Step-by-Step: Creating Your StudentAid.gov account
The new FAFSA won’t be ready until December 2023, but experts say there is something you can and should do right now: Set up your Federal Student Aid Identification Number, better known as an FSA ID.
IMPORTANT: A student and at least one parent need to create separate FSA IDs. (This is new for the 2024-25 academic year).
Go to: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch
Create a unique username and password that you will remember. Keep it somewhere safe.
You will need information as it appears on your social security card. Use your full name (no nicknames). Here is other information you’ll need:
Include your full middle name and suffix (Jr., Sr., II, III or so on).
Date of birth
Your social security number or your Individual Taxpayer Number (ITIN)
Mailing address
Permanent email address (Don’t use your school email address),
Phone number that you will be using for your account.
4. Choose and answer security questions. Choose questions that are facts, not opinions.
5. Follow the prompts to enable two-step verification, linking your email address or cell phone to your new FSA ID. It is best to set up both.
6. Record your one-time backup security code. This can be used to access your account.
7. Make sure everything you’ve entered is correct. When ready, hit submit!
8. The process takes about three days to verify your identity and match it with social security. You will receive an email notification.
What if I don’t have a social security number?
Option 1: The person creating an FSA ID will have the option to check off a box when creating their account indicating they don’t have a Social Security number. They will then be asked multiple-choice questions based on information about you from public records. Examples may ask about previous addresses or the make/model of cars registered to your name:
"What street address did you live on five years ago?"
"What color Honda Civic was registered to you in New York state in 2016?"
REMINDERS:
Both the student AND a parent have to create separate FSA IDs.
Save your login information in a safe place.
Type slowly to avoid mistakes.
