Why can't FAFSA verify my identity?

FAFSA can't verify your identity due to mismatches in your name, Social Security number (SSN), or date of birth with Social Security Administration (SSA) records, expired ID documents, poor image quality of submitted IDs, or technical issues with StudentAid.gov's system, often requiring you to update personal info, provide better ID, or use alternative verification methods like a video call with your school.

Why does my identity verification keep failing?

Your identity verification is likely rejected due to mismatched information (name, DOB, address), expired/damaged ID, poor photo quality (blurry, glare, not fully visible), using a nickname, or technical glitches, requiring you to resubmit with clear, accurate, and updated details matching your official documents exactly. 

Why is my FAFSA account not verified?

You must have put their SSN incorrectly or mistyped a number or two. What I want you to do, is try and see if you are able to create a new FSA ID account for your parent. If it lets you get past the first page where you input SSN, then you definitely mistyped the SSN in the first account.

Why is ID.me not able to verify my identity?

If ID.me can't verify your identity, check your internet, clear browser cache/cookies, try a different browser/device, update your browser, ensure camera/mic work, and verify your documents/personal info are correct (especially if your name changed). If issues persist, especially with mismatched info or rejected documents, you'll need to use the Video Chat Agent for an extended video call with a live agent for help. 

Why is it so hard to verify my identity?

Your identity can't be verified due to mismatched personal details (name, address, DOB), poor photo/document quality, an expired or unsupported ID, or technical glitches with the verification system, often stemming from outdated public records or typos in your submitted info compared to your ID. Solutions involve ensuring perfect data matches, retaking clear photos, checking your ID's validity, and verifying your information with credit bureaus. 

FAFSA: How to Invite Parent (Avoid Common Errors)

What does it mean when identity verification failed?

"Identity Verification Failed" simply means SASSA can't match your information with what the Department of Home Affairs has.

What is not acceptable when verifying ID?

Note: To be legally acceptable, all identification must be valid. Expired I.D. is not acceptable. By law, you should not ask for the Ontario Health Card as identification.

Is ID.me having issues today?

Is ID.me down today? According to the official ID.me status page, the service is currently up . For the most recent updates, check the 'Recent Outages and Issues' section above.

Why can't my SSN be verified?

Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS) Handbook

Compare the failed SSN with your employment records. If you made a typographical error, correct the error and resubmit the corrected data. If the name is hyphenated, consider trying different versions of the name.

What does cannot verify identity?

The “Cannot Verify Server Identity” error typically occurs when an email or web service cannot validate the SSL/TLS certificate of the server it is trying to connect to. This can be caused by an expired, mismatched, or improperly configured certificate.

What is the #1 most common FAFSA mistake?

The #1 most common FAFSA mistake is leaving fields blank, but other major errors include name/SSN mismatches (using nicknames or incorrect info), confusing "you" (student) with "parent," incorrect tax info, and missing parent signatures or FSA IDs, all leading to delays or aid denial. Forgetting to file at all, or filing too late, also costs students aid, as does incorrectly reporting marital/parental info.
 

Why is FAFSA taking so long to verify my identity?

Review times vary throughout the year and can exceed 6 weeks at the beginning of Fall and Spring terms. The verification process usually takes about 3 days and then the student must go through Transfer Monitoring. This is a hold that looks to make sure a student is not set up to be paid at more than one school.

Is something wrong with FAFSA right now?

User reports indicate no current problems at FAFSA.

How to pass identity verification?

How do I verify my identity? Take photos of your ID online. Use an accepted ID type. In some cases, you'll be asked to take a selfie to confirm that you are the owner of your ID.

Why was my ID rejected?

Poor Quality Document Submissions

This is arguably the most frequent reason for rejection. Verification software is highly sensitive to the quality of the images or scans you provide. Blurry or Out-of-Focus Images: If your camera doesn't properly focus on your ID, the critical text and security features can't be read.

Why is FAFSA saying my SSN is invalid?

The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) has been informed by the Federal Student Aid Processor that your name and/or date of birth reported on your FAFSA does not match the Social Security Administration's records. If your name, date of birth, and/or SSN is incorrect on your FAFSA, you must correct your FAFSA.

What to do if ID.me cannot verify identity?

If ID.me can't verify you automatically, you'll likely need to schedule a video call with a Video Chat Agent, (Trusted Referee) where you'll show physical IDs and potentially upload extra documents, or try resolving issues like camera/mic problems, clearing your browser, updating your OS, or ensuring your documents are clear and valid; if still stuck, contact ID.me support or check for specific error fixes on their Help Center. 

How do I check the status of my SSA verification on FAFSA?

How do I check my StudentAid.gov account Social Security Administration (SSA) match status? Once you log in to StudentAid.gov, you can check your Social Security Administration (SSA) match status by navigating to Personal Information within "Settings." The status will read “Matched,” “Not Matched,” or “Pending.”

Why does my ID verification keep failing?

Your identity verification is likely rejected due to mismatched information (name, DOB, address), expired/damaged ID, poor photo quality (blurry, glare, not fully visible), using a nickname, or technical glitches, requiring you to resubmit with clear, accurate, and updated details matching your official documents exactly. 

How do I contact ID.me customer service?

Go to the ID.me Support Contact page. Select Contact Support. Sign in to your account. Choose the drop-down that best describes your issue, and in the “Description” field, include as much detail as possible.

Is there something wrong with the IRS website today?

User reports indicate no current problems at IRS.

Why can't my SSN be verified?

Please try enrolling again if you believe your SSN trace may have failed due to one of the common reasons below: The use of or absence of a hyphen or apostrophe. The use of or absence of a middle name. Incorrect entry of name, address, and/or date of birth.

What does it mean when your identity cannot be verified?

Your identity can't be verified due to mismatched personal details (name, address, DOB), poor photo/document quality, an expired or unsupported ID, or technical glitches with the verification system, often stemming from outdated public records or typos in your submitted info compared to your ID. Solutions involve ensuring perfect data matches, retaking clear photos, checking your ID's validity, and verifying your information with credit bureaus. 

Which of the following IDs cannot be accepted for verifying identity?

Military IDs, temporary, and paper documents are not accepted.