Top 3 FSA ID Tips

1. You will need your FSA ID every year that you will need to utilize financial aid.  Keep this information stored somewhere so that you can access it each year.

2. When a student creates their FSA ID, they should be using their own personal e-mail address - not a high school assigned email address, as these are oftentimes deactivated after the student graduates from high school.  Do not use a parent's email (personal or work) as this can also lead to issues/confusion in the future.

3. The FAFSA is the student's application and should be completed by the student.  We find that typically less mistakes are made when parents and students complete the FAFSA, physically together.  Make sure that when accessing the student's FAFSA application, you are logged in with the student's FSA ID, and not the parent FSA ID.  

If you have any issues with your FSA ID, you must contact Federal Student Aid directly.  GVSU does not have access to troubleshoot any login issues.  Click here to find answers to common issues, and contact Federal Student Aid directly.


What is an FSA ID?

An FSA ID is comprised of a username and password and can be used to login to certain Federal Student Aid websites, such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).  Every student will need their own FSA ID. If you are a parent of a GVSU student and need to electronically sign your child’s FAFSA, you need your own FSA ID. If you have more than one child attending college, you can use the same FSA ID to sign their applications.

The security of your FSA ID is important. Your FSA ID can be used to electronically sign Federal Student Aid documents, access your personal records, and make binding legal obligations.

Click here for more information on the FSA ID.

How do I apply for an FSA ID?

If you do not already have an FSA ID and would like to apply for one, select the Create an FSA ID tab on the FSA ID log-in page.

The FSA ID Application Process consists of 3 steps:

Step 1: Enter Login Information

  • You will create a unique username, password and respond to "Are you 13 year of age or older?". Keep a note of your username and password so you can reference it when you need to use it in the future.

Step 2: Enter Personal Information

  • Provide your Social Security number, name, and date of birth.
  • (Optional) Include your mailing address, e-mail address and language preference.
  • Provide five challenge questions and answers. This adds an extra level of security to your FSA ID. If you forget your username or password, you can retrieve your username or reset your password by providing answers to your challenge questions. Make sure to jot down your answers for these questions in case you need them in the future.

Step 3: Submit Your FSA ID Application

  • Agree not to share your FSA ID with anyone. The security of your FSA ID is important because it can be used to electronically sign Federal Student Aid documents, access your personal records, and make binding legal obligations.
  • You must then verify your email address.  If you provided your phone number, you will also be required to verify that.

Once Federal Student Aid completes verification of the provided demographic information (takes about 1-3 days), you will be able to use your FSA ID to access your personal information on Federal Student Aid websites.



Page last modified March 14, 2023