Get your documents in order. The federal government requires certain information to be recorded before you fill out your FAFSA. According to the Department of Education, these documents include your Social Security number, your driver's license, your most recent W-2 tax forms, your (and, if married, your spouse's) most recent tax return, your parents' most recent tax return (if you are a dependent student, meaning under age 23 as of Jan. 1 the year you file, unmarried, an undergraduate, not on active military duty and not a military veteran), your most recent bank statement, your current business and investment mortgage information and, if you are not a U.S. citizen, your alien registration card. You do not have to mail these documents in or otherwise present them unless required to by your school.
Download the "FAFSA on the Web" worksheet, which will allow you to fill out key information such as names and dollar amounts before entering them into the online FAFSA form.
Create a personal identification number, or PIN. Your PIN functions as your electronic signature and is required to complete the online FAFSA form. You can create your PIN at the FAFSA website and use it immediately.
Fill out the online FAFSA. Once you have received your PIN, you are ready to start. Follow the on-screen prompts and have your documents nearby, as you will need to enter their information.