Verification is a review of selected FAFSA information. The school normally tells you which records it needs and the deadline. Being selected does not mean you are accused of doing anything wrong.
Who should use this procedure
Use this route when your FAFSA Submission Summary or a communication from a college, career school, or trade school says that your FAFSA information was selected for verification. Do not send documents merely because verification is possible; wait for instructions from the school handling your aid.
Before sending documents
- Confirm the school, student, and FAFSA award year shown in the request.
- Check the “Next Steps” tab of the FAFSA Submission Summary for verification or correction notices.
- Use the school’s official financial aid portal, website, phone number, or office to confirm that the request is genuine.
- Identify the exact deadline. Each school may set its own document deadline and secure submission method.
Steps
- Read the complete request and make a checklist of every item the school asks for.
- Gather only the records requested. Depending on the item being verified, a school may ask for tax or income records, household information, identity documents, or another supporting statement.
- Make sure names, dates, amounts, and the award year are readable and match the requested person.
- Submit through the secure channel specified by the school. If more than one school requests verification, follow each school’s separate process.
- Keep a copy of what you submitted and the confirmation, upload receipt, or delivery record.
- Check the portal and email for follow-up questions. Respond by the school’s deadline.
- Review any revised FAFSA Submission Summary and the school’s later aid offer for changes.
If the documents do not match the FAFSA form
Do not change an answer merely to make the records look consistent. Ask the school whether you should make an online FAFSA correction or whether the financial aid office will resolve the item through its verification process. A correction can change the Student Aid Index and estimated or offered aid.
What happens next
The school may complete verification, request additional information, or require a FAFSA correction. Federal Student Aid states that the school cannot finish processing the student’s financial aid until it receives the requested documentation.
Official sources
- Federal Student Aid — FAFSA Submission Summary and verification
- Federal Student Aid — Review and correct a FAFSA form
- Federal Student Aid — Steps after submitting FAFSA