Where to find your ACT ID on documents you already have

Your ACT ID is a unique number assigned to you when you register for an ACT test. The fastest way to find it is to look at documents you received from ACT directly — your score report, registration confirmation, or test admission ticket all display it clearly.

If you took the ACT in high school, check your email for messages from ACT or your school's testing coordinator. The registration confirmation email typically arrives before test day and includes your ID in the subject line or body. Your school may also have printed a copy of your admission ticket, which lists the ID prominently at the top.

Score reports sent by mail or email show your ACT ID on the first page. If you have a printed report, it appears in the upper left corner. Digital score reports sent to your email account display it in the same location.

Key Takeaways

  • Your ACT ID appears on your admission ticket, registration confirmation email, and score report — check these documents first.
  • If you cannot locate printed documents, log into your ACT account online using your email and password to view your ID.
  • Your school's testing coordinator or guidance office may have a record of your ID if you took the test through your school.
  • ACT customer service can confirm your ID if you provide your name, date of birth, and the year you tested.

Retrieving your ID through your ACT online account

Go to act.org and select "Sign In" in the upper right corner. Enter the email address you used when you registered for the ACT and your password. If you do not remember your password, click "Forgot Password?" and follow the prompts to reset it using your email.

Once logged in, your dashboard displays your test history and scores. Your ACT ID appears next to each test you took. If you took the test multiple times, you will see a separate ID for each test date. Write down the ID for the test year you need.

If you cannot remember the email address you used to register, try the email addresses you used during high school or college. ACT allows you to search by name and date of birth if you do not have the exact email. Contact ACT customer service if you still cannot locate your account.

Asking your school or testing coordinator

Your high school's testing coordinator or guidance counselor keeps records of all students who took the ACT through the school. Call or visit your school's main office and ask to speak with the testing coordinator. Provide your full name and the year you tested.

Schools maintain rosters that include student ACT IDs, so the coordinator can look up your number in their records. This is especially useful if you took the test as a junior or senior and no longer have your admission ticket or score report. Many schools keep these records for several years after graduation.

If you attended multiple schools, contact the school where you actually took the test. If you took it at a testing center rather than through a school, that center may also have records, though they typically keep them for a shorter period.

Contacting ACT customer service directly

Call ACT customer service at 319-337-1270 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time). Have your full name, date of birth, and the year you took the test ready when you call. A representative can search their database and provide your ACT ID over the phone.

You can also submit a request through the ACT website. Go to act.org, scroll to the bottom of the page, and select "Contact Us." Choose the option for account or registration questions and describe what you need. Response times vary, but ACT typically replies within one to two business days.

Be prepared to answer security questions to confirm your identity. ACT will not release your ID to someone else without your permission, so you may need to verify your name, address, or other personal details.

What to do if you took the test through a college or testing center

If you took the ACT at a college testing center or a private testing location rather than through your high school, contact that center directly. Many colleges keep testing records on file and can look up your ID if you provide your name and the test date.

Private testing centers have shorter record retention periods — typically three to five years. If you took the test more than five years ago at a private center, that center may no longer have your information. In that case, your ACT online account or ACT customer service are your best options.

Understanding what your ACT ID is used for

Your ACT ID is the number ACT uses to track your scores, send score reports to colleges, and manage your account. It is different from your Social Security number and is used only within the ACT system. You may need your ACT ID when requesting official score reports, updating your contact information, or registering for a retake.

Colleges and universities do not typically ask for your ACT ID directly — they use your name and test date to match your scores. However, some scholarship programs or testing accommodations may require it. Keeping your ID in a safe place alongside your score report makes future requests faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my ACT ID the same as my student ID number?

No. Your ACT ID is assigned by ACT and appears only on ACT documents. Your student ID is assigned by your school or college and is used for that institution's records. They are separate numbers.

Can I find my ACT ID if I did not register online?

Yes. If you registered in person at your school or testing center, your admission ticket still contains your ACT ID. Check any printed materials you received on test day. If you do not have those, your school's testing coordinator has a copy in their records.

What if I took the ACT more than 10 years ago?

ACT maintains historical records indefinitely in their system. Log into your online account or contact ACT customer service with your name and date of birth. They can locate your ID even if the test was many years ago.

Do I need my ACT ID to send scores to colleges?

No. When you request score reports, ACT uses your name and the test date to identify which scores to send. You do not need to provide your ACT ID, though having it can speed up the process if there are multiple tests on record.