Federal Student Aid - Login (2024)

About AIMS

What is AIMS?

Access and Identity Management System (AIMS) is a securityinfrastructure used by Federal Student Aid. This infrastructureprovides secure access and single identity management services.AIMS makes it possible for you to log in once and then accessmultiple Federal Student Aid applications during your activesession.

Rules/Policies

If you try to access one of the Federal Student Aid systemsprotected by the Access and Identity Management System (AIMS), youwill be required to read and accept the Federal Student Aid'sRules of Behavior. The Rules of Behavior display once per day whenyou log in for the first time that day. After reading the Rules ofBehavior you may either select Back to Login or Accept.Clicking Back to Login ends the login process, so only clickBack to Login if you do not accept the rules of behavior. Ifyou agree to abide by the rules of behavior, check the check boxand click Accept.

Privacy

If you try to access one of the Federal Student Aid systemsprotected by the Federal Student Aid's Access and IdentityManagement System (AIMS), you are required to read and accept theFederal Student Aid's Privacy Act Statement.

UserID and Password Questions

Can I share my user ID and password with someone else?

No. Your user ID and your password private and are for youruse only and must remain confidential. You must not disclose yourpassword to anyone, including your supervisor and you must takesteps to prevent anyone from finding out your password. Sharingyour user ID with another person is a serious violation ofsecurity. If you fail to keep login information confidential, youruser ID will be terminated and you or organization could loseaccess to FSA systems.

Are logon attempts limited?

Your FSA ID will be locked after three unsuccessful loginattempts. You must wait 30 minutes before trying to use the samepassword again. When the password is unlocked 30 minutes later,you can try again or you can select the 'Forgot Password'link at the FSA Login page and answer the challenge questions. Ifyour answers are correct, you will be allowed to reset yourpassword.

How often does a password have to be changed?

Federal Student Aid User ID (FSA ID) passwords must bechanged every 90 days. Any password that is older than 90 dayswill automatically expire.

How will I know to change my password?

You will see a warning message 5 days before your password is setto expire during your login. This warning message will display aprompt for you to change your password before it expires. You mayalso change your password anytime using the 'ChangePassword' link located on the FSA login page.

What is the minimum length for a password and what are thecharacter requirements?

• The password must have a minimum length of twelve (12)characters and must contain each of the following four types ofcharacters - English uppercase letters (A-Z), English lowercaseletters (a-z), Westernized Arabic numerals (0-9), andnon-alphanumeric special characters ! @ # $ & *
• The password cannot contain any words that are easilyguessed like dictionary words, names, or acronyms
• The password must contain at least four (4) alphabeticcharacters, and
• The password cannot contain three (3) or more identicalcharacters in a row.

Example of valid passwords?

T@#O@$slF@9! -or- !!R#L@ollF@1

Example of invalid passwords?

-Password99 -Secret1

Do passwords expire?

If you have not used your password in 90 days, it willautomatically expire and you will be required to create a newpassword. You may change your password by clicking on the 'ChangePassword' link from the login page at any time, or by clickingthe 'Change Password' button when prompted from thepassword notification page.

What if I forget my password?

To reset a password, select the 'Forgot Password' link atthe FSA login page and answer the challenge questions correctly.

What if I forget my security questions and answers?

To update security questions and answers, contact theapplication helpdesk you are attempting to access to reset yourpassword. When you receive your new password, select the"Edit Account" link at the FSA login page and updateyour security questions and answers.

Access Questions

How do I gain access to applications behind AIMS?

To access NSLDS, CPS FAA, SAIG applications, contact your PDPA.If you are the DPA, contact your PDPA to add or modify youraccess. If you are the PDPA, go to https://fsawebenroll.ed.govto update your entitlements.

To access eCDR Appeals and Experimental Sites select the 'Registration'link at the FSA login page and complete the registration process.

For all other system access, please contact the FSAapplication specific helpdesk.

If I have problems logging on, whom can I contact?

Contact the FSA application help desk you are trying toaccess.

If I get locked out by AIMS, can I access the system bystarting from a different site?

No. Your user ID will be inoperable and you will not be able togain access to any Federal Student Aid systems secured behindAIMS. You must wait 30 minutes before trying to use the samepassword again. When the password is unlocked 30 minutes later,you can try again or you can select the "Forgot Password"link at the FSA Login page and answer the challenge questions. Ifyour answers are correct, you will be allowed to reset yourpassword.

How do I logout?

For the NSLDS FAP website, terminate your session by clicking thelogout link.

For all other systems, click the X at the top right ofyour browser window and close all browser windows. This willterminate your login session.

PIV Card Login

PIV login is required for users with a Department of Educationissued PIV card. You must have a Department of Education issuedPIV card. When you click on the PIV image or the "Continue withPIV" button, you will be prompted with the "Select a Certificate"windows box. Select your certificate and click "OK". For additionalinformation, click on the "Need Help?" link below the "Continuewith PIV" button.