A student, parent, parent’s spouse, or student’s spouse who is identified as a contributor must use their own account. Do not create an account for another person or share usernames, passwords, verification codes, or backup codes.
Confirm who needs an account
The FAFSA form determines which contributors must provide information. Being a contributor does not make a parent or spouse responsible for paying the student’s education costs. Each identified contributor must access the form with an account that belongs only to that person.
Enter identity information exactly
Use the person’s legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number when applicable. Information for people with an SSN is matched with Social Security Administration records. A mismatch can delay full account access, so compare the information with official records before submitting.
Contributors without an SSN can create an account
A parent, parent’s spouse, or student’s spouse who does not have an SSN can still create a StudentAid.gov account and complete and sign the required FAFSA section. A student without an SSN generally creates an account only when the student is a citizen of the Freely Associated States. Follow the current identity-verification prompts rather than entering a false SSN.
Use a unique email address and phone number
An email address and phone number generally can be associated with only one account. Use contact information the account owner controls. Set up two-step verification and save the backup code somewhere secure and separate from the password.
Wait for verification messages when required
Some identity checks complete immediately and others may remain pending. The account may have limited functionality while information is being verified. Follow the notice shown in the account and do not create a duplicate account because verification is delayed.
Accept the invitation that matches the account
The student must invite each contributor using identifying information that matches the contributor’s account. If an invitation does not appear, compare the name, date of birth, address, and SSN status rather than starting another account.
Recover an existing account instead of replacing it
A person may have only one StudentAid.gov account. Use the official username, password, or account-recovery process if access is lost. Creating a second account can cause identity and signature problems.