How to Prepare

You and your spouse or parent contributors, if required, will need a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID). You can request one NOW and ensure it’s verified long before it is needed to file the FAFSA in December!

If you previously obtained and verified an FSA ID for yourself or as a student or parent, you should ensure you remember your FSA ID password or reset it, if needed. If you have never completed or contributed information on the FAFSA, you will need to create an FSA ID account. FSA IDs must be created 2 to 3 days before attempting to complete the FAFSA. In order to create your FSA ID, you will need the following:

• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Date of Birth
• Your own, individual email address

No two individuals can request an FSA ID using the same email account or phone number. Students and the identified contributor (see Who Fills Out the FAFSA) must have individual FSA IDs. Married students or parents who filed 2023 taxes jointly, will only need one parent to provide information and consent for the transfer of IRS information. Married students, who filed 2023 taxes separately, will need both the student and spouse to obtain an FSA ID and provide demographic information and consent to financial information being transferred, in order for the student to be considered for 2025-2026 federal, state, and some portions of institutional financial aid. Parents who filed 2023 taxes separately will BOTH need to apply for an FSA ID and provide information and consent. For questions, reach out to our office at any time!