Before You Apply

1. Create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID

An FSA ID is a username and password that you must use to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education (ED) websites, such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Students need an FSA ID to electronically sign the FAFSA form and to fill out a renewal FAFSA form.

Dependent students also need to have one of their legal parents obtain an FSA ID in order to sign the FAFSA form.

Important: You will use this same FSA ID year after year. Store it in a safe location.

2. Gather Your Records

Before completing your online FAFSA, gather the following records and information.  You also need records of your parent(s) information if you are a dependent student.

Take advantage of the IRS Tax Referral System transferring your tax information directly into the FAFSA.

• Your (and your spouse's, if you are married) prior year's Federal Income Tax Form (IRS Form 1040, 1040NR, or 1040NR-EZ, foreign tax return)
• Your parent’s Federal Income Tax Return (if you are considered dependent)
• Your prior year’s untaxed income records (if applicable) – worker's compensation, disability, etc.
• Your current year’s bank statements
• Your current year’s business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond, and other investment records, if applicable
• Your alien registration card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)

3. Fill out the FAFSA

You are required to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA each year, even if you are a returning student that has received financial aid in the past.

• You may choose to print and complete a FAFSA on the Web Worksheet which tells you what documents (for example, your tax forms) you'll need to refer to as you fill out the FAFSA, and it shows you the FAFSA questions so you can fill in your answers in preparation for applying. The Worksheet is an optional tool; you can go straight to the FAFSA Web site to apply if you prefer.