Exciting update for future college students and families! The upcoming FAFSA for the 2024-2025 school year brings a significant change in December: individuals without a Social Security Number (SSN) will be able to create an FSA ID for the first time. An FSA ID is necessary; it allows you to log in and complete the FAFSA form online. So, whether you're a student from the Freely Associated States, an undocumented parent, or a parent who lives outside the U.S., this applies to you.
While you'll need to wait until the FAFSA's official release to create your FSA ID if you don’t have a SSN, understanding the steps now will ensure you're ready to go in December. Our guide is here to walk you through it step by step. Keep in mind that while the main steps should stay the same, some details might be tweaked before the form officially goes live.
The Account Creation Process
Let's dive into the detailed process of account creation to ensure you're ready when the application period begins.
Step 1: Personal Information
When the FAFSA opens in December, go to the StudentAid.gov homepage and select “Create Account.” Fill out your personal information, including your name and date of birth. When you reach the SSN field, you can check the box indicating that you don't have a SSN if you belong to one of these groups:
I am a parent or spouse of a student who is applying for aid, and I do not have an SSN.
I am a citizen of the Freely Associated States and need to complete the FAFSA form online.
Step 2: Account Information
For the next step, choose a username and password, and provide an email address, which will be a mandatory requirement as of December. Each email must be unique to one user.
Step 3: Contact Information
A mailing address is mandatory for individuals without a SSN, as it is used to verify identity, so be sure to enter it accurately. If you have a non-U.S. mobile phone number or do not have one, you can leave the mobile phone field blank.
Step 4: Communication Preferences
Choose your preferred communication method to stay informed about your application's status and updates.
Step 5: Challenge Questions
Select and answer your challenge questions. These will help you recover your account in case you forget your username or password.
Step 6: Confirm & Verify
Carefully review your provided information and agree to the terms and conditions before proceeding.
Step 7: Enable Two-Step Verification
An additional layer of security, two-step verification, is mandatory.
Step 8: Identify Verification
For those without a SSN, you'll need to answer four knowledge-based questions to verify your identity. These multiple-choice questions are generated by TransUnion, one of the major credit bureaus. They are created based on the personal information you provided earlier. It's important to note that this doesn't involve a credit check— whether you have a credit history or not, it won't affect this step.
The following questions are examples of the type of questions that are asked. The actual questions will differ depending on the individual.
Which of the following is the street name of your most recent previous address?
Which of these phone numbers have you ever used previously?
Which of the following is a current or previous employer?
If your identity is verified successfully, you'll receive immediate confirmation. Your account is ready for use, and you can start filling out the FAFSA form immediately!
If your identity isn't verified instantly, don't worry—there's a straightforward process to resolve this. Simply reach out to the (FSAIC) at 1-800-433-3243. Their team will guide you with clear instructions, and assistance will be available in various languages.
You’ll be required to provide some documents to establish your identity:
A completed Attestation Form. The form will be available on StudentAid.gov.
Proof of Identity:
ONE of the following forms of ID
Your driver's license.
A state or city identification card.
A foreign passport.
OR
A utility bill + ONE of the following forms of ID:
A municipal identification card.
A community ID.
A consular identification card.
Once you've submitted your documents, the Federal Student Aid office will send an email confirmation of your identity verification within one to three days, so you can proceed with the FAFSA application without delay.
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Creating an FSA ID without a Social Security Number is possible and straightforward. With the FAFSA opening in December, now is the perfect time to get ready. If you need help or more details, resources are available at StudentAid.gov. We wish you the best of luck with the FAFSA application!
We wish you the best of luck as you engage in this process!
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