The Verification Process

The U.S. Department of Education requires universities to verify the accuracy of information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This requirement means that each year a percentage of students who complete the FAFSA are selected for the verification process. 

If you receive notification that you have been selected for the verification process, you must complete and submit all of the requested documentation in order to receive your financial aid offer. We strongly encourage you to review the information provided below. 

UMD-Inceptia Verification Gateway

We have established a partnership with Inceptia to expedite the verification process. Verification Gateway from Inceptia is an online portal that will guide you and your parents through the process.

You will use this pathway if you receive an email from VGCS@inceptia.org, or a postcard from Inceptia, containing a unique link to start completing your verification.

UMD's Financial Aid Portal

Within our FinAid Portal, you can access a list of documents you are required to submit to complete the verification process.

You will use this pathway if you receive an email from our office.

1. Access UMD’s unique Verification Gateway website.

  • The link above will also be included in your email or postcard from Inceptia.

2. Create your Verification Gateway account.

  • When you create your Verification Gateway account, you will also set up your preferences for text messages and e-signatures.

3. Complete your task list.

  • Within Verification Gateway you will find instructions on how to complete your task list.
  • Before completing the process you confirm your signature, review your information and sign your account.

If you are a dependent student, your parent also needs to create their own Verification Gateway account and complete each of the steps above. If you have questions about Verification Gateway, please contact Inceptia.

Please complete this process as soon as possible. Your financial aid offer cannot be released until this process has been completed.

1. Log in to your FinAid Portal.

  • Before you log in, you must select the desired academic year from the drop-down menu. 
  • Then, select the Access Financial Aid Portal button. You will be prompted to enter your Directory ID and password to access the secure portal.

2. Review and complete the required verification documents.

  • Navigate to the View and Complete Your Verification and Award Documents page, found within the To-Do section of the portal. 
  • Here you will see a list of the documents you are required to submit. Please read the instructions for completing each document carefully. 
  • It is important that you include your University ID (UID) on all documents you submit. Failing to do so may result in delayed receipt of your financial aid offer.  
  • All documents can be uploaded and submitted through the FinAid Portal. Please only upload requested documents and forms. 
    • Please do not send documents with personal information (such as social security number or date of birth) through email without encryption. 
       

Please complete this process as soon as possible. Your financial aid offer cannot be released until this process has been completed. 

If after reviewing the information provided above, you still have questions about the verification process, please review our Verification FAQs.