2026–2027 Award Year V4 & V5 Identity Verification Updates

In alignment with the updated suggested language in Appendix A of the Electronic Announcement dated November 26, 2025, the following updates have been implemented in the Core system for V4 & V5 identity verification for the 2026–2027 award year.

2026–2027 Award Year: FAFSA® Information to be Verified and Acceptable Documentation | Knowledge Center

Updated Federal Guidance

For 26/27, the Department of Education revised the identity verification requirements for students selected in Verification Tracking Groups V4 and V5:

• The Statement of Educational Purpose (SEP) is no longer required.
• Institutions must document the method used to verify a student’s identity.
• Acceptable identity verification methods include:
  1. In-person verification with a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID
  2. Verification via a live video call with institutional staff
  3. Third-party identity verification meeting NIST IAL2 standards
  4. Notary verification with a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID

New Identity Confirmation Statement E-Form

To support this updated guidance, we have implemented a new Identity Confirmation Statement e-form within the system.

• This e-form is completed by Financial Aid staff to confirm the method used to verify the student’s identity for V4 and V5 verification. It will not be visible to the student. 
• The form provides a standardized and auditable record of compliance with the revised federal requirements.
• The Identity Confirmation Statement e-form will be effective 2026–2027 ISIRs.

Continued Documentation Requirements

While the Statement of Identity/Purpose (SEP) form has been removed, the system will continue to request supporting documentation when applicable, including:

• Valid government-issued photo ID, signed by a school official. 
• Notary statement, when identity verification is completed remotely.