Students and Parents should apply for a federal student aid PIN number. With your PIN, you can apply and "sign" your FAFSA online. Also you can make corrections to your application once it is filed and access your information online. If you are under 24 years old, it is likely you and one of your parents will each need a PIN. You can apply for a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PIN and what is it used for?
It's an electronic access code number that serves as your identifier. Your PIN helps you to:
- Apply online for federal student aid, using FAFSA on the Web.
- "Sign" your application electronically and complete the student aid process totally online. If you're a dependent student and your parents have a PIN, they can sign the application electronically, as well. Signing the application at the time you apply means you'll get your results faster.
- Make corrections to your FAFSA
- Access your Student Aid Report (SAR) and make corrections to it
- Access all your federal student aid records online, including federal loan information
Should I get a PIN if I am not applying online?
You are encouraged to apply online because the process is much faster and easier. But, even if you don't apply online, you can use a PIN later to correct your FAFSA information and access your federal student aid records quickly and easily.
How and when do I get a PIN?
Go to http://www.pin.ed.gov at any time, you don't have to wait until you apply for federal student aid. You can request your PIN before you complete your FAFSA on the Web application. If you're a dependent student your parents should request a PIN also, so you and your parent can electronically sign your FAFSA on the Web before it's submitted.
How will my PIN be sent to me?
When requesting a PIN, you'll need to provide your name, Social Security Number, date of birth, and mailing address, and submit your request. If you provide an e-mail address, you'll get an e-mail, that contains a link to your PIN through the Internet. If you don't provide an e-mail address, you'll get your PIN in 7-10 days through regular mail.
I lost my PIN. What should I do?
If you have lost or forgotten your PIN, you will need to request that it be sent to you again. If you think that someone else may know your PIN, or you believe your PIN may have been compromised when it was lost, a new PIN can be generated for you. Go to http://www.pin.ed.gov for instructions on replacing a lost PIN or to request a duplicate of your PIN.
