When you fill out the FAFSA, you need a personal identification number (PIN) to complete the form. Your PIN is unique to you and enables you to sign your completed FAFSA. You must apply for the PIN before you can complete the FAFSA.
As you wait to receive your FAFSA PIN, which could take a few minutes to a day, take a look at the FAFSA’s sections and the questions within each section. When you are familiar with the various sections of the financial aid form, you will feel more confident moving from section to section. This familiarity will also help you navigate to specific sections if necessary.
Gathering all the necessary documentation before you begin filling out the form can cut down on the time it takes to complete the form because you won’t have to stop every few minutes to find what you need. Have the following documents or information with you as you begin filling out the FAFSA: your Social Security number, your parents’ Social Security numbers (if you are a dependent student), your driver's license number if you have one, your Alien Registration number if you are not a U.S. citizen, federal tax information for yourself and your parents for the year you are applying for aid, records of untaxed income, savings and checking account balances, investments, and business and farm assets.
With all the necessary information at hand, log in to the FAFSA form and complete each section. If you are confused by a particular question, you can obtain question-specific help by selecting the help icon. This electronic form is built to guide you through each section, and it provides many explanations as you proceed. Once you have provided all requested answers, you will have the option to print out the form. Print out the form and check your answers. Doing so can eliminate problems later; if mistakes are identified, funds to pay for your education could be delayed.