arrive early at center or start Home App early; follow proctor instructions.




FAQ — (includes the focus keyword)


Q1: What is the TOEFL registration process step by step — how long does it take to register?

A: The TOEFL registration process step by step takes about 20–45 minutes total (account creation, selecting test, date/slot, entering personal info, and payment). If you need to prepare ID scans or pay via a different method it may take longer. After payment you’ll get immediate confirmation in your ETS account and email. For official instructions and country-specific guidance see ETS’s registration pages.



Q2: What ID do I need to register for TOEFL?

A: You must use an acceptable primary ID (passport is universally accepted). The name on your ETS account and registration must exactly match the name on the ID. Check ETS’s country-specific ID rules before booking.



Q3: Can I change my test date after registration?

A: Yes — but rescheduling incur fees and are subject to availability. Fees and deadlines vary by country; check your ETS account to reschedule. Late rescheduling options and fees are published on the ETS fee page.



Q4: How do I book TOEFL at home and what are the equipment requirements?A: Choose the Home Edition at booking, then install the TOEFL Test App from the My TOEFL Home dashboard and run equipment checks (OS, webcam, microphone, Internet). ETS requires a private room and will scan your room before testing. Follow the Home Edition checklist on ETS.




Final pro tips (so you don’t lose time or money)

  • Book early: centers fill fast in peak months; Home Edition slots also fill — don’t wait for the last minute.

  • Keep your passport/ID renewal in mind: if your ID expires within 6 months of the test date, renew it before booking.

  • Use ETS official practice tests after booking to simulate the exact format you selected (Home Edition vs center).




CTA — official links & next steps

Ready to register now? Use these official ETS pages (bookmark them):

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