How to get extra or replacement IELTS TRFs
IELTS issues a limited number of Test Report Forms. Learn how to request extra TRFs for institutions, what to do if yours is lost, and typical processing time.
You receive a limited number of Test Report Forms — usually one personal copy. To send results to more institutions, request additional TRFs through the test centre that administered your test; it posts them directly to each organisation. A few are often free, then an administration fee applies. Processing typically takes a few business days.
IELTS issues you only a limited number of Test Report Forms, so at some point many candidates need more copies sent to institutions — or find their own copy has gone missing. Both are routine requests, and both are handled by the test centre that ran your exam rather than by IELTS globally. This guide covers how to ask, how long it takes, and why a lost form is rarely the problem it first seems.
How to request an additional or replacement TRF
The exact form varies by centre, but the shape of the request is the same everywhere.
Find your test centre
Identify the centre that administered your test — British Council, IDP or a co-owned centre. That centre, not IELTS globally, handles every copy request.
Check you are still in date
Confirm your result is within its validity window (commonly around two years). Additional TRFs are usually only issued while the result is still valid.
List the receiving organisations
Gather the exact name and postal address of each university, college or authority the copy should go to — the centre posts directly to them, so an accurate address matters.
Complete the additional TRF request
Ask the centre for its additional TRF request form or online request, and state how many copies you need and where each should be sent.
Settle any administration fee
A number of copies may be free; beyond that an administration fee is retained per copy. Pay it as the centre directs — the amount is set locally, so confirm it with them.
Allow for processing and postage
Give the centre a few business days to prepare the copies, plus delivery time to each address. Request early if an application deadline is approaching.
The copies you get, and the ones you request
When your results are released you receive a limited number of Test Report Forms — for most test takers a single personal copy, though the number can vary by country and test route. This is the document you keep. Extra copies are not something you print yourself; they are requested from, and issued by, the centre that ran your test.
The copies that go to universities, colleges or immigration authorities are additional Test Report Forms, often shortened to ATRFs. Rather than being handed back to you, they are posted by the test centre directly to each receiving organisation you nominate. A number of these are commonly provided at no charge, after which an administration fee is retained per copy — the current figure is set locally by your test centre, so check it there rather than assuming a fixed amount.
If your TRF is lost or damaged
Losing your personal copy is less of a setback than it sounds, because the paper form is rarely the only way your score reaches an organisation. Most test centres will not simply re-print the personal TRF you were originally issued; instead the established route is to send an additional TRF straight to the institution or authority that needs it, exactly as you would for any organisation on your list.
Many recognising organisations now confirm results electronically through the official verification service rather than handling paper at all, which means a lost copy often does not need replacing in the first place. Policy on re-issuing a candidate's own copy varies by centre and country, so if you specifically need a personal replacement, ask the test centre that administered your test what it can do.
Requests go through your test centre — and the clock is running
Every extra or replacement TRF is handled by the test centre that administered your test, whether that was a British Council, IDP or co-owned centre. It is the centre — not IELTS globally, and not the receiving university — that holds your record, takes the request, retains any fee and posts the copies. Contact that centre directly to begin.
Two timing facts matter. First, results are valid for a limited period — commonly around two years — and additional TRFs are generally only issued while your result is still within that window, so request copies before it closes. Second, processing is not instant: allow a few business days for the centre to prepare the copies, plus postage time to reach each organisation, which can be longer for overseas addresses. Requesting early, and supplying accurate institution addresses, avoids the most common delays.
Three ways your result can reach an organisation
You rarely need to replace a lost form — most organisations can either receive a fresh copy or verify your score directly.
| Route | What it is | Who receives it |
|---|---|---|
| Your personal TRF | The limited number of copies (often one) issued to you when results are released | You — keep it safe |
| Additional TRF (ATRF) | Extra copies requested through your test centre | Posted directly to each institution or authority you nominate |
| Electronic verification | The official online service organisations use to confirm scores | The receiving organisation — no paper copy required |
The test centre that administered your test handles additional and replacement copies, generally only while your result is within its validity window. Fees and the number of free copies are set by the centre — confirm both on the official source before requesting.
Common questions
Can I get a replacement if I lose my IELTS TRF?
Most test centres will not re-print the personal copy you were issued, but you rarely need them to. The usual route is to have an additional TRF sent directly to the organisation that needs it, or to let that organisation verify your score electronically. If you specifically need a personal replacement, ask the centre that administered your test what it allows.
How many Test Report Forms do I receive?
Most test takers receive a single personal copy when results are released, though the number can vary by country and test route. Extra copies for institutions are requested separately as additional TRFs and posted by the test centre directly to each organisation, not back to you.
How do I send extra IELTS TRFs to universities?
Request additional TRFs through the test centre that administered your test, giving the exact name and postal address of each university. The centre posts the copies directly to those organisations rather than to you. A number are often free, after which an administration fee applies per copy.
How long does an additional TRF request take?
Expect a few business days for the centre to prepare the copies, plus postage time to reach each organisation — longer for overseas addresses. Processing times vary by centre, so request well before any application deadline and confirm the current turnaround with your centre.
Is there a deadline for requesting extra TRFs?
In effect, yes. IELTS results are valid for a limited period — commonly around two years — and additional TRFs are generally only issued while your result is still within that window. Request any copies you may need before your result's validity expires.
Can a university check my IELTS score without a paper TRF?
Often, yes. Many recognising organisations confirm results through the official online verification service rather than handling paper, which is why a lost personal copy frequently does not need replacing. Whether an organisation uses it is up to them — some still ask for an additional TRF to be posted.
Official sources
Confirm the current figures — fees, dates and exact policies — on the official sites, which set them.
Prepare for the test itself — full timed mocks in the real computer-delivered interface.
Start a mock testReviewed 10 September 2026. Procedures follow the official IELTS partners; always confirm current fees and dates on the sources above.