To file the FAFSA online, students and at least one parent need an FSA ID, a username and password specific to them that they use to complete the FAFSA. To get an FSA ID, you need to answer certain questions about yourself, including your name, DOB, some security questions that you choose, and your Social Security number. But those without Social Security numbers can still get an FSA ID and electronically file a FAFSA.

Here’s how:

When completing the application process there will be an option to indicate that you don’t have an SSN. You will be asked to answer a series of knowledge-based questions pulled from your recent credit activity. This is to verify your identity. Once these questions have been answered, a confirmation screen will tell you that your set-up was successful and you can begin using your account.

If you live in another country, or don’t yet have a credit history in the United States, the credit bureaus won’t have information on your recent purchases, and therefore won’t have information they can use to verify your identity. If this is the case, you can still set up an FSA ID, but unlike most contributors to the FAFSA, you will need to manually input your income information, rather than having the IRS import the data directly into the FAFSA.

Also, an additional step will be taken by the college to verify your identity.

Our guide, How to Create an FSA ID: A Guide for Mixed-Immigration Status Families, lays out the process above in a step-by-step visual format. If you have questions about your FSA ID, or the financial aid process in general, reach out to us at (800) 449-MEFA (6332) or [email protected].