How to Get a FIDE ID: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re taking your chess journey seriously, getting a FIDE ID is an important milestone. 

A FIDE ID is your unique identification number issued by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) – the global governing body of chess to registered chess players. Whether you’re playing in local rated tournaments or aiming for international recognition, this ID marks your entry into the world of rated competitive chess. 

This ID is essential for participating in official FIDE-rated tournaments, tracking your Elo rating, and being recognized in the global chess community.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: what a FIDE ID is, why you need one, and exactly how to get it.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to obtain a FIDE ID, whether you’re a new player or registering through a national federation.

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How to Get a FIDE ID

There are three main ways to obtain a FIDE ID:

 1. Play in a FIDE-Rated Tournament
The easiest way to get a FIDE ID is by participating in an official FIDE-rated tournament. The tournament organizer will register you with FIDE, and you’ll automatically receive an ID.
 Steps:
Find a FIDE-rated tournament (check FIDE’s official calendar or your national chess federation’s website).
Register for the tournament (some events require pre-registration).
Provide necessary details (full name, date of birth, nationality, gender).
Play the tournament – after the event, the organizer submits results to FIDE.
Receive your FIDE ID (usually within a few weeks; you can check FIDE’s rating database).

 2. Register through Your National Chess Federation
Some national chess federations allow players to pre-register for a FIDE ID before playing in a rated event.
Steps:
Contact your national chess federation (e.g., US Chess, AICF for India, English Chess Federation).
Submit required documents (ID proof, birth certificate, passport-style photo).
Pay any applicable fees (some federations charge a small registration fee).
Receive your FIDE ID (usually within a few weeks).

 3. Request through a FIDE-Affiliated Club or Organizer
If you’re part of a chess club or academy affiliated with FIDE, they can help you register.
Steps:

• Join a FIDE-affiliated chess club (check with local organizers).
• Provide your details to the club secretary or tournament organizer.
• They will register you in the next FIDE-rated event.
• Your FIDE ID will be generated after the tournament.

 What is a FIDE ID?
A FIDE ID is a unique code (e.g., 12345678) assigned to chess players registered with FIDE. It includes:

• Player’s name (as per FIDE records)
• Country affiliation
• Birth year
• Gender
• FIDE Rating (if applicable)

Your FIDE ID remains the same throughout your chess career.
A FIDE ID is a unique number assigned to a chess player once they have played in a FIDE-rated tournament. It becomes your permanent identifier in the FIDE rating system, tracking your:

• Elo rating (in classical, rapid, and blitz formats),
• National federation,
• Titles (if any),
• Performance history in rated events.
• Once issued, your FIDE ID remains with you for life, regardless of changes in country, federation, or playing strength.

Why Do You Need a FIDE ID?
Here are some of the reasons players obtain a FIDE ID:

• To play in official FIDE-rated events (state, national, or international level).
• To receive an official Elo rating.
• To track your progress through tournaments and see your performance over time.
• To become eligible for FIDE titles like CM (Candidate Master), FM (FIDE Master), etc.

Who Issues the FIDE ID?

FIDE IDs are not issued directly by FIDE to individual players. They are issued by your national chess federation when you play your first FIDE-rated tournament. For example:
USA – US Chess Federation (USCF)
UK – English Chess Federation (ECF)
Germany – Deutscher Schachbund (DSB)
China – The Chinese Chess Association (CCA)
India – All India Chess Federation (AICF)
Ukraine – The Ukrainian Chess Federation
France – French Chess Federation (FFE)

How Do You Get a FIDE ID?
Step-by-Step Process:

1. Find and Register for a FIDE-Rated Tournament
To get a FIDE ID, you must participate in a FIDE-rated chess tournament. These are usually organized by local chess clubs or chess bodies under the supervision of your national federation.
Check your local federation’s website or contact your local chess club for upcoming FIDE-rated events.
Make sure the tournament is FIDE-rated (not all local tournaments are).
When you register, you’ll be asked for basic information like full name, date of birth, nationality, and contact details.
Tip: Beginners can also participate in open tournaments where unrated players are welcome.

2. Play in the Tournament
During the tournament:
Play all your rounds as per schedule.
Ensure you follow the FIDE Laws of Chess.
Your games will be submitted by the organizer for rating purposes.

3. The Organizer Submits Results to FIDE
After the tournament ends:
The tournament organizer will submit the final results to your national federation, who then uploads the data to FIDE’s database.
If you don’t already have a FIDE ID, one will be automatically created for you based on your federation and submitted information.
This process typically takes a few weeks.

4. Find Your FIDE ID Online or How to Check Your FIDE ID
Once your FIDE ID is created, you can look it up on the official FIDE rating site:
FIDE Ratings Database
Search by your name, country, or tournament.
You’ll see your FIDE ID, federation, title (if any), and rating data.
Once registered, you can find your FIDE ID by:
Visiting FIDE Ratings Database
Your FIDE ID will appear next to your profile.
Alternatively, ask your tournament organizer or national federation for confirmation.
Once your first rated tournament is submitted, it usually takes 1–3 weeks for your FIDE ID to appear in the database.

Do I need to pay for a FIDE ID?
No, you don’t pay for the ID itself. However, there may be entry fees for the tournament and, in some countries, a registration fee with your national chess federation.

Can I apply directly for a FIDE ID without playing a tournament?
Generally, no. FIDE IDs are issued only when you play in a FIDE-rated event. However, some federations allow pre-registration if you’re planning to play soon.

What if I already played but don’t see my FIDE ID?
Contact the tournament organizer or your national federation.
Double-check the spelling of your name in the FIDE database.

Getting a FIDE ID is more than just a number – it’s your passport to serious chess. Whether you aim to be a club champion or a grandmaster, this is the first official step in your competitive journey.
If you’re eager to get started, check out your local chess federation and register for your first rated event today. The chess world is waiting!

FIDE is the backbone of international chess, organizing top events, maintaining rules, and promoting the game globally. While it has faced challenges, it remains essential for the chess community.

Whether you’re a casual player or an aspiring grandmaster, understanding FIDE helps you appreciate the organization behind the world’s greatest mind sport.