Have your Social Security card (unless you already know your number), as you will need to enter this number accurately along with your driver's license number. Also have available your official alien registration or actual permanent resident card, if applicable.
Acquire your latest W-2 forms, any other records showing how much money you earned for the previous year and your latest federal income tax return. Print a copy of your current bank statements; any business or investment information; and stocks, bonds and investment income statements.
If you are considered a dependent student, obtain a copy of your parents' latest federal income tax return.
Access FAFSA via the Internet for an online application. Alternatively, if you'd prefer to mail a paper copy of the form, open the PDF FAFSA form on the FAFSA website and print out a copy to fill out. Contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center on the phone, 800-433-3243, or by email form found on the FAFSA website to receive a paper application by mail if you cannot print out the PDF FAFSA.
Write in black ink if you are completing a paper form. Use all capital letters and remain within the squares on the form.
Complete Steps 1-3 and Step 5 on the FAFSA form with your personal information. Fill in your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, Selective Service status (if male), any past convictions of drug dealing and your financial information. Reserve Step 4 for information regarding your parents, if applicable.
Submit the online application using an electronic signature and federal PIN provided by FAFSA. Alternatively, sign and date the application on Step 7, including your parents' signature if applicable. Mail pages 3-8 to Federal Student Aid Programs, P.O. Box 7002, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864-0072 if you are submitting your FAFSA via mail.
Look at the first page of the PDF FAFSA, the online application or the paper application you receive in the mail for the submission deadline, which varies depending on your home state or program. Submit the application before the deadline; the earlier you can submit it, the more funding you will have available. The funding is limited for grants, scholarships and work study, and it may decrease or run out completely if you submit too late.