Receiving and Using A PIN
What is a PIN for?
A PIN is a 4-digit number that is used in combination with your Social Security Number, name, and date of birth to identify you as someone who has the right to access your own personal information on Federal Student Aid Web sites, such as FAFSA on the Web. When you first apply for your PIN, it is considered to be conditional until your information is verified with the Social Security Administration (SSA). You may sign a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with it, but nothing else.
Once we complete verification with the SSA (1-3 days from the date you first apply), you will be able to use your PIN to access your personal information on any of these Federal Student Aid Web sites:
FAFSA on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov:
- Electronically sign your FAFSA (your parent can sign, too!).
- Pre-fill data in this year’s FAFSA on the Web application if you filed a FAFSA last year.
- Make online corrections to an existing FAFSA.
- View or print an online copy of your Student Aid Report (SAR).
The National Student Loan Data System Web site at www.nslds.ed.gov:
- View a history of any federal student aid that you have received.
Direct Loan Servicing Online at www.dl.ed.gov:
- Complete Entrance and Exit Counseling.
- Make online payments.
- Get up-to-date account information.
- Change billing options.
- Calculate a repayment schedule.
- Get interactive counseling on deferment and forbearance options for any of your Direct Loans.
Federal Direct Consolidation Loans Web site at www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov:
- Apply for a Direct Consolidation Loan.
- Track the processing status of your online application throughout the entire consolidation process.
Direct Loan Master Promissory Note Web site at www.dlenote.ed.gov:
- Electronically sign a master promissory note (MPN) for your Direct Loans.
Agreement to Serve (ATS) at www.teach-ats.ed.gov:
- Sign your ATS for the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program.
Who is eligible for a PIN?
If you have a valid Social Security Number and you are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, you may apply for a PIN.
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.
