<p>Some of my deadlines are as early as February 1! Should I be applying for a PIN now? I am not sure when the FAFSA will be complete to send out, but it is close. To meet the February 1st deadline comfortably, about when should I send it out? </p>
<p>I have also heard the PIN is sometimes troublesome to get. Should I do it immediately? Does getting a PIN force you to send it out, or is it good until you finally send it out? How long does it take?</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<p>Applying for a PIN does not force you to do anything. You can apply for a PIN and never complete a FAFSA.</p>
<p>You and a parent (assuming you are a dependent student) each need a PIN. If you get your PINs done and approved now then when/if you decide to file FAFSA you will be ready to sign it and submit it. Generally getting a PIN is pretty quick. But, as with anything, sometimes problems can occur, so leaving it to the last minute is not a good idea. We have 4 family members with PINs. 3 went through with no problems. 1 ran into problems that took a couple of weeks to sort out and delayed submission of a FAFSA. </p>
<p>The PIN is good for a long time. You will use this PIN to submit FAFSA every year. It is also used for things like checking your loans and doing things like mandatory online loan counseling for federal loans.</p>
<p>You should apply for the PINs now. You can use it next week, next month, next year, or never.</p>
<p>swimcatsmom–I applied for the PIN and they gave me a confirmation number. When do I hear back about getting my PIN? Does it go to my email or does it just happen on the FAFSA website?</p>
<p>You should get an email. Remember one of your parents will also need a PIN.</p>