FAFSA signature order confusion - does parent or student sign first for 2025-2026?

doesnt matter who signs first tbh... we did both at the same time last yr and it went thru fine

Same problem here!! The whole system is a MESS this year. We spent 3 hrs on hold with FSA just to get disconnected. Still don't know if I'm supposed to sign before my son or after. Why make it so complicated??!!

For the 2025-2026 FAFSA, the student should create their FSA ID and sign first, then the parent should create their FSA ID and sign second. This has been the recommended process since the simplified FAFSA was introduced. However, what often causes problems isn't actually the signature order, but rather: 1. The FSA IDs not being properly verified before signing 2. Mismatched information between what's in the SSA database and what was entered on the FAFSA 3. Not waiting the required 1-3 days after creating a new FSA ID before using it to sign If you've already had processing delays, double-check that the names, DOBs, and SSNs match exactly what's on your Social Security cards.

While the official guidance says the student should sign first, I've worked with many families where the parent signed first without issues. What's actually more important is that whoever creates their FSA ID first needs to wait until it's fully verified before signing, which can take 1-3 days. Also, make sure you're using the streamlined 2025-2026 FAFSA form - it's completely different from previous years. The old signature rules don't necessarily apply anymore with the new SAI calculation system.

I spent 2 weeks fighting with the FAFSA system over this exact problem. Tried calling FSA at least 8 times and couldn't get through. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to reach an actual person at Federal Student Aid. They connected me in 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days. The agent confirmed that for 2025-2026, the student should initiate and sign first, then the parent completes their portion and signs second. They also helped fix some other issues with our application. You can see how it works in their demo video: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ Saved me so much stress!

This signature order issue has been a problem for years, not just for 2025-2026. Technically the student is supposed to complete and sign first since it's THEIR application (even though parent info is required for dependent students). But the system is glitchy, and I've seen it work both ways. What causes more problems is when parents try to initiate the FAFSA for their child using the parent's FSA ID. That definitely doesn't work. The student needs their own FSA ID to start the process, then they add the parent's information.

my cousin works in financial aid office at state university and she says lots of forms r getting rejected this year cuz people don't realize the SAI replaced EFC and all the new rules... its not just the signature thing

To summarize the correct 2025-2026 FAFSA process: 1. Student creates FSA ID (if they don't already have one) 2. Student begins FAFSA application using their FSA ID 3. Student completes their portion and reaches the parent information section 4. Parent creates their own FSA ID (if they don't already have one) 5. Parent completes their portion of the student's FAFSA 6. Student signs the FAFSA first 7. Parent signs the FAFSA second Both FSA IDs must be verified before signing. If you're having trouble, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243.

As someone who just went through this process successfully for 2025-2026, I can confirm that following PrinceJoe's step-by-step guide worked perfectly for us! The key thing I learned is that it's really important to wait for FSA ID verification to complete before attempting to sign - we made the mistake of rushing this step initially and had to start over. Also, double-check that your information matches your Social Security records EXACTLY (including middle initials, spaces, etc.). The new FAFSA system seems much more strict about this than previous years. Good luck to everyone still working through this!