Bring the original, valid photo ID you registered with, and in practice that means your passport: many centres require it (AF Delhi has since January 2026), and it is the safest choice everywhere. Also bring your convocation (exam notice) if the centre sent one. Your name must match your registration exactly, and phones, notes and smart watches stay outside the room.
Key takeaways
- Bring the same original ID you registered with. A passport is the safest choice.
- Some centres accept only a passport, like AF Delhi since January 2026.
- Photocopies, phone photos and expired IDs are usually refused.
- Your name must match the registration exactly.
- Bring your convocation if you got one, and arrive early for the ID check.
On this page
Bring your original, valid passport and your convocation. Some centres accept other government photo ID, but the rules differ, and several insist on a passport. A passport is accepted everywhere, so unless your centre tells you otherwise in writing, use it for both registration and exam day.
Which ID is accepted?
#| Centre | ID asked for |
|---|---|
| AF Delhi (TCF Canada) | Passport, at registration and on exam day (since January 2026) |
| AF Toronto (TCF Canada) | Valid photo ID showing date of birth: passport, driver’s licence or national ID card |
| AF Vancouver | Asks you to have your passport number ready when booking |
| Most other centres | The ID you registered with, usually a passport; check the convocation |
Does your name have to match exactly?
#Yes. The name on your registration must match the ID you show, and the same name ends up on your attestation. That attestation later goes into your Express Entry profile, so a mismatch can cause trouble twice.
- Copy your name from the passport, in the same order, with all given names.
- One-name passports: follow the centre’s instructions for the surname field, and ask them if unsure.
- Changed your name? Register under the name on the ID you’ll bring, and keep proof of the change for IRCC.
- Spotted a typo after booking? Email the centre straight away, not on exam day.
What should you bring on the day?
#What is not allowed in the exam room?
#Phones, smart watches, earbuds, notes, dictionaries and bags are normally collected or left in a locker. Some centres also ban food and drinks in the room. Having a phone on you during the test can get your result cancelled.
Bring your passport. AF Delhi requires it at registration and on exam day, and other Indian centres generally register candidates by passport. See the India booking guide for centre details.
Many Canadian centres accept any valid government photo ID with date of birth, such as a passport or driver’s licence. Bring whichever one you entered at registration. A passport avoids any doubt.
Rules vary by country. Follow your convocation, and if it says nothing, bring your passport. See taking the test abroad.
- Myth
A photo of my passport on my phone is enough.
FactCentres check the original document. Copies and photos are usually refused.
- Myth
Any ID will do, as long as it has my photo.
FactCentres ask for specific documents, and some accept only a passport. Bring the one you registered with.
- Myth
If I’m late for the ID check, they’ll let me start later.
FactLate arrivals can be refused, usually without a refund. Aim for 30–45 minutes early.
Check yourself
1 of 3.What ID does AF Delhi require since January 2026?
2 of 3.Your passport says "Harpreet Kaur Sandhu". What name should you register under?
3 of 3.Where does your phone go during the exam?
For what happens after the ID check (sections, breaks and the speaking test), read exam day: what to expect.
Questions people ask
Your original, valid photo ID (a passport is safest and some centres require it) and your convocation if the centre sent one. Check your centre’s instructions.
At many centres, yes, and it is always accepted. Some Canadian centres also accept a driver’s licence or national ID. Bring the ID you registered with.
Don’t rely on it. AF Delhi requires a passport, and Indian centres generally register candidates by passport. Ask your centre before paying if you have no passport.
Contact the centre as soon as you notice, before exam day. The name must match your ID, and it will appear on the attestation you give IRCC.
Usually not. Centres ask for valid ID. If your passport is expiring, renew it or ask the centre which document it will accept.
Terms in this guide
Each one is defined in plain English in the TEF & TCF Canada glossary.
Sources
- Alliance Française de Delhi: TCF Canada schedule 2026
- Alliance Française de Toronto: TCF Canada information
- Alliance Française Vancouver: TCF Canada
Rules and fees change. Always confirm with IRCC and your test centre before you pay.
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