The first step to applying for federal student aid is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or the FAFSA®). Before you fill out your FAFSA watch this video to learn how to create an FSA ID―a username and password― that replaced the Federal Student Aid PIN.

You will need an FSA ID to electronically sign and submit your FAFSA, as well as to make any needed corrections later. And if you are a dependent student, your parent will need his or her own FSA ID, too.

Do not allow someone to create your FSA ID for you, and you should not create one for someone else. Not even for a family member. This can cause problems with your financial aid down the road.

Check out this video for helpful information about creating an FSA ID and filling out the FAFSA, and for more resources, visit http://StudentAid.gov/fsaid.