When do I have to activate my PIN?

Before you can use your PIN, you must activate it. To activate the PIN:

• Select a challenge question and answer. This adds an extra level of security to your PIN. If you forget your PIN at some point, you can request a duplicate by providing the answer to your challenge question.
• Agree not to share your PIN with anyone. The security of your PIN is important because it can be used to electronically sign Federal Student Aid documents, access your personal records, and make binding legal obligations.

When you use the PIN site to apply for your PIN online, we prompt you to choose a Challenge Question and Answer, and agree to the terms and conditions of having a PIN. This activates the PIN.

If you don´t use the PIN site to apply for your PIN [for example, you apply for a PIN by submitting a FAFSA4caster or a paper Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)] you receive your PIN electronically if you provide a valid e-mail address. If you do not provide a valid e-mail address, we send you a PIN through regular postal mail.

• If you receive the PIN e-mail, click on the link to our secure PIN delivery Web site and enter the information that is required to activate your PIN online.
• If you receive your PIN through regular postal mail, you must activate it online. Select Activate My PIN from the list on the left side of the PIN Home Page.