Key takeaways:
- A Data Release Number is a 4-digit number found on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
- For security purposes, you will need your DRN to make corrections to your FAFSA over the phone.
- Your college’s financial aid office may request your DRN if they need to make changes to your FAFSA on your behalf.
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Your Data Release Number (DRN) is a 4-digit code on your FAFSA that allows you to make changes to your application over the phone or for your financial aid office to make changes for you. Most students will never need it, but knowing exactly what DRN means and where to find it is still important.
What is the FAFSA?
Before we dive into your DRN, we need to talk about the FAFSA – the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It’s the application colleges use to determine your eligibility for financial aid, including federal grants, federal loans, institutional grants and scholarship, work-study, and more.
The FAFSA will ask about you and your family’s income. Once processed, you’ll receive a Student Aid Index (SAI), which can range from –1,500 to 999,999. The lower the number, the more likely you are to receive aid based on demonstrated financial need.
What is a DRN?
A Data Release Number (DRN) is a 4-digit number assigned to your FAFSA. You will need this code if you need to make corrections to your application over the phone with the Federal Student Aid Information Center. It prevents unauthorized individuals from making changes.
Your college’s financial aid administrator may also request and use your DRN if they need to make changes to your FAFSA for you.
Never give your DRN to anyone other than a customer service representative from the Federal Student Aid Information Center or your school’s financial aid office.
Where do you find your DRN?
You can find your DRN on the first page of your FAFSA Submission Summary, the document you receive once your application is processed. It is also at the top of your confirmation page and in the FAFSA confirmation email, if your application hasn’t been processed yet.
In most cases, students and their parents will never need the DRN (or notice it on the summary). However, it’s helpful to know it and keep it safe should you ever have to make corrections.
Once you’ve completed the FAFSA, it’s time to apply to scholarships. Our Scholarship Search Tool helps you find awards you qualify for and quickly enter Try it out here.
