FAFSA missing signature error but application 'in progress' - will it process or do I need to fix it now?

Don't panic! This is actually a common occurrence with the 2025-2026 FAFSA. The system will indeed process your application within about 3-5 days despite the signature error, and then you'll be able to go back in and add the missing signature. Your daughter's SAI calculation won't be finalized until you correct it, but as long as you fix it promptly when the system allows corrections, you'll be fine for priority deadlines that are coming up in the next few weeks.

same thing happened to me!! got the missing signature email right after submitting. its been 6 days and still says processing 😠

I work in a college financial aid office, and I can confirm this is happening to MANY families right now. The new FAFSA system is experiencing significant processing delays. Here's what you need to know: 1. The missing signature error is one of the most common issues we're seeing 2. Your application WILL eventually process even with this error 3. Once processed, you can go back and add the missing signature 4. Most colleges are aware of these FAFSA delays and are adjusting their internal deadlines accordingly If your daughter's school has a March 1st priority deadline (as you mentioned in another comment), email their financial aid office ASAP to notify them of your situation. Most schools are being flexible this year given the widespread FAFSA problems.

I had a slightly similar issue where my parent contribution signature was missing (somehow it didn't save). Took about 4 days to process and then I was able to go back in and fix it. The whole thing was finalized about 8 days after my initial submission. Not ideal but it worked out fine.

If you're concerned about reaching Federal Student Aid to check the status or fix issues faster, I found a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to a live agent without the ridiculous hold times. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ I was dealing with a similar signature verification issue and waiting on hold for hours was killing me. Claimyr got me connected to an FSA agent who confirmed my application was actually processing correctly despite the error message. Saved me days of anxiety!

THE ENTIRE FAFSA SYSTEM IS A DISASTER THIS YEAR!!! My son submitted his application in January and we're STILL dealing with verification issues and missing information errors. The Department of Education completely botched this rollout. They delayed the form release by months and now everyone's scrambling to meet deadlines with a system that barely works. I've heard from other parents that some applications are taking 3+ weeks to process even after corrections. IT'S RIDICULOUS!!

My neice had this happen and when they finally got to fix the signature (took about a week) they got an error message and had to call in. Just be prepared that it might not be as simple as just adding the signature when you're allowed to edit.

Just a quick tip: when you do get to the correction phase, make sure both you and your daughter are attempting to sign from separate devices or browsers. One common issue we're seeing is when both the parent and student try to sign from the same computer/browser session, which can cause validation problems with the new system.

update on mine - finally processed after 8 days and I was able to fix the signature! got my daughters SAI 2 days after that. so 10 days total which is crazy long but at least it worked

Some good news to add - I've heard from several college financial aid officers that they're creating internal systems to flag applications with these common FAFSA delays. Many schools are extending their priority deadlines or creating grace periods specifically because of the widespread signature and processing issues. The most important thing is to document everything - save that email about the missing signature as proof of when you initially submitted.

As someone who went through this exact same situation last month, I can confirm what others have said - the missing signature error is super common this year but your application will still process! Mine took 6 days to process despite the error, then I was able to log back in and add the missing signature. The whole thing was resolved within 9 days total. The key is to stay on top of it and check your status daily once it starts processing. Also, definitely reach out to your daughter's schools proactively - most of them are being really understanding about these FAFSA delays this year. You're doing everything right by staying informed and asking questions!