How to Create an FSA ID

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is a form completed by current and prospective college students in the United States to determine their eligibility for student financial aid. To do that, you are going to need to create an FSA ID.[1]

But first what is the FSA ID?

The FSA ID replaced the PIN as the way you log in to certain U.S. Department of Education (ED) websites, including fafsa.gov. It consists of a username and password and is basically the electronic equivalent of your signature. It’s easy to set up! [2]

In order to create a FSA ID, you’ll need this information:[3]

•          your Social Security number
•          your full and correct name
•          your date of birth

Video on How to Create an FSA ID:

 Before you get started here are some Good Tips about the FSA ID:[4]

•          Keep your FSA ID in a safe place and/or memorize it. It’s your legal signature. Keep it a secret.
•          One of your parents might need an FSA ID as well. If you’re considered a dependent student (link: https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/dependency) and need to provide information about your parents on the FAFSA, one of your parents will have to sign the application. He or she can sign electronically with his or her own FSA ID.
•          If you share an e-mail address with someone else, only one of you will be able to use that e-mail address to create an FSA ID. Each FSA ID can be associated with only one e-mail address.

For instance, if you’re a dependent student, and you and your mom share an e-mail address, one of you should get a new e-mail address before creating an FSA ID.

 Make your FSA ID early! 

Go to fafsa.gov to get started.

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[1], [2], [3], [4] HOMEROOM. The Official Blog of the US Department of Education, December 3, 2015

          https://blog.ed.gov/2015/12/fsa-id-your-first-step-to-getting-financial-aid-for-college/