FAFSA PIN for the FAFSA application

The FAFSA PIN is a four digit number that serves as your electronic signature on your FAFSA application and provides access to your personal information in various U.S. Department of Education systems. Your PIN can be used each year to electronically apply for federal student aid and to access your Federal Student Aid records online.

You must have a PIN number to sign your financial aid application electronically or make online corrections. If you are a dependent student, you and your parents must obtain separate PINs.

If you receive a PIN, you agree not to share it with anyone. Your PIN serves as your electronic signature and provides access to your personal records, so you should never give your PIN to anyone, including commercial services that offer to help you complete your FAFSA. Be sure to keep your PIN in a safe place.

If you already have a Federal Student Aid PIN, but have lost or forgotten it, you can request a duplicate by selecting Request A Duplicate PIN from the PIN web site.

If you believe your PIN has been compromised, you can request a different PIN by selecting Change My PIN from the PIN web site.

Obtaining a FAFSA PIN

Visit the Federal Student Aid PIN website at http://www.pin.ed.gov/ for any of the following PIN-related online options:

• Apply for a PIN for the first time or request a duplicate PIN
• Check the status of a PIN application
• Update your PIN e-mail and mailing address
• Request that your PIN be changed if it has been compromised
• Update your personal information and profile with the Department of Education
• Re-establish/Disable your PIN
• Activate your PIN

Start Your FAFSA - Financial Aid Application Form

Important FAFSA PIN considerations

You should never give your PIN to anyone, including commercial services that offer to help you complete your FAFSA. Be sure to keep your PIN in a safe place.

FAFSA PIN numbers are optional if you file the paper FAFSA. The online FAFSA application requires the use of the PIN. For ease of use and to ensure fewer errors, we recommend filing your FAFSA application online instead of by paper.

The FAFSA PIN is also the same PIN you will use for systems like the Department of Education's National Student Loan Database System, which will tell you the status and standing of all your federal student loans. Save your PIN and keep it safe!