Can't update maiden name on FAFSA - son's application stuck with my old married name

omg I had the same exact problem!! so annoying. you need to log into YOUR fsaid account (not your sons) and update your personal info there first. then it should work when he sends the invite. the system is so dumb sometimes lol

Thanks! I'll try that right now. I didn't even think about logging into my own FSA ID account separately. Did it take long for the system to recognize your name change after you updated it?

This is a common issue that requires a specific process to resolve. You need to:\n\n1. Log into your own FSA ID account at studentaid.gov/fsa-id\n2. Select \

Do they really verify the name change? When I updated mine it didn't ask for any documentation, just changed right away. Maybe it depends on how long ago the FSA ID was created?

Yes, it can vary based on several factors including how recently the account was created and whether other profile elements are changing simultaneously. For some users it's instant, while others face additional verification steps, especially if the system flags potential security concerns.

I went through this nightmare last month! The advice above is good but there's one trick that saved me tons of time. After you update your name in your FSA ID, DO NOT immediately have your son send a new invitation. Wait at least 24 hours for the system to fully update - even if it shows your name is changed. When I didn't wait, we got stuck in this weird loop where it kept rejecting the invitation even though I had updated my name. Also make sure your son's FAFSA form is saved properly before sending new invites.

Thank you! This is super helpful. I'll definitely wait the full 24 hours after updating. Did you have any issues with your SAI calculation being delayed because of this name change problem?

Nope, once we got past the invitation part, everything processed normally. Just make sure you complete the contributor section promptly once you're in!

has anyone tried calling the FSA help center? sometimes they can manually fix these things on their end faster than waiting for the system

I tried calling FSA about a similar issue last month and kept getting disconnected after 45+ minute waits. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me through to an agent in about 10 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ\n\nThe agent was able to reset something on the backend that fixed my contributor invitation issues. Definitely worth trying if the other methods don't work, especially with your deadline coming up soon.

I hadn't even thought about calling them! But good to know about the wait times - I'll try updating my FSA ID first, and if that doesn't work, I'll check out that service. My son's school has a February 15th priority deadline so I'm getting really anxious about this.

THIS SYSTEM IS A COMPLETE DISASTER!! I had to change my name due to divorce and it took WEEKS to get it fixed. The FSA ID update only works SOMETIMES. I ended up having to create a whole new FSA ID with my new name and a different email address because nothing else worked. The system is POORLY DESIGNED and they don't care how much stress they cause families!!\n\nAnd when you call, they give different answers depending on who you talk to. One agent told me to wait 3 days, another said I needed to submit a paper form, and a third said just make a new account. RIDICULOUS!!

I don't think creating a new FSA ID is recommended... doesn't that cause problems with your tax info and previous years' applications? Did it work out ok for you?

It wasn't ideal but I was DESPERATE after weeks of trying. As long as you use the same SSN it eventually links everything, but yes it created some confusion with previous years. But at least my daughter got her aid processed on time. Sometimes you just have to work around their broken system.

Update: I logged into my FSA ID and updated my name. The system asked me to verify my identity by answering some questions about my credit history (weird but whatever). It says my name change is processing, so now I'm waiting 24 hours before having my son send another invitation. Thanks everyone for your help! Will update if we run into more issues.

fingers crossed it works! the credit history questions are normal - they use that to verify your identity. good luck!

The FAFSA system does this annoying thing where it treats name changes like security threats even though they're totally normal life events. If you're in a big rush and really worried about the deadline, you could also try just having your son enter your information manually without sending an invitation. Some parents skip the contributor section entirely and just have their student enter the info from tax returns, but that might not be ideal if your tax situation is complicated.

That's good to know as a backup plan. My ex-husband and I have a somewhat complicated tax situation with the divorce and business income, so I think it's better if I complete my section myself if possible. But if we're still having issues by next week, we might have to go that route.

Final update: It worked! I waited about 36 hours after updating my FSA ID, and then my son sent a new invitation using my maiden name. This time it went through without any error messages. I was able to complete my contributor section, and now his FAFSA shows

Awesome!! So glad it worked out! The 2025-2026 FAFSA has been such a headache with all these little technical issues.