SAT Registration: How to Sign Up (2026)

Step-by-step sign-up, test fees, deadlines, and fee waivers.

Registering for the SAT is done entirely online through your College Board account. This guide walks through every step, what it costs, when the deadlines fall, and how to register for free if you qualify for a fee waiver.

How to Register for the SAT: Step by Step

1. Create or sign in to your College Board account. Go to the College Board website and sign up with your name, birth date, and email, or log in if you already have an account from the PSAT
2. Choose your test date and test center. Pick from the available national test dates and search for a test center by ZIP code. Popular centers fill up, so register early to get one close to home
3. Upload a photo. You must add a clear, recent photo that meets College Board requirements. It prints on your admission ticket and is checked at the test center
4. Pay the fee. Pay the registration fee by card, or apply a fee waiver if you have one (covered below)
5. Save your admission ticket. Once registered, download or print your admission ticket. You will need it, along with a valid photo ID, on test day

SAT Registration Fees (2026)

The base SAT fee is the same for every student in the United States. Optional services and changes cost extra:

For most US students, the all-in cost is the $68 base fee. Testing internationally adds a $43 surcharge for a total of $111. Late registration adds $38 on top of whatever you would otherwise pay.

SAT Registration Deadlines

Each SAT date has a regular registration deadline about two weeks beforehand. After that, late registration stays open for only a few more days, until roughly a week and a half before the test, but it adds the $38 late fee.

• Register early to lock in your preferred test center and avoid the late fee. Centers near you can fill before the deadline
• Late registration is still possible up to roughly a week and a half before test day, subject to seat availability and the extra fee
• Check the calendar for the specific cutoff for your date. See our guide to SAT test dates for the full schedule, and when to take the SAT to plan which date fits your timeline

SAT Fee Waivers

If the cost is a barrier, you may qualify for a fee waiver. SAT fee waivers are available to eligible low-income juniors and seniors in US high schools, and they cover far more than just the test fee:

• Free SAT registration, including the late fee if you register late
• Waived fees for sending your scores to colleges
• College application fee waivers at many schools

You do not request a fee waiver from College Board directly. Ask your school counselor, who confirms your eligibility and provides the waiver code to use during registration.

What You Need to Register

• A College Board account
• A clear, recent photo that meets the photo requirements
• A payment method, or a fee waiver code from your counselor
• Your high school information and graduation year

How to Change or Cancel Your Registration

Plans change, and the SAT gives you some flexibility. You can change your test center through your College Board account for a $34 fee. To move to a different test date, cancel your current registration and re-register for the new date before its deadline. If you need to cancel, you can request a partial refund of the registration fee within the allowed window. There is also no limit on how many times you can take the SAT, so a change of plans is rarely a problem.

Frequently Asked Questions About SAT Registration

How much does it cost to register for the SAT?

The SAT costs $68 to register in the United States. Testing internationally adds a $43 fee for a total of $111, and late registration adds $38. Eligible students can register for free with a fee waiver.

When is the SAT registration deadline?

The regular deadline is about two weeks before each test date, with a late window open until roughly a week and a half before for an extra $38. Check the exact date for your test on the SAT test dates calendar.

Can I register for the SAT late?

Yes. Late registration is usually available until about a week and a half before the test, as long as seats remain, but it adds a $38 late fee on top of the base cost.

How do I get an SAT fee waiver?

Fee waivers go to eligible low-income juniors and seniors. You get one through your high school counselor, who verifies your eligibility and gives you a code to use when you register.

Can I change my SAT test date after registering?

You can change your test center in your College Board account for a $34 fee. To switch to a different test date, cancel your current registration and re-register for the new date before its deadline.

Do I need a photo to register for the SAT?

Yes. A clear, recent photo that meets College Board requirements is required during registration. It appears on your admission ticket and is checked against your photo ID at the test center.