What is a FAFSA PIN & Why Do I Need One?
A Federal Student Aid Personal Identification Number (PIN) enables you to access your federal financial aid information online.
Your PIN which serves as your electronic signature can be used each year to electronically apply for federal student aid and to renew your FAFSA online, if you apply last year.
With a PIN are are able to:
- review your federal student aid records online
- electronically sign the FAFSA
- make corrections to your FAFSA information
- check the status of your FAFSA and
- view an electronic copy of your Student Aid Report (SAR)
How to Apply for a FAFSA PIN?
To obtain a PIN, go to the U.S. Department of Education’s PIN website at pin.ed.gov. If you are a dependent student, both you and your parent require PINs.
It takes approximately 1-3 days to get a PIN, if you have a valid and current e-mail address. You will receive an email with a link to retrieve your PIN. If you do not have an e-mail address, your PIN will be sent via regular postal mail. It takes about 7-10 days to receive it by mail.
Be sure to keep your PIN in a safe place and do not share it with anyone. This number does not change. Each year that you apply for financial aid, you can use your PIN to access and electronically sign your FAFSA.
If you forget your PIN, you can request a duplicate PIN at pin.ed.gov. You will need to enter your Social Security number, the first two letters of your last name, and your birthday.