Starting in 2024-25, every contributor to the FAFSA must have an FSA ID to complete their portion of the FAFSA. Contributors will go through multi-factor verification, like a push text to their phone or email to their inbox, every time they log in.
Why is every contributor now required to have an FSA ID?
The new FAFSA is an identity-based application, meaning that each contributor’s identity must be verified to process the application and for the student to be eligible for Federal Student Aid. When a contributor legally agrees to share Federal Tax Information (FTI), the IRS must know that the person giving that permission is who they say they are. This is true even if the contributor has no FTI to be shared.
How does a contributor create an FSA ID?
A contributor must have a Social Security Number (SSN) and a unique email address. The process takes a few minutes; however, the match with the Social Security Administration can take 3-5 days. For more information, see How to Create your FSA ID.
What if a contributor doesn’t have a Social Security Number?
The Department of Education is currently setting up an alternate way for a contributor without an SSN to verify their identity and create an FSA ID. This will be through TransUnion using their “knowledge-based” identity verifying process. Current timing on the availability of this alternative method for creating an FSA ID is October 2023.
Does a contributor have to wait until the 2024-25 FAFSA is released to create their FSA ID?
No. If a contributor has an SSN, they can proactively create their FSA ID today.
If a contributor already has an FSA ID, can they still use this for the new FAFSA?
Yes. The FSA ID is a unique, life-long identifier for an individual for any engagement or interaction with Federal Student Aid.
What if a contributor can’t create an FSA ID or doesn’t want to be identified?
There will still be the option to complete a paper FAFSA. However, this paper FAFSA still requires both consent for the IRS to share Federal Tax Information (FTI) and signature to complete the application. The Department of Education will make an effort to go through the identity-verifying process once the paper FAFSA is received.