In May the U.S. Department of Education (ED) rolled out a new electronic credential system called the “FSA ID.” Students (and parents of dependent students) will use a self-selected username and password instead of sensitive information as before to log in to ED websites and sign legally binding documents electronically such as their FAFSA or promissory note. This new system replaces the federal PIN used prior to May 2015.
If you used your PIN to sign your FAFSA earlier, don’t worry. To make corrections or complete your entrance counseling you will need to create an FSA ID, which should take less than 10 minutes. You can even link your old PIN to your new FSA ID, though this is not required.
Tip 1
At the top of the FAFSA homepage there is a button labeled “FSA ID.” Clicking here will direct you to the middle of a new webpage with information about the new system. If you scroll up on this page you will find the link “Create an FSA ID Now.”
Tip 2
Set up your FSA ID several days in advance of any state or federal deadlines. The ID can take a few days to process once you have applied.
Tip 3
If you forget your password, reset it using your email address if possible. If a user changes their password by answering the three security questions they will be locked out of the system for 30 minutes. Yikes! If you forget your username, however, you can retrieve it instantly by answering your security questions or entering your email address.