If your parent is foreign or undocumented and therefore does not have a Social Security Number (SSN), don’t worry! They can still sign your FAFSA® form.
One of the improvements to the FAFSA® is that parents without Social Security Numbers (SSNs) and citizens of Freely Associated States without SSNs can create FSA IDs.
To start, parents must create an FSA ID on the government site here: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/
Under the Social Security Number Question, your parent can click the checkbox that indicates that they do not have an SSN:
Your parent will be asked knowledge-based verification questions to verify their identity.
It's important that these questions are answered correctly the first time, as incorrect answers will require additional verification.
If your parent verifies their identity, they will see a screen that informs them that their account was successfully created and their identity verified. Your parent can then continue to add information to your FAFSA® form.
Your parent should save the backup code that is displayed on this page.
If the identity match is unsuccessful, your parent will see a page that informs them their account was created, but they must contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 1-800-433-3243 to confirm their identity.
Your parent should save the backup code that is displayed on this page.
Unfortunately, your parent is not able to add information to your FAFSA® until their identity is confirmed.
After contacting the FSAIC, an identity verification case will be opened, and your parent will receive an email with additional instructions and a case number.
Your parent must complete an Attestation & Validation of Identity form and submit identification documents. *This form should only be submitted after contacting the FSAIC.*
Acceptable Identification Documents include:
One of the documents listed below:
• U.S. State/Territory Driver's License
• U.S. State or City Identification Card
• Foreign Passport
OR
Two of the documents listed below:
A utility bill (such as an electric bill, water/sewer bill, gas bill, trash bill, or a phone, internet, or TV bill) AND one of the following documents:
• Municipal identification card
• Community ID
• Consular identification card
Documents must be valid and not expired.
The FSAIC will provide your parent with the email address where they can send the Attestation form and documents (IDVerification@ed.gov).
Verification of the documentation provided can take 1-3 days. A confirmation email will be sent to your parent if their identity has been verified.