How to Create a StudentAid.Gov Account (FSA ID)

In this article

• What information will I need to create my StudentAid.gov account?
• Creating a StudentAid.gov account and completing the FAFSA as an undocumented contributor
• How to create a StudentAid.gov account
• What’s next after creating my StudentAid.gov account?

Before completing the FAFSA, you’ll first need to create a StudentAid.gov account (also known as an FSA ID). It’s used to confirm your identity when accessing federal financial aid information and to sign your FAFSA electronically when you submit it. You are required to create a StudentAid.gov account to access, sign, and complete the FAFSA. Dependent students (students who live with their parent(s)/stepparent(s) and rely on them for financial support) will have contributors to their FAFSA. Contributors will need to create their own StudentAid.gov accounts to complete their portion of the FAFSA.

In this article, we’ll show you how to create a StudentAid.gov account!

(Lee este artículo en español aquí!)

What information will I need to create my StudentAid.gov account?

• Username and email address. Create a username that is unique and that you can easily remember. The email address you provide should be different from your contributors’ email addresses. Phone numbers cannot be used as login credentials. 
• Address and phone number. Parents and students can list the same phone number for multi-factor authentication across multiple accounts (up to five). 
• Social Security number. Contributors without an SSN can still create an account.
• Challenge questions. If you ever forget your login information and don’t have access to your mobile number or email, you will be asked a question to confirm your identity. During setup, you get to choose a question and answer it. Later, if you need to gain access to your account, your challenge question will be shown to you, and the answer you provide must match the answer you submitted when you created your account. Be sure to write down the questions and answers you select.

Creating a StudentAid.gov account and completing the FAFSA as an undocumented contributor

Parent(s) without an SSN can still make an account and contribute to a student’s FAFSA. Just have them select the “I don’t have a Social Security number.” box on the account creation page.

It’s important to understand that at this time, personal data submitted through the FAFSA—including a contributor’s citizenship status—may or MAY NOT be protected by the U.S. Department of Education. While contributing to a student’s FAFSA as an undocumented parent generally should not affect their eligibility to receive federal financial aid, other potential risks that undocumented contributors may face are currently unknown. Before completing the FAFSA, we advise you to talk to your family to make an informed decision that works best for you.

How to create a StudentAid.gov account

1. Go to studentaid.gov

2. Click “Create Account” at the top right of the home page

You will need to create your own account separate from your contributors. After you create yours, they will need to create theirs.

When you go to create an account, you’ll be asked to verify your email address. FSA’s system will check to see if you already have an account or if you need to make a new one. 

3. Enter your personal information

Provide your name and Social Security number exactly as they appear on your Social Security card.

4. Make sure all your information is correct and press submit

If there’s an error with any of your personal information, it will cause issues after you submit your FAFSA, so be sure to verify that it’s all correct.

What’s next after creating my StudentAid.gov account?

Once you and your contributors have created your accounts, your accounts will be authenticated and you can start completing the FAFSA! 

Do you have any questions or need some support with creating your FSA ID? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

Keep going