FAFSA preparation checklist

Work through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) with the steps below. For the award year 2026–27, the federal deadline dates differ by state and school, so always confirm your deadlines at the official source.

Before FAFSA

• Create your StudentAid.gov account (FSA ID)

  Set up the StudentAid.gov account you'll use to fill out and sign the FAFSA form. Anyone who provides information on your form needs their own account too.

  Federal Student Aid · Last reviewed: August 21, 2026 · Official FAFSA guidance · Verify at source (opens in a new tab)

• Prepare contributor information

  Identify who will contribute information to your FAFSA form, such as a parent, step-parent, or spouse, and confirm they have the details and accounts they need.

  Federal Student Aid · Last reviewed: August 21, 2026 · Official FAFSA guidance · Verify at source (opens in a new tab)

• Gather the records you'll need

  Collect what the FAFSA form commonly asks for, such as Social Security numbers, tax records, and bank or investment statements, so you can fill it out without stopping to search.

  Federal Student Aid · Last reviewed: August 21, 2026 · Official FAFSA guidance · Verify at source (opens in a new tab)

• List the schools for your FAFSA

  List the schools you're considering on your FAFSA form so each one can receive your information.

  Federal Student Aid · Last reviewed: August 21, 2026 · Official FAFSA guidance · Verify at source (opens in a new tab)

• Check your FAFSA deadlines

  Federal, state, and school deadlines differ. Check the official deadline information for the states and schools you're applying to.

  Federal Student Aid · Last reviewed: August 21, 2026 · Official FAFSA guidance · Verify at source (opens in a new tab)

After submission

• Submit your FAFSA form

  Complete and submit your FAFSA form on StudentAid.gov once you and your contributors are ready.

  Federal Student Aid · Last reviewed: August 21, 2026 · Official FAFSA guidance · Verify at source (opens in a new tab)

• Review your FAFSA Submission Summary

  After you submit, review your FAFSA Submission Summary to confirm the information you provided and see what happens next.

  Federal Student Aid · Last reviewed: August 21, 2026 · Official FAFSA guidance · Verify at source (opens in a new tab)

• Make corrections if your information changes

  If your information changes after you submit, for example your family's financial situation or your school list, update your FAFSA form by making a correction.

  Federal Student Aid · Last reviewed: August 21, 2026 · Official FAFSA guidance · Verify at source (opens in a new tab)

• Follow up on verification and school requests

  Some FAFSA forms are selected for verification, and schools may request more information. Respond to any requests from your school and confirm next steps in StudentAid.gov.

  Federal Student Aid · Last reviewed: August 21, 2026 · Official FAFSA guidance · Verify at source (opens in a new tab)