FAQs: Signing a FAFSA on the Web Application
- Can I sign electronically and have my parent sign on paper?
- How do I choose which application to sign?
- What is the most efficient option for electronically signing a FAFSA?
- How do I sign my Corrections on the Web?
- I am a dependent student. Does my parent have to sign for every correction I make using Corrections on the Web?
- I submitted my corrections but did not print a signature page. What should I do?
Can I sign electronically and have my parent sign on paper?
Yes. Both signatures are valid.
How do I choose which application to sign?
If you have submitted a FAFSA and you want to sign it electronically, you must select the school year that corresponds to the FAFSA. If you are unsure which application type was filed and for which year, use the following list as a guide.
- If you are attending school between July 1st, 2009 and June 30th, 2010, you should have completed a 2009-2010 FAFSA.
- If you are attending school between July 1st, 2008 and June 30th, 2009, you should have completed a 2008-2009 FAFSA.
In addition to signing your FAFSA, you may also electronically sign corrections to your submitted FAFSA.
Important Note: A PIN that is selected or viewed instantly online or is sent to you in an instant e-mail is considered 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, including signing corrections to your FAFSA.
What is the most efficient option for electronically signing a FAFSA?
The application process is faster if you use your PIN to sign your application electronically. If you already have a PIN you can use it to sign your FAFSA from one year to the next.
If you have not previously received a PIN, you have several options to apply for a PIN and have it delivered to you.
- Access Federal Student Aid’s PIN Web site at
www.pin.ed.gov
and select Apply For A PIN. You may select one of the
following PIN 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).
- Apply for a PIN while filling out the FAFSA. You may select one
of the following PIN delivery methods:
- Instantly select or view your PIN online. You may use it right away to sign your FAFSA.
- Receive an e-mail with the PIN immediately. You may use it right away to sign your FAFSA.
- 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 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 other purposes (such as correcting your SAR or accessing other Federal Student Aid Web sites). At the time your PIN becomes permanent, we will apply your electronic signature to your FAFSA and process it.
If you have submitted a FAFSA without a signature, you need to provide it to complete the submission process. Once you have your PIN you can sign your FAFSA electronically by selecting Sign Electronically With Your PIN under the Filling Out a FAFSA section of the home page.
How do I sign my Corrections on the Web?
The PIN you use to access Corrections on the Web can also be used as your electronic signature.
A parent’s signature is required only if you change any information about your parents. Your parent can electronically sign the correction using his/her PIN. Otherwise, your parent will need to print, sign, and mail a signature page.
I am a dependent student. Does my parent have to sign for every correction I make using Corrections on the Web?
If you change parental information, your parent is required to sign the correction. He/she can sign electronically on the Web using his/her PIN or he/she can print, sign, and mail in a paper signature page from Corrections on the Web.
I submitted my corrections but did not print a signature page. What should I do?
- If you changed only information pertaining to you, but not your parents, you do not have to mail a signature page because you can use your PIN as your signature.
- If you did change information for your parents, your parent can sign electronically on the Web using his/her PIN or he/she can print, sign, and mail in a paper signature page. To print a signature page, select Check Status of a Submitted FAFSA or Print Signature Page under the FAFSA Follow-Up section of the home page.
