If you do not have a PIN and have not submitted a FAFSA, you should apply for a PIN. You can apply for a PIN by selecting Apply For A PIN from the list of options on the left side of the PIN Home Page at www.pin.ed.gov. Anyone who has a valid Social Security Number and is a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen may apply for a PIN.
You must choose how you would like to receive your PIN. Options include:
- Select your own PIN,
- Instantly view your PIN online,
- Receive an e-mail with your PIN immediately, or
- Have your PIN sent by postal mail.
Your PIN 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), you will be able to use your PIN to access your personal information on Federal Student Aid Web sites.
If you have lost or forgotten your PIN you need to request a duplicate. You can request a duplicate PIN by selecting Request A Duplicate PIN from the list of options on the left side of the PIN Home Page at www.pin.ed.gov. You must provide your challenge answer in order to request a duplicate PIN.
You must choose how you would like to receive your PIN. Options include:
- Instantly view your PIN online,
- Receive an e-mail with your PIN immediately, or
- Have your PIN sent by postal mail.
You should not request a duplicate PIN if you think your PIN has been compromised. Instead, you should change your PIN if you think someone else knows it. You can choose your own new PIN, or we can randomly generate one for you. To change your PIN, select Change My PIN from the list of options on the left side of the PIN Home Page.
To ensure that your PIN e-mail notification is delivered to your e-mail inbox, enter our originating e-mail address, FederalStudentAidPIN@cpsemail.ed.gov, into your e-mail address book
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