Frequently Asked Questions about PINs

What is the PIN?
You (and your parent, if applicable) can obtain a PIN. It works much like the personal identification number you get from your bank.  The PIN serves as your identifier to let you access your personal information in various U.S. Department of Education systems. It's like the Personal Identification Number you get from your bank that enables you to access your account. The PIN also allows you to sign your federal student aid application online and allows you to correct your application data online.

You can apply for a PIN by clicking here.

How do I get a PIN?
If you do not have a PIN go to www.pin.ed.gov and select Apply for a PIN. To apply for a PIN, you will need to provide your Social Security Number, full name, complete address, date of birth, e-mail address (if you have one) and a security pass phrase. Once you have completed the PIN application, select the "Submit Request" button. If the information you entered passes an identity check with the Social Security Administration, a PIN will be mailed or e-mailed to you.

If you already have a PIN and you do not remember it or would like to be sent another copy, go to www.pin.ed.gov and select Request a Duplicate PIN. To complete the PIN Request, you will need to provide your Social Security Number, the first two (2) letters of your last name, and your date of birth. If you already have a PIN and you attempt to apply for a new one, you will be told that you have already been assigned a PIN. You will then have a chance to update your PIN mailing address.

Why should I get a PIN?
You can use your PIN to access your financial aid data at these U.S. Department of Education Web sites:

• FAFSA on the Web: Access and complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal FAFSA (if you applied for federal student aid last year). You can also submit corrections to your processed FAFSA. You also may use your PIN to electronically sign your submitted FAFSA or obtain a copy of your processed FAFSA information.
• The National Student Loan Data System Web site: View a history of the federal student financial aid you have received.

You also may use your PIN to sign your Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note through the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation.

Parents will also need a PIN to electronically sign a dependent student’s FAFSA application.

How will my PIN be sent to me?
When requesting a PIN, you'll need to provide your name, Social Security Number, date of birth, and mailing address, and submit your request. After that information has been verified with the Social Security Administration's records, a PIN will be generated. If you provide an e-mail address, you'll get an e-mail response in approximately three business days that contains a link to your PIN through the Internet. If you don't provide an e-mail address, you'll get your PIN in 7-10 days through regular mail.

I lost my PIN. What should I do?
If you have lost or forgotten your PIN, you will need to request that it be sent to you again. If you think that someone else may know your PIN, or you believe your PIN may have been compromised when it was lost, we can generate a new PIN for you.

Select PIN Request and Information for instructions for replacing a lost PIN or to request a duplicate of your PIN.

Can a student and parent share the same PIN?
No. Students and parents cannot share the same PIN. Students and parents must each have their own PIN. If you or your parents need a PIN, have lost or forgotten your PIN, or think someone else knows your PIN, you can request a new one at www.pin.ed.gov.