♟️ How to Get a FIDE ID (and Why It Matters for Chess Players)
If you’re passionate about chess and want to play in official FIDE-rated tournaments, getting your FIDE ID is the first step. But what exactly is it, how do you get one, and do you really need it to grow as a player?
Whether you’re a club regular or an online grinder dreaming of your first over-the-board (OTB) event, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
📇 What Is a FIDE ID?
A FIDE ID is a unique identification number issued by FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs), the global governing body of chess. It’s used to track your rating, tournament history, nationality, and titles (like CM, FM, IM, GM).
Once you have it, your profile will show up in the official FIDE rating list: https://ratings.fide.com
🎯 Why Do Chess Players Need a FIDE ID?
- To participate in FIDE-rated chess tournaments
- To receive and track your official international chess rating
- To qualify for FIDE titles
- To have your games appear in global databases like ChessBase or lichess.org
- To be recognized in the worldwide chess community
Even though not every chess player has one, having a FIDE ID opens doors to serious competition and long-term growth.
🇺🇸 Note: USA Chess Has Its Own ID Too
If you're in the United States, you'll also get a US Chess ID from the United States Chess Federation (USCF) when you join and play USCF-rated tournaments. This is separate from your FIDE ID. However, when you play your first FIDE-rated event in the U.S., you'll get a FIDE ID too—both can coexist and are used for different rating systems.
How to Get a FIDE ID — Step by Step
- HOW TO OBTAIN FIDE ID ⬇️
Step 1: Contact your national FIDE Rating Administrator. Every country has its own Rating Administrator responsible for these matters. Before participating in any FIDE-rated tournament, you will need this number.
If you don’t know who your national FIDE Rating Administrator is, ask the organizer of the tournament you plan to play in — they will connect you. Another option is to contact your national Chess Federation, and they will direct you accordingly.
Once contacted, the FIDE Rating Administrator usually needs less than 24 hours to assign your FIDE ID.
Where to look: National federation websites (like Serbian Chess Federation, Germany Chess Federation, USCF, etc.)
Local clubs and tournament organizers
Tournament platforms like chess-results.com Partnered online hubs like OutpostChess.com (for event listings and community)
- Register with accurate details
When signing up:
Use your full legal name, date of birth, and correct nationality If you’ve played before, check ratings.fide.com to avoid duplicate profiles The tournament organizer will handle the rest by forwarding your data to your national federation, who then requests your FIDE ID from FIDE.
- Wait for your FIDE ID to be created
It typically takes a day to appear online once your info is submitted. You can then track your progress by searching your name at ratings.fide.com.
🔐 Verified on Outpost Chess? You Might Already Be Closer
On Outpost Chess, many verified users already have FIDE IDs, while others are on their way. Being verified helps us build trusted chess profiles—especially for 1vs1 prize games, team battles, and community events. That’s a helpful detail: in that case, you can simply send your Outpost Chess profile, as all relevant information is already presented there. This will make it easier for the Rating Administrator to assign you a FIDE ID number.
➡️ Want to get verified? Here’s how to complete your Outpost profile and earn your verified badge.
👉 Ready to rise through the ranks? Join the Outpost community today and let your chess journey begin.
