GED requirements: age, residency and ID in each state

Age in every GED state

The table gives, for each of the 49 jurisdictions that use the GED, the age at which you can test with no conditions, the youngest age allowed with paperwork, and the residency rule. Iowa and Maine use only the HiSET and are not listed. Missouri and West Virginia set the under-age conditions case by case rather than at a fixed age.

What 16 and 17 year olds are asked for

Under the standard age, every state asks for proof that school is behind you, and the details vary a lot. Texas lets a 17 year old test with parental permission, Texas residency and a photo ID, provided they are not enrolled in school and have not graduated. California opens the test at 17 only after at least 60 consecutive days out of school and a request letter from the military, a college or a prospective employer. Florida asks 16 and 17 year olds for a formal declaration of intent to leave school and a notarized Underage Testing Form. Ohio wants the withdrawal form signed by the school administrator and a consent form notarized by a parent, guardian or court official. Georgia sends underage testers to a state-approved adult education program with at least 40 hours of class and a readiness score. New York asks anyone aged 16 to 18 for an Age Eligibility form, and approval can take a week once received.

Residency and ID

The ID must be valid, government issued and carry your photo. Where residency is required, the address on that ID can prove it; otherwise a second document does. New York accepts a passport or out-of-state license with a utility bill, lease or tax record dated at least 30 days before the test. California warns that without proof of residency you cannot test and lose the fee. If you move during testing, the rules of the new state apply, and the credential comes from the state where you pass your last subject.

Online testing adds conditions

To take a subject online you need a green GED Ready score, 145 or more, earned within 60 days before booking that subject, which costs $7.99 a subject. You also need a computer with a webcam, a reliable connection and a quiet room where nobody else is present. Under 18, a parent or guardian must be at check-in to consent, or the session is cancelled. California notes that a military ID is not accepted online. The online testing page gives the online price in each state.

What is not required

None of the state pages we read requires a prep class or a GED Ready score to test at a center, for adults. Texas and New York say so plainly while recommending preparation. Nor is there a rule to take the subjects in a set order or on separate days: Texas and New York both allow all four in one day at a center, if its hours allow it, with one appointment per subject.

Before you book

Open your state on the GED test page to see its price and rules together, then use the cost calculator. The state policy page on ged.com remains the reference, and it can change between our readings.