Go to the NSLDS website to register and receive a PIN.
Enter a user name, the last four numbers in your social security number and other information requested.
Click on "Apply for a PIN" and the system will assign a PIN number that you can have sent directly. You'll be provided with the choice of an electronic message or regular mail. You will not be able to go into the database without your PIN.
Once you've received your PIN, return to the NSLDS site and click on "Financial Aid Review". A screen titled "Gathering Your Information" will come up, along with a Privacy Statement. Click "Agree" after reading the statement.
On the next screen, enter your PIN and Social Security number, along with the first two letters of your last name and date of birth to confirm your identity. You'll be taken to a "Financial Aid Review" screen that lists all of your loans, dates of loans, prior lender and outstanding principal and interest as reported to NSLDS.
Stafford lenders can be found by logging into "Loan Locator" from the "Students" section in the National Student Clearinghouse website.
Click on "Where are my student Loans?"
Enter your Social Security Number and date of birth as prompted.
Click on "Primary Loan Contacts" page. This will list out all of the organizations that have your Stafford loans.