How to Create FAFSA FSA ID
There is some work needed before you are able to log into the FAFSA and complete the financial aid form: the FSA ID. Let’s take a look at how you create a FAFSA FSA ID.
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FAFSA’s FSA ID
We take a closer look at what exactly the FSA ID is here. As a quick recap, here’s how the Department of Education defines the FAFSA’s FSA ID:
The FSA ID is a username and password combination you use to log in to U.S. Department of Education (ED) online systems. The FSA ID is your legal signature.
How to Use the FSA ID
The other important thing to note about the FSA ID is that it will be required for the student AND one of the parents. The FSA ID acts as your online signature. It is one of several ways to log into the FAFSA, and it is a requirement to sign and submit the form as well as to complete the IRS Data Retrieval process.
How to Create the FSA ID
You will visit this site to apply for an FSA ID. Again, this will be required of the student AND a parent, as you’ll need both FSA IDs to complete the FAFSA process. Make sure to have social security numbers, dates of birth, and an email and/or phone number for the student and parent in order to create the FSA ID.
FSA ID Tips & Advice
Here are some other important things to know about the FAFSA FSA ID:
While there’s not a wrong way to log in, know that you will ultimately need the FSA ID for the student AND a parent in order to sign the FAFSA. These act as your electronic signatures. While you will be able to start the FAFSA by logging in as the parent using the student’s personal information, you will not be able to submit the form without the FSA IDs for both the student and the parent.
Make sure that you are not signing in under the parent’s FSA ID. If the parent isn’t the student applying for aid, then this will be a waste of time, and you will ultimately need to submit your information under the student’s login information.
The FSA IDs need to be created using unique email addresses and/or phone number. This means the student and parent FSA ID can’t be created using the same email. Make sure you are using different email addresses and that you have access to each email address. It’s best to use a personal email address and not a high school or work email address that you may lose access to over time.
There is a lot to be gained from our free general financial aid advice, but it’s also a very individual process. If you have remaining financial aid questions, email us to discuss more or book an individual session.