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Understanding the FSA ID

  

What is an FSA ID?

An FSA ID (Federal Student Aid ID) is a username and password that allows you to log in to the Federal Student Aid website without inputting personal information such as your social security when you log in.

How is the FSA ID used?

Your FSA ID confirms your identity when you access your financial aid information and electronically sign federal student aid documents.

How do I get an FSA ID?

The process of setting up the FSA ID takes about 15 minutes.  For the purposes of the FAFSA, the student submitting, and one parent (if the student is considered a dependent student) will be required to have an FSA ID.
You can create an FSA ID here: www.studentaid.gov 

Steps to Create an FSA ID

1. Go to www.studentaid.gov and click on "Create Account", then "Get Started"
2. Enter you demographic information (name, date of birth, social security number). This information needs to match your social security card. 
3. Create your username and password and enter your e-mail. TIP: students, don't use your high school email account. It may be deactivated when you graduate high school. 
4. Enter your home address and mobile phone. Select "Yes, I agree to use my mobile phone for account access."
5. Select to answer 4 challenge questions from the drop-down menu. Write the answers down and keep them in a safe location. 
6. Verify all the information. Click on "I agree to Federal Student Aid's Terms & Conditions".
7. Click on "Verify" to verify your mobile phone; do the same for the email. 

You can use your FSA ID to file and sign the FAFSA right away. Once the Social Security Administration verifies your identity within 1-3 days, you will be able to use your FSA ID to access all the features on www.studentaid.gov. For help, visit www.studentaid.gov/fsaid

What websites will utilize the FSA ID?

These websites will utilize the FSA ID as part of the login process:

• StudentAid.gov
• Agreement to Serve (ATS) - www.teach-ats.ed.gov

How to Recover an FSA ID

Do you already have an FSA ID and are having trouble accessing it. You can't just get a new one, you have to recover it. Watch this video from Federal Student Aid to learn the steps to recovering your ID.