FAFSA parent signature page not showing up - can't complete application

maybe u didnt set up the parent section right? u need to make sure u select the right option for contributor vs preparer. also check if ur using the right FSA ID for the parent, not urs

I had this exact problem last month. It's likely one of these three issues: 1. Your parent might have input their FSA ID information incorrectly. There needs to be an exact match between the name/DOB on their FSA ID and what you entered for them in your FAFSA application. 2. There's a system glitch where the signature page doesn't load properly on some browsers. Try Microsoft Edge or Firefox specifically - Chrome had this issue for me. 3. The parent contributor role wasn't properly assigned. Go back to the 'Parent Information' section, scroll to the bottom, and check that the contributor status shows 'Invited' or 'Accepted' rather than 'Pending'. Also, try clearing your browser cache - that fixed it for some people I know.

This happend to me!!!! The FAFSA system is GARBAGE this year with the "simplified" application. I spent HOURS trying to get my mom's signature to work. Turns out the stupid system had some weird verification issue with her SSN. We had to call FSA to fix it but we got disconnected FOUR TIMES after waiting forever. So frustrating!!!

I just used Claimyr to reach a FAFSA agent when this happened to me. You can check out their demo video here: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ. Instead of waiting on hold forever, they call and wait in line for you, then call you when an agent is ready. Saved me from spending 3+ hours on hold. The agent was able to reset something on my parents' account and the signature page appeared right after. Their website is claimyr.com if you want to try it.

Before calling, try one more thing that worked for me. Have your parent log out completely, clear their browser cache, and create a NEW session. Then, very important - they should go directly to studentaid.gov and log in with their FSA ID first (not through your emailed link). Once logged in, they should navigate to "My Documents" and look for your FAFSA application there. Sometimes approaching it from this direction (through the parent account directly) shows the signature option when the email link method doesn't. If that doesn't work, definitely call FSA, as this is a known technical issue with the 2025-2026 application. The parent signature problems are affecting many families with the new system.

As someone who works in a financial aid office, I see this issue frequently. Beyond what others have suggested, here are some additional tips: 1. Make sure your parent is using their OWN FSA ID, not yours or one they created for another child 2. Double-check that the parent who created the FSA ID is the same parent you listed as the contributor in your application 3. If you listed two parents on your FAFSA but only invited one as a contributor, that could cause issues - both need to be properly assigned 4. Verify the Social Security Numbers match exactly between what's on the FSA ID and what you entered in the parent information section If none of this works, you may need to submit a manual signature page. You can download this from studentaid.gov under the forms section, have your parent physically sign it, and then upload it to your application.

omg dealing with this exact thing rn and I want to SCREAM!!! tried everything for 2 days and nothing works. the new FAFSA is garbage, they made it "simpler" but broke everything in the process. so annoying that we have to deal with this just to get financial aid we deserve. why can't they just make a system that WORKS????

UPDATE: It's fixed! Turns out it was two problems. First, my dad was using Chrome which apparently has issues with the signature page. He switched to Microsoft Edge like someone suggested. Second, when he created his FSA ID, he used his full legal name (including his middle name), but I had only entered his first and last name on the FAFSA. Once we fixed both things, the signature button appeared! Thanks everyone for your help!!!

So glad you got it fixed! This thread is super helpful - I'm bookmarking it for when I help other students with their FAFSA applications. The browser compatibility issues and name matching problems seem to be the most common culprits. For anyone else reading this, it's also worth noting that sometimes clearing cookies and browser data completely (not just cache) can help with these signature page glitches. The new FAFSA system definitely has its quirks, but at least there are workarounds once you know what to look for!

This is exactly the kind of detailed troubleshooting thread that should be pinned! As a newcomer to this community, I'm dealing with my first FAFSA and was getting overwhelmed by all the technical issues people mention. Seeing the step-by-step solutions here (browser switching, name matching, clearing cache, manual signature options) is incredibly reassuring. It's also helpful to know about services like Claimyr for getting through to FSA representatives without waiting on hold forever. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it makes the process feel way less intimidating when you know others have faced the same problems and found solutions!