If you are 18 years old or older, you can take the GED without permission from an outside party. However, you must also be a resident of the state in which you wish to take the GED. You may not take the GED if you have graduated or are still attending high school. You must present a withdrawal document from your high school, as well as proof of age, when you go to take the GED. Certain states may have additional requirements.
If you are 17 years old, you can take the GED with written permission from a parent or guardian. Without parental permission, you must be married, in the military, homeless, declared an adult by the court, or have otherwise legally eliminated your relationship with your parent or guardian. You must also not be currently enrolled in school. You must also have identification to verify your identity, age and residency, as well as a withdrawal document from your school or written proof that you are not currently enrolled.
If you are 16 years old, you must fill out an age waiver form and have it authorized by a notary. School documents must be provided, along with written consent from a parent or guardian. An original letter, written on official letterhead stationary must also state that you are a member of official GED classes and that you are ready to take the test; this letter must be certified by the directory of ABE, or Adult Basic Education. This form also requires you to prove that you have a good reason for wanting to take the GED early. You must provide a letter from a college, university or vocational school, stating your reason for needing a GED. This same letter can alternatively be written by an employer, a military recruiting official, a juvenile probation officer, a community corrections officer, or any other public agency that can verify your reason for needing to take the GED at 16. This letter must describe your desire to further your education, or apply for a program, school, or financial aid. This letter must be written on official letterhead stationary. You must submit your age waiver application, along with this letter to your state GED office. If you are approved, you will be sent a letter, which you must show the GED examiner, before testing.