Your Complete SAT Registration Timeline for 2026 The SAT registration timeline is straightforward: College Board publishes official test dates with regular and late registration deadlines, and every deadline expires at 11:59 p.m. ET. Your first move right now is to sign in or create a College Board account and search for open test centers near you. Seats fill faster than most families expect, so acting early is the single most reliable way to secure your preferred date and location. Here is what to do immediately: Create or sign in to your College Board account at collegeboard.org Search test-center availability for your target dates before they fill Pick a primary date and a backup date that work around your school calendar and AP exams Upload a compliant photo during registration (College Board’s photo requirements are specific; check them before you submit) Pro Tip: Skipping late registration is not just about saving money. Popular test centers near major metro areas routinely fill before the regular deadline, meaning late registration may leave you with no local seat at all. Key Takeaways Registering early, running a diagnostic, and aligning your test date with college applicat