Parents and students both fill out the FAFSA for 2024–25, but you do it together in one form, not separately

The FAFSA is a single document that collects information from both the student and at least one parent (if the student is a dependent). You do not submit two different forms. Instead, one person starts the application, and then the other person logs in to add their information and sign. The order matters: the student typically begins, then the parent completes their section and signs electronically.

If the student is independent — meaning they do not rely on parental support and meet the Department of Education's definition of independence — the parent section is skipped entirely. But most undergraduate students under 24 are considered dependent, so parental information is required.

Key Takeaways

  • The FAFSA is one form that both parent and student complete together, not two separate applications.
  • The student typically starts the FAFSA, then the parent logs in with their own FSA ID to add their information and sign.
  • Both the student and parent need their own FSA ID (Federal Student Aid ID) to access and sign the form.
  • If the student is independent, only the student completes the FAFSA; no parent information is needed.
  • You can save your progress and return to finish later, so you do not have to complete everything in one sitting.

How the student and parent sections work

The FAFSA collects specific information from each person. The student section asks about the student's income, assets, Social Security number, and education history. The parent section asks for the parents' combined income, assets, and tax information — usually from the prior year (2023 tax year for the 2024–25 FAFSA).

You do not fill out two forms. Instead, the student creates an account on fafsa.gov, enters their information, and saves the form. Then the parent logs in using their own FSA ID and completes the parent section. Both people must sign the form electronically before it is submitted to the schools.

If parents are divorced or separated, only one parent's information is required — typically the parent with whom the student lived for more of the past 12 months. The FAFSA asks which parent to report, and you provide only that parent's details.

What you need before you start

Both the student and parent need an FSA ID — a username and password combination created at studentaid.gov. This is different from a regular login; it is specifically for signing federal student aid documents. You cannot use the same FSA ID for both people; each person must have their own.

You will also need tax documents. For the 2024–25 FAFSA, you report 2023 tax information. Have your 2023 tax return, W-2 forms, and any 1099 forms ready. If you have not filed taxes yet, you can use estimates and update them later through the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, which many schools now use to verify income automatically.

Gather your Social Security numbers, driver's license or state ID numbers, and information about any savings, investments, or other assets. The form asks for account balances as of the date you submit.

The order of who fills out what

The student should start the FAFSA first. They create an account at fafsa.gov using their email and FSA ID, then answer questions about themselves, their school, and their financial situation. The student section typically takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Once the student has entered their information and saved the form, the parent receives a notification (or the student can share the link). The parent logs in using their own FSA ID and completes the parent section. The parent section asks for income, assets, and household information and usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

After both sections are complete, both the student and parent must sign the form electronically using their FSA IDs. Only after both signatures are in place can the form be submitted to the schools listed on the application.

What happens if the student is independent

If the student meets the Department of Education's definition of independence, parental information is not required. Independent students include those who are 24 or older, married, have dependents of their own, are in the military, or have been in foster care or homeless. Some students can also request a dependency override if they have unusual circumstances, though this requires approval from the school's financial aid office.

An independent student still fills out the FAFSA, but they skip the parent section entirely. They enter their own income and assets, sign the form themselves, and submit it. This process is faster and requires only the student's FSA ID.

Saving your progress and returning later

You do not have to finish the FAFSA in one sitting. After the student enters their information, they can save and log out. The parent can log in days or weeks later to complete their section. The form will be waiting, and you can pick up where you left off.

However, schools begin awarding financial aid based on submitted FAFSAs, so the sooner you submit, the sooner you may receive aid offers. Submitting early — ideally by October for the following academic year — gives you the best chance at need-based aid from schools with limited funds.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not use the same FSA ID for both the student and parent. Each person must have their own, created at studentaid.gov before you start the FAFSA.

Do not wait for the parent to start the form. The student should begin first, even if the parent is not ready. The student can save their section, and the parent can complete theirs later.

Do not skip the parent section if the student is dependent. If you do, the form will be flagged as incomplete, and the schools will not process it. The FAFSA will tell you whether parental information is required based on the student's answers.

Do not use estimates for income if you have already filed your 2023 tax return. Use your actual tax figures. If you have not filed yet, you can use estimates and update them later through the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the parent start the FAFSA instead of the student?

Technically yes, but it is not recommended. The student should start because the form asks for information only the student can provide accurately, such as their school choice and education history. If the parent starts, the student will still need to log in and complete their section before the parent can add theirs.

What if the parent does not have an FSA ID?

The parent must create one at studentaid.gov before they can sign the FAFSA. This takes about 10 minutes and requires a valid email address and Social Security number. Without an FSA ID, the parent cannot access or sign the form.

Do both people have to sign on the same day?

No. The student can complete and sign their section, then the parent can sign days or weeks later. However, the form is not submitted to schools until both signatures are in place, so the sooner both people sign, the sooner your schools receive it.

What if my parents are divorced — do both parents fill out the FAFSA?

No. Only the parent with whom the student lived for more of the past 12 months provides information. The FAFSA asks which parent to report, and you include only that parent's income and assets. The other parent does not complete a section.

Can I submit the FAFSA if the parent refuses to sign?

No. If the student is dependent, both the student and parent must sign before the form can be submitted. If the parent refuses, contact your school's financial aid office; they may be able to help or discuss alternative options, though this is rare.