Gather all required documents. Depending on your family situation, you will need your Social Security card, driver's license, bank or investment statements, tax information (if you are single), and tax returns for you and your spouse if you are married. If you are a dependent student, you will need your parents' personal demographic and tax information.
Request a paper copy of the FAFSA -- available in English and Spanish -- by calling 800-433-3243. You can also obtain the form from the financial aid office at a local college or library or online through the FAFSA website. Some people prefer to submit a hard copy of the form, while others prefer the convenience of filing the form electronically.
To apply online, go to the FAFSA's official website and click the "Start Here" tab.
Enter your personal identifying information into each designated field and click "Next" to progress to the next section of the application.
Follow the on-screen instructions carefully to create your account and complete the form. You will be required to enter your name, date of birth, phone number, street address and email address. You will also include your dependency or marital status, financial data, college code information (six-digit number) and your parents' demographic data.
Sign and submit the form. After signing the form electronically with a four-digit PIN, click "Submit My FAFSA Now." Your information will be sent to the U.S. Department of Education immediately. Otherwise, sign the hard copy FAFSA and mail it to the address listed on the form.