How To Answer Parent Personal Information Questions For FAFSA®
Here's how to correctly enter the parent's personal information section of the FAFSA®, including name, address, and other contact information.
30. Parent Identity Information
These questions are the basic information you need to fill out for the FAFSA. It's important that your information on the FAFSA also matches the information on your Social Security card.
How To Answer These Questions
- Enter your first name, middle name, and last name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card.
- Enter your date of birth.
- Enter your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can leave this blank.
- Enter your Individual Taxpayer Identification number (ITIN) if you don't have a Social Security number. Otherwise you can leave this blank.
Can I Skip These Questions?
No, they are required.
31. Parent Contact Information
Make sure you enter correct contact information.
How To Answer These Questions
- Enter your mobile phone number or other phone number you can be reached.
- Enter your email address.
- Enter your mailing address.
Can I Skip These Questions?
No, they are required.
32. Parent Current Marital Status
Your marital status as a parent will determine whether additional information is required from your spouse.
For FAFSA in separated or divorced families, only the parent who provides 51% of the support must provide their information.
If you're single, separated, divorced, or widowed, you won't have to provide any information other than your own.
If you're married and filing a joint tax return, your combined income will be used but only one spouse needs to complete the parent section of the FAFSA.
If you're married and file a separate tax return, OR you're unmarried and both living together, you will each need to be added as a contributor and provide your information.
If you're divorced but remarried, the household who provides the most support needs to have one spouse provide their joint information.
How To Answer These Questions
- Select the box that corresponds to your marital status.
Can I Skip These Questions?
No, they are required.
33. Parent State Of Legal Residence
The FAFSA results will be shared with your state's financial aid agency, who can use the information to help you qualify for state-based grants and financial aid programs.
How To Answer These Questions
- Enter the two letter state code. Find your state letter code here.
- Enter the month and year you became a resident. If you were born in the state and lived there your entire life, enter the month and year of your birthday.
Can I Skip These Questions?
No, they are required.
2026-27 FAFSA Questions Step-By-Step
Find answers to the other FAFSA questions here:
Student Spouse Information
Parent Information
Parent Financial Information
Parent Spouse Information
FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.