In the adrenaline-filled moments leading up to a Red Hat Certification exam, we know you want to focus and maybe get in a little last-minute preparation. Our goal is to make the onboarding process as calm and seamless as possible so you can focus entirely on what matters most: demonstrating your skills.We have evolved our identity verification process to make your exam day smoother while enhancing the overall security of the experience. By moving the verification step to before your exam day, we’re removing the stress of fumbling with ID cards in front of a webcam. With your identity confirmed in our system in advance, you can enjoy a much calmer and more focused onboarding experience.What’s changing and why?Starting on May 4, 2026, we are moving to a pre-verification process. By validating your government-issued ID in advance, we can provide you with a fast pass on exam day. To confirm the security and readiness of your seat, you must now complete this verification process before you can access the exam scheduler.The best part? Once your ID is approved in our system, you no longer need to present your physical ID card to the proctor during your exam session. We’ve heard your feedback, and we’re happy to eliminate that extra step—and get that extra item off your desk.Your path to verificationYou have 2 easy ways to get verified. We recommend doing this as soon as you are ready to pick your exam date to enjoy a worry-free countdown to test day.AI ID verification (instant review): This is our fastest option to verify your ID in minutes.Manual verification: Prefer a human touch? If you’d rather have our team review your ID personally, we’re happy to help. Processing typically takes up to 4 business days.This change is all about giving you back those precious minutes of focus on exam day. Log in to our portal today to get verified, and then get back to mastering your craft.Happy studying!Frequently asked questionsWhere do I need to upload my ID?You can complete your verification directly within the Red Hat Certification Portal. Once you log in, look for the ID Verification tab or follow the prompts on your dashboard. The interface will guide you through taking a quick selfie and a clear photo of your ID to submit for review.What if I forget to upload my ID before the exam?This isn’t something you need to worry about under the new process. The system now requires an approved ID before you can schedule, so there’s nothing to forget on the day of your test. If you are looking to book a seat quickly, try the AI verification—it often clears in just a few minutes, letting you get right to the scheduler.What should I do if my ID is not accepted?Don't worry! If the AI doesn't recognize your document, it’s usually just a matter of lighting or a name mismatch between your ID and your Red Hat profile. Here are a few things to try:Check that your name on redhat.com matches the name on your ID exactly.Retake the photo in bright, natural light without a flash to avoid glare.If you’re still having trouble, submit your ID for manual verification right away. Our team will help get you across the finish line.Do I still need my physical ID on my desk?Not anymore! As of May 4, 2026, once you are approved in the portal, your physical ID card can stay safely in your wallet. Your digital verification is all the proctor needs to confirm that you’re you.Which IDs are accepted by Red Hat?Red Hat requires valid, current, government-issued photo identification. The most universally accepted document is a passport. Other acceptable forms typically include:Government-issued driver's licenseNational identity cardState- or province-issued ID cardThe ID must be an original physical document, not a photocopy or digital version, for the upload process, and the name on the ID must match the name on your Red Hat account exactly.A special note for candidates in India: you must provide an original passport, PAN card, driver’s license, or Aadhaar card. No other forms of ID—including letters, paper forms, laminated copies, downloaded documents, digital/electronic formats, or photocopies—are accepted. Make sure that you are uploading a high-quality photo of the original physical document to avoid delays.For more information and frequently asked questions, please visit us here.