What is the Federal Student Aid PIN?

The Federal Student Aid PIN serves as your identifier to let you access your personal information in various Federal Student Aid systems. It's like the personal identification number that you get from your bank that enables you to access your account.

Your Federal Student Aid PIN can be used each year to electronically sign federal student aid documents and to access your records online at the following Federal Student Aid Web sites:

• FAFSA on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You can sign your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), make corrections, or view your data.
• National Student Loan Data System at www.nslds.ed.gov. You can view your federal student aid history.
• Direct Loan Servicing at www.dl.ed.gov. You can complete your Direct Loan Entrance and Exit Counseling, E-sign your Direct Loan master promissory note, and get up-to-date account information about your loans. You can also make payments or change your billing options.
• Direct Loan Consolidation at www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov. You can consolidate your loans and track the processing status of your loan consolidation application.

You will need a valid Social Security Number and you must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen in order to receive a Federal Student Aid PIN. To apply for a PIN, go to www.pin.ed.gov and select Apply For A PIN. You may select one of the following PIN delivery methods:

1. Instantly select or view your PIN online.
2. Receive an e-mail with the PIN immediately.
3. Request the PIN be mailed to you (approximately 7-10 days for delivery).

FAFSA4caster Tip:
If information about your parent(s) will be included on your FAFSA, they should apply for a PIN too. And remember that your PIN stays the same, so you and your parents do not need to apply for a new PIN each year.

FAFSA4caster Tip:
Because you can use your PIN to sign your financial aid documents, you should keep it in a safe place. Do not share your PIN with anyone, even if that person or organization is helping you fill out your FAFSA. If you lose or forget your PIN, or if you think someone else knows your PIN, you should request a new one.