FAQs: Receiving and Using A PIN
- Can my parent and I share the same PIN?
- Do I need a PIN for Corrections on the Web?
- Do I need a PIN?
- How can my PIN e-mail or mailing address be updated?
- I don’t have a PIN. How do I get one?
- I forgot my PIN. What do I do?
Can my parents and I share the same PIN?
No. You and your parents cannot share the same PIN. You must each have your own PIN.
TIP: If you or your parents don’t have a PIN and would like to apply for one, select Apply For A PIN from the list of options on the left side of the PIN Home Page.
Do I need a PIN for Corrections on the Web?
Yes, you need a PIN to access Corrections on the Web. You can also use your PIN to sign your Corrections on the Web form.
TIP: If you change information about your parents, we must collect a signature from one of your parents. Your parent can sign electronically with his/her own PIN or submit a signature page.
Important Note: Keep in mind that if you just applied for your PIN, you must wait 1-3 before using it to access Corrections on the Web. This is because we must first verify your information with the Social Security Administration. Once we complete this verification, you will be able to use your PIN for all purposes, such as accessing and signing your corrections.
Do I need a PIN?
We encourage you to apply for a PIN. You are not required to have a PIN to complete a FAFSA, but it is the fastest way to have your FAFSA processed because it allows you to sign your application electronically. Your PIN also gives you access to your Federal Student Aid information on the Internet.
If you do not already have a PIN and would like to apply for one, select Apply For A PIN from the list of options on the left side of the PIN Home Page.
You will be able to select one of the following delivery methods:
- Instantly select or view your PIN online.
- Receive an e-mail with the PIN immediately.
- Request the PIN be mailed to you (approximately 7-10 days for delivery).
Important Note: A PIN that is selected or viewed instantly online or is sent to you in an instant e-mail is considered to be conditional until your information is verified with the Social Security Administration (1-3 days from the date you first apply). You may sign your FAFSA with it but nothing else. Once we complete this verification, you will be able to use your PIN for all purposes (such as correcting your SAR or accessing other Federal Student Aid Web sites).
How can my PIN e-mail or mailing address be updated?
It is important to keep your information up-to-date. To change your PIN mailing or e-mail address, select Update My Personal Information from the list on the left side of the PIN Home Page.
Important Note: You cannot update your PIN e-mail or mailing address using a PIN that is considered to be conditional. Your PIN is considered to be conditional until your information is verified with the Social Security Administration (1-3 days from the date you first apply). Once we complete this verification, you will be able to use your PIN for all purposes.
I don’t have a PIN. How do I get a one?
Have you submitted your FAFSA?
No.
- Select Apply For A PIN from the list of options on the left side of the PIN Home Page.
- Complete the PIN application and select the delivery method for receiving your PIN. You may receive your PIN instantly by selecting your own PIN, viewing your PIN online, or requesting a PIN e-mail. Or, you can request that your PIN be mailed to you.
Important Note: A PIN that is selected or viewed instantly online or is sent to you in an instant e-mail is considered to be conditional until your information is verified with the Social Security Administration (1-3 days from the date you first apply). You may sign your FAFSA with it but nothing else. Once we complete this verification, you will be able to use your PIN for all purposes.
Yes.
- If you did not apply for a PIN within the FAFSA, you will automatically be issued a PIN.
- A link to your PIN will be e-mailed to you if you provided an e-mail address on your FAFSA.
- If you did not provide your e-mail address, we will mail you your PIN via postal mail in approximately 7-10 business days after your FAFSA is processed.
I forgot my PIN. What do I do?
If you have lost or forgotten your PIN you need to request a duplicate. You can request a duplicate PIN by selecting Request A Duplicate PIN from the list on the left side of the PIN Home Page. You must provide your Challenge Answer in order to request a duplicate PIN.
Complete your request and select the delivery method for receiving your PIN. You may receive your PIN instantly by viewing it online or requesting a PIN e-mail. Or, you can request that your PIN be mailed to you.
