Gather the documents you will need to fill out the FAFSA, including your social security number and driver's license (if you have one). You will need any paperwork concerning income earned for the most recent tax year, including the most recent Federal Income Tax Return for you, your spouse (if applicable) and your parents (if you are listed as a dependent). Also collect documentation of any other income, such as child support or worker's compensation, your most recent bank statements and any business, mortgage or investment information. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need proof of residency.
Go the to FAFSA homepage on your computer (fafsa.ed.gov).
Click "FAFSA on the Web Worksheet" under the "Before Beginning a FAFSA" heading.
Click on the link for the color or black and white PDF of the "FAFSA on the Web Worksheet." After the worksheet opens in a different window, print the worksheet.
Fill out the worksheet. Once completed, this worksheet will ensure you have all of the necessary information to fill out the application on-line.
Return to the FAFSA homepage (fafsa.ed.gov).
Click "Fill Out Your FAFSA" under the "Filling Out a FAFSA" heading.
Choose the appropriate FAFSA school year for which you are applying.
Type the information requested into the "FAFSA on the Web Application," referring to your worksheet as necessary. Click "Next" after you have completed each page.
Enter your PIN number, or click "Apply for a PIN" on the "Sign & Submit" page at the end of your application if you wish to sign electronically. Otherwise, you can choose to print the signature page to mail in or submit without signatures. You will then receive a page to sign later.
Enter the information requested on the "Apply For a PIN" page if you are signing electronically. You will need to create a user name and PIN as well as a secret question to prove your identity later on. Make sure to choose a PIN that you can easily remember.
Enter your PIN on the "Sign & Submit" page to sign your application.
Click "Agree" under the box marked "Read Before Proceeding."
Click "Submit my FAFSA Now" to complete and submit your application.
Check the status of your application. Go to the FAFSA homepage and click on "Check Status of Submitted FAFSA or Print Signature Page" under the "FAFSA Follow-up" heading. You should wait at least one week before expecting information on your application status if you submit electronically and two to three weeks if you mailed in your application. You will need your PIN to check the status of your application on-line.