1. Federal Student Aid Identification username and password – this is how students and parents will sign the FAFSA application. The FSA ID process replaced the PIN process in May, 2015.

2. Getting Started
Prior to completing the FAFSA, students and one of their parents should create their FSA ID. If parents and students are attending a workshop and one or the other is not present, that person cannot create the FSA ID for the absent party. In order to create the FSA ID, both parents and students will need separate, valid addresses. If a parent does not have an address, they must create an account first. They can do this for free at yahoo.com or gmail.com. The will be verified by FSA by sending a security code in an which will have to be entered on the FSA ID site.

3. Creating your FSA ID
Go to fafsa.gov and click on FSA ID at the top of the page or go to fsaid.ed.gov.

4. Creating your FSA ID
Enter your , confirm , create a Username and Password, verify you are older than 13 and click continue.

5. Creating your FSA ID
Enter your SSN, DOB, first name, middle initial, and last name. Click Continue.

6. Creating your FSA ID
Confirm your SSN and personal information is correct. Then complete your address, phone number, and language preference. Click continue.

7. Creating your FSA ID
Select your challenge questions. The answers must be unique. Write them down and keep them in a safe place!
You also have to select a significant date that you will remember. Write this down as well!
Click continue.

8. Creating your FSA ID
Review all of the information one last time, read the privacy policy statement and check that you certify the information is correct to the best of your knowledge.
Click continue.

9. Creating your FSA ID
An with a 6-digit security code will be sent to your address. Access the and then enter the code and click continue.

10. Creating your FSA ID Done!
It tells you it takes 1-3 days to verify your data with the Social Security Administration. Once it is verified, you can then complete your FAFSA.
Complete this process again for each student who will complete a FAFSA. Parents can use the same FSA ID for all of their students.

11. Helpful Hints Verify the email address with the secure code
Use different addresses
Clear cache between creating FSA IDs
The FSA ID can be used to complete, sign, and submit the FAFSA immediately
If you don’t link with a PIN, come back 1-3 days later to verify SSA match was completed. If no SSA match: edit your information or contact SSA, if needed
Use a supported browser
Add FSAID.ed.gov as a trusted domain (if you are hosting a FAFSA workshop, please make sure this domain is not blocked prior to the workshop)

12. If you already
had a PIN??
You can link your PIN to your new FSA ID. If you don’t know the PIN, you can click on “Forgot My PIN”.
The process then picks up at the challenge questions.

13. Federal Student Aid: 800-433-3243
studentaid.ed.gov
Also use the FSA ID to access studentloans.gov and nslds.ed.gov

14. Record your email and password if you just created it.
Record your FSA ID USERNAME and PASSWORD. (even if you think you will remember it)
File the FAFSA every year the student is enrolled in postsecondary school.

15. Student and Parent need to create a separate email
Student and Parent need to create a separate . Parent cannot create an FSA ID for the student.
-They must verify their address by entering the secure code FSA will provide. If they time out, they can request a new secure code.
-They can link their PIN to the new FSA ID. If they don't know their PIN there will be a Forgot My PIN link. If FSA ID is not linked with a PIN it's considered conditional until the information is verified with SSA. However you can use the FSA ID immediately to sign an original FAFSA Application only.
-When creating a User ID it must be at least 6 to 30 letters or numbers, it never expires. If User ID is already taken it will let the user know.
-When creating a password it must be at least 8 to 30 characters and must contain at least 3 of the four options listed: Numbers, Upper Case Letters, Lower Case Letters and/or Special Characters. Also the password can not contain their name, date of birth or SSN
-Password is only good for 18 months and must be updated
-There is help built into the application like the online FAFSA in the form of ? that must be clicked on for information
- For security purposes, they must set up 4 challenge questions, the first two they can pick for a list and the next two they can make up. Also they will be presented with a 5 challenge question where they will be asked to enter a significant date in their life to be able to access information over the phone. This may be difficult for a high school student create as they just may not have a significant date yet to record
-FSA ID can be used to sign FAFSA application and make corrections. Applications will also be given other signing options if they don't want to use the FSA ID to sign their FAFSA
-There is an option for applicants to retrieve their FSA ID if they forgot their user name and password.
-Applicants can call the toll free line FED-AID ( ) if they need help
- Entering incorrect information 3 times will lock the parent/student out