Both parents must provide information, but only one parent completes the form
The FAFSA for 2024-25 requires information from both parents if you live with both of them, but only one parent account needs to be created and only one parent signs the form. The parent who creates the account is called the "parent filer" — they enter their own financial information and their spouse's financial information into a single form. The other parent does not need to log in or sign anything separately.
If your parents are married and living together, the IRS considers them a single household unit for FAFSA purposes. The form collects one set of household income and asset data that represents both of them. If your parents are unmarried, separated, or divorced, different rules apply — see the section below on family structure.
Key Takeaways
- One parent creates the FAFSA account and enters both parents' financial information; the other parent does not need to log in.
- Both parents' names, Social Security numbers, and financial details must be reported on the form, even though only one parent submits it.
- The parent who does not file the FAFSA should gather their tax documents and W-2s ahead of time so the filing parent has everything needed.
- If your parents are unmarried, separated, or divorced, only the parent you live with most of the time reports their information.
- Both parents must sign the FAFSA using their own FSA ID, but this can happen at different times — the filing parent signs first, then the other parent signs when prompted.
What information both parents must provide
The parent who creates the FAFSA account will need to enter the following for both themselves and their spouse: full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, email address, state of legal residence, and citizenship status. Both parents' tax return information is also required — this includes adjusted gross income, income tax paid, and details about assets like savings accounts and investments.
The non-filing parent should have their most recent tax return, W-2 forms, and any 1099 forms ready before the filing parent sits down to complete the FAFSA. If either parent is self-employed, they will need Schedule C from their tax return. Having these documents gathered in advance prevents delays and reduces the chance of errors.
How the signing process works when both parents are involved
Both parents must sign the FAFSA using their own FSA ID (Federal Student Aid ID), but they do not need to do this at the same time. The parent who created the account signs first using their FSA ID. After that signature is submitted, the form prompts for the second parent's signature, and the other parent can log in with their own FSA ID to complete that step.
The second parent does not need to be present when the first parent fills out the form — they only need to be present to sign. Many families have the filing parent complete the entire form, then ask the other parent to log in later that same day or week to add their signature. The form will not be submitted to schools until both signatures are in place.
What happens if your parents are unmarried, separated, or divorced
If your parents are not married, only the parent you live with for more than half the year reports their information on the FAFSA. This is called your "custodial parent." The other parent's income and assets are not reported, even if they help pay for your education or if you spend significant time with them.
If you live equally with both parents or if the living arrangement is unclear, the parent who claimed you as a dependent on their most recent tax return is considered the custodial parent. Only that parent creates the FAFSA account and provides their financial information. The other parent does not need to be involved in the process at all.
If one parent cannot or will not participate
If one parent refuses to provide their information or cannot be reached, you cannot skip their data on the FAFSA — the form requires it. If your parents are married and living together, both sets of financial information must be reported. If this is impossible because one parent is unavailable, contact the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend; they can sometimes override the requirement or work with you on a case-by-case basis.
If your parents are unmarried or separated and you live with only one parent, that parent's information alone is sufficient. You do not need the other parent's consent or participation. If you are unsure which parent is considered your custodial parent, the school's financial aid office can clarify based on your living situation and tax return history.
Using IRS Data Retrieval to speed up the process
Both parents can use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool within the FAFSA to have their tax information pulled directly from the IRS, rather than typing it in manually. This reduces errors and is faster than entering numbers by hand. The filing parent can retrieve their own tax data, and when it comes time for the second parent to sign, they can also use the tool to retrieve their own data.
To use the tool, a parent needs their Social Security number, date of birth, and the filing status from their most recent tax return. The IRS Data Retrieval Tool is available within the FAFSA form itself — look for the option to "link to IRS" when you reach the income section. If either parent filed taxes jointly, they can both use the tool to pull the same return information.
Common mistakes when both parents are filling out FAFSA
The most common error is one parent entering incomplete or incorrect information about the other parent. Double-check that both parents' names are spelled exactly as they appear on their Social Security cards, that both Social Security numbers are correct, and that both birthdates are accurate. A mismatch between what is on the FAFSA and what is on file with Social Security can delay processing.
Another frequent mistake is confusion about which parent should file. If your parents are married and living together, it does not matter which one creates the account — either parent can be the filer. But if your parents are unmarried or separated, only the custodial parent should file. Filing from the wrong parent's account can cause the school to request corrections and delay your financial aid package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do both parents need to create an FSA ID?
Yes. Each parent who will sign the FAFSA needs their own FSA ID. The filing parent creates their FSA ID first and uses it to log in and fill out the form. The other parent creates their own FSA ID separately and uses it to sign when prompted. You can create an FSA ID at studentaid.gov.
What if my parents are married but file taxes separately?
Both parents' tax information must still be reported on the FAFSA as a combined household, even if they file separate tax returns. The filing parent will enter their own tax data and their spouse's tax data from their separate return. Schools treat married couples as one financial unit regardless of how they file taxes.
Can I submit the FAFSA if one parent has not signed yet?
No. The FAFSA cannot be submitted to schools until both parents have signed (if both parents are required to sign). You can save your progress and come back later, but the form will remain incomplete until both signatures are in place. Plan ahead so you are not delayed close to school deadlines.
Do I need my parents' permission to fill out the FAFSA for them?
You can fill out the form with your parents' information, but both parents must sign it themselves using their own FSA IDs. You cannot sign on their behalf. Many students gather the documents and enter the information, then have each parent review and sign when ready.
What if my parents live in different states?
List the state where you live most of the time as your state of legal residence. If your parents live in different states and you split time between them, use the state where you spend more than half the year. Each parent's individual state of residence is also reported on the form, but your own state of residence is what matters for determining state aid.