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    8 Steps

     

     

     

    1

    Create an account.

    An FSA ID is an account username and password you use on StudentAid.gov. If your child is a dependent student, two unique FSA IDs are necessary to complete the FAFSA form online:

    1. Parent’s/Contributor FSA ID
    2. Student’s FSA ID

    We recommend that you and your child create FSA IDs early so you don’t experience delays later in the process.

    IMPORTANT: Your child must create their own FSA ID. You cannot create an FSA ID for your child. Also, when you create an FSA ID, you’ll be asked to provide an email address and mobile phone number. This is optional but highly recommended. These two items must be unique to each account. In other words, your email address and mobile phone number cannot be associated with more than one FSA ID.

     

    How To Create your FSA ID

     

     

    2

    Start the FAFSA® form at StudentAid.gov

     

    3

    Fill out the “Student Demographics” section.

     

    4

    List the schools that will receive your FAFSA® information.

     

    5

    Answer the dependency status questions.

    In this section, you’ll respond to a series of specific questions to find out whether your child is a dependent or independent student. The answers to these questions will determine whether your child needs to provide your (parent) information on the FAFSA® form.

    • The U.S. Congress sets these dependency guidelines. They are different from those used by the IRS. 
    • Even if your child doesn’t live with you, supports themselves, and files taxes separately from you, we may still refer to them as a dependent student for federal student aid purposes. 
    • If your child is a dependent student, they will need to report information about you. If your child is an independent student, you can skip the questions about providing parent information (unless otherwise noted by the school). 

    6

    Fill out the “Parent Demographics” section.

    The “Parent Demographics” section is where you’ll provide your own demographic information. Are you divorced? Remarried? Below is a guide to help determine which parent’s information is necessary to include on your child’s FAFSA form. For specific guidance, review our “Reporting Parent Information” page. 

    7

    Provide your financial information.

     

    8

    Sign your child’s FAFSA form.