Short answer: you register for the ACT online. Create a free MyACT account at my.act.org, pick a test date and test center, upload a recent photo, and pay. The ACT costs $70 for English, math and reading. Science adds $5 and writing adds $25, according to ACT.
How to register for the ACT, step by step
- Make a MyACT account. Go to my.act.org and create your free account.
- Choose a test date and a test center. Use the deadline table below to plan.
- Pick your add-ons. Decide if you want the science test, the writing test, both or neither.
- Upload a photo. Use a recent, clear photo of your face. ACT prints it on your admission ticket.
- Pay the fee. You need a credit card or another payment method. If you have a fee waiver, enter it here.
- Get your ticket. Your photo appears on it, and staff use it to check who you are on test day.
How much does the ACT cost?
These are ACT's current US prices, checked on October 31, 2026. Each base fee includes score reports for you, your high school and up to four colleges.
| Option | Fee |
|---|---|
| The ACT (English, math, reading) | $70 |
| ACT + science | $75 |
| ACT + writing | $95 |
| ACT + science + writing | $100 |
| Late registration | $42 |
| Standby testing | $75 |
| Change fee (date or center) | $49 |
| Each additional score report | $20 |
ACT says registration fees are generally not refunded if you miss the test. Students who test outside the US pay different fees, so check ACT's international site if that is you.
Can you get the ACT for free?
Yes, if you qualify for a fee waiver. ACT bases eligibility on where you live and your household income. A waiver covers the regular registration fee plus the science and writing add-ons, and you can use up to two waivers. Your school counselor can tell you if you qualify.
ACT registration deadlines for 2026-27
| Test date | Regular deadline | Late deadline |
|---|---|---|
| December 12, 2026 | November 6 | November 29 |
| February 27, 2027 | January 22 | February 9 |
| April 10, 2027 | March 5 | March 23 |
| June 12, 2027 | May 7 | May 25 |
| July 10, 2027 | June 4 | June 22 |
ACT offers the test seven times a year in the US. The September 19 and October 17, 2026 dates have already passed. Register by the regular deadline and you skip the $42 late fee. The photo upload deadline is five days before each test. ACT releases scores about 2 to 4 weeks after test day.
See which question types are costing you points
Start with a free mock, free drills, or preview sample questions before using all 47 question banks.
Should you add science or writing?
Your ACT Composite now comes from English, math and reading only. Science no longer counts toward it, and writing never did. Add them only if a college on your list asks for them. Check each school's admissions page before you choose. Not sure the ACT is the right test at all? Compare it with the SAT in our ACT vs SAT guide.
Registered? Start practicing.
Take a free practice test to see where you stand before test day.
Related ACT guides
- ACT Exam Strategy: Resource Hub
- What Is a Good ACT Score?
- How Long Is the ACT?
- How to Study for the ACT: Free Week-by-Week Plan
Sources
- ACT, Register for the ACT (accessed October 31, 2026).
- ACT, ACT Fees (accessed October 31, 2026).
- ACT, ACT National Test Dates 2026-2027 (accessed October 31, 2026).
- ACT, ACT Fee Waiver (accessed October 31, 2026).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register for the ACT?
Create a free MyACT account at my.act.org. Then choose a test date and test center, pick any add-ons, upload a recent photo for your admission ticket, and pay the fee. If you have a fee waiver, you enter it during checkout. ACT uses your photo to check your identity on test day.
How much does the ACT cost in 2026-27?
The ACT costs $70 for English, math and reading. Adding science makes it $75, adding writing makes it $95, and adding both makes it $100. The fee includes score reports for you, your high school and up to four colleges. Each extra report costs $20.
What is the ACT late registration fee?
ACT charges $42 for late registration. You avoid it by registering before the regular deadline. For the December 12, 2026 test, the regular deadline is November 6 and the late deadline is November 29. For February 27, 2027, the deadlines are January 22 and February 9.
Can I take the ACT for free?
Yes, if you qualify for an ACT fee waiver. ACT bases eligibility on where you live and your household income. A waiver covers the registration fee plus the science and writing add-ons, and each student can use up to two waivers. Your school counselor can tell you if you qualify.
Can I change my ACT test date?
Yes. ACT charges a $49 change fee to switch your test date or test center. If you make the change during the late registration period, the $42 late fee applies too. ACT generally does not refund registration fees if you miss the test, so change your date before test day if you can.