Do I need to be a U.S. citizen in order to take the GED?

If you live in the United States and you’re thinking about getting your GED, but you’re not a U.S. citizen, you might be wondering:
Can I still take the exam? Am I eligible even if I don’t have a green card or legal status?

The short answer is: Yes, you can take the GED even if you are not a U.S. citizen, but there are some important details to consider depending on the state where you live.

Let’s break it down step by step.

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You Do Not Need to Be a U.S. Citizen

Citizenship is not required to take the GED exam in most states.
You can take the GED if you meet the basic eligibility criteria, even if you:

• Are a permanent resident (green card holder)
• Have a visa, work permit, or refugee/asylum status
• Have no legal status, but live in the U.S.
• Use an ITIN instead of a Social Security number

However, you must meet the general GED requirements that apply to everyone:

• Be at least 16 years old (some states require you to be 18 unless you have special permission)
• Not be enrolled in high school
• Not already have a high school diploma

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You Do Need Valid Identification

Even if you’re not a citizen, you must show valid ID when registering and on the day of the exam.
The ID must:

• Be government-issued
• Include your full name, photo, signature, and date of birth
• Be current and not expired

Acceptable forms of ID often include:

• Foreign passport
• Consular ID card (like matrícula consular)
• U.S. state ID or driver’s license (if you have one)
• U.S. work permit (EAD)

Always double-check with the GED testing center or the official GED website to make sure your ID is acceptable in your state.

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Some States May Have Additional Rules

GED policies are managed state by state, so while most allow non-citizens to take the exam, a few states might have specific residency or documentation requirements.

Before you schedule your test, go to GED.com, create an account, and enter your location. The system will show you what’s required in your area, including:

• Minimum age
• Residency requirements
• Language options (English or Spanish)
• Online testing availability

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Can I Take the GED in Spanish?

Yes.
The GED is offered in both English and Spanish in most states. When you register, you can choose your preferred language for each test subject.

This is especially helpful for people who are more comfortable taking the exam in their native language.

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What Happens After I Pass the GED?

Once you pass all four parts of the GED, you receive a state-issued high school equivalency diploma.
This document is valid across the United States and can be used to:

• Apply for jobs
• Enroll in college or vocational programs
• Apply for financial aid (if you are eligible based on your immigration status)
• Strengthen immigration applications in some cases

Even if you’re not a citizen, your GED is still valid and recognized.

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Conclusion

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to take the GED.
As long as you meet the basic requirements and have a valid form of ID, you can register and start your journey toward earning your high school equivalency diploma.

If you’re ready to take the next step, visit GED.com and create your free account.

And if you need help preparing, highschoolequivalent.com offers free resources in Spanish, classes by subject, and step-by-step guidance designed for adults like you.

Your future doesn’t depend on where you were born — it depends on what you decide to do today.