Common Questions about the FSA ID

If you're applying for financial aid, specifically if you're submitting the FAFSA, you'll need an FSA ID. The FSA ID is simply a username and password that allows you access to the Federal Student Aid system, and it's a big deal because you can't access the online FAFSA without one. You can create an FSA ID here. On a recent FAFSA webinar, we received several questions about the FSA ID, and we've included the answers to several of them below.

Who needs an FSA ID?

Every student submitting the FAFSA needs an FSA ID. And then any parent reporting information on that FAFSA also needs an FSA ID. There's one exception: if parents filed a joint tax return, only one parent needs an FSA ID (as that parent can complete the full parent section on the FAFSA). Our chart provides a visual explanation.

When do I apply for an FSA ID?

You will need to apply for an FSA ID at least a few days before you plan to start your FAFSA. The FSA ID never expires, so we recommend that everyone get an FSA ID who knows they will need one anytime soon.

What are the steps I'll need to take to set up my FSA ID?

To set up an FSA ID, you'll need to provide some personal information including your name, date of birth, Social Security number, email address, and phone number. You'll decide on a username and password. And then you'll set up some challenge questions and answers in case you can't log in and need to verify your identity. We have a recorded webinar that walks you through the steps to creating your FSA ID if you'd like a visual demonstration.

For those without an SSN, can they create their FSA ID now or do they need to wait until the new FAFSA Is launched?

The process for creating an FSA ID for those without an SSN will be available once the FAFSA launches.

Does a legal guardian need an FSA ID too?

No. If the student is in legal guardianship, the student will qualify as an independent student, and will therefore only need to provide student information on the FAFSA (no parent or legal guardian information) so only the student will need an FSA ID.

My daughter and I already have FSA IDs from last year. Do we need new ones?

No, if you already have an FSA ID, you don't need to get a new one, even though the FAFSA is changing.

Do my child and I need separate FSA IDs?

Yes, each person who contributes information on the FAFSA will need their own FSA ID.

I'm divorced and the student's father will not be on the FAFSA. Does he need an FSA ID?

No, if you are divorced from the student's father, and you will report information on the FAFSA, the student's father does not need to provide information on the FAFSA, and therefore does not need an FSA ID.

I have three children in college. Can I use the same FSA ID for every FAFSA?

Yes, even if you as the parent are serving as a contributor on FAFSAs for three children, you only need one FSA ID that you will use on all three FAFSAs. And actually, once you complete the parent section on one FAFSA, if you're asked to be a contributor on subsequent FAFSAs, your information will be copied on each additional FAFSA. Keep in mind that each of your children will need their own FSA ID.

If my wife and I file jointly with the IRS, it is still recommended that we both create FSA IDs?

If you and your wife file jointly, there is no need for you both to create an FSA ID. Only one of you needs to create an FSA ID and complete the FAFSA.

I'm remarried, so there is a step-parent. We have never filed taxes together.  Does he also need an FSA ID?

Yes, if you are married and do not file taxes with your spouse, both you and your spouse will need an FSA ID to complete your respective sections of the FAFSA. If you do file jointly in the future, then only one of you will then need an FSA ID and to complete the FAFSA at that point.

If parents are married and filing jointly, and only one parent has an FSA ID, does the student still invite each parent to contribute to the FAFSA, or just the one with the FSA ID?

If the parents are married and filing jointly, only one parent needs to be invited to do the FAFSA (the one with the FSA ID)

My daughter has an FSA ID, but she just graduated college this year. Is it okay to use this FSA ID for my son who is applying to college next year? 

No, your son will need his own FSA ID. The FSA ID is tied to each person's identifying information, including name, SSN, and date of birth.

I have an FSA ID but if I can't recall it, is there a way to recover the info?

Yes, if you can't remember your FSA ID, go to the FSA ID log-in page and click on Forgot My Username.

I created my FSA ID a few days ago. How do I know when it's been verified?

Use your FSA ID to log in to Federal Student Aid. You will see it marked as verified if your identity has been confirmed and it's been cleared to use.

If you have any further questions about FSA IDs, please reach out to us at (800) 449-MEFA (6332) or collegeplanning@mefa.org.

Watch the How to Create Your FSA ID webinar