How to Complete a Paper Student Loan Consolidation Application (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you can’t — or prefer not to — consolidate your federal student loans online, you still have options. You can submit a paper Consolidation application for your federal student loans, and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

This step-by-step guide walks you through the process in plain English, cutting through the confusion so you can get it done quickly and correctly.

Step-by-step guide to completing your consolidation application

Section 1: Instructions

Read this section carefully before proceeding. Use blue or black ink when filling out the form. If using a PDF filler, ensure all numbers in item 17 are clearly visible, and remember to physically sign the application rather than typing your signature.

Section 2: Where to send your application

Enter the receiving servicer’s address in the open box. (Addresses are listed below.)

Section 3: Leave blank

This section is not required.

Section 4: Personal information

• Fill out your name and Social Security number at the top of each page.
• Include your email address (even though it’s listed as optional).
• If you don’t have an employer, list “unemployed” or “retired.”
• If you don’t have a work phone, list your cell number instead.

Section 5: References

• Provide two references who don’t live with you and that don’t live with each other either.
• These contacts are only used if your loan servicer cannot reach you — they are not contacted via this application process.
• Email addresses for references are optional, but all other fields must be completed.

Section 6: Listing loans for consolidation

• List the loans you want to consolidate.
• Use the loan code (a letter) from Page 5 and the top of Page 6 for Item 15. 

Here are the common loan codes for a paper consolidation app in logical order (their chart stinks):

• Direct Unsubsidized: L
• Direct Subsidized: D
• Direct PLUS: I
• Direct Unsub Consolidated: K
• Direct Sub Consolidated: E
• Direct Parent PLUS: U

—

• FFEL Unsub: G
• FFEL Sub: A
• FFEL PLUS: S
• FFEL Unsub Consolidated: J
• FFEL Sub Consolidated: O
• FFEL Parent PLUS: T

—

• Perkins: F
• Health Professional Loans: Q
• Health Education Loans: R

• Item 16: Enter your current loan servicer.
• Item 17: Input your loan account number (a 16 to 21-digit number available on studentaid.gov under Loan Details or via your NSLDS download).
• Item 18: List the estimated loan payoff amount (also found on studentaid.gov).
• Item 19: If you want to stay in your grace period, check the box. Otherwise, leave it blank so processing can begin immediately (typically 30 to 90 days). I typically suggest to leave this blank so they get started ASAP. 

Section 7: Listing loans to exclude from consolidation

• Specify any loans you do not want to consolidate, if applicable. This ensures your request is processed correctly.

Common reasons to exclude loans:

• Parent PLUS Loans – If consolidated with your own loans, they limit your repayment options.
• Loans with significant IDR or PSLF credit – Consolidation resets the payment count by taking the weighted average payment history of all included loans, which could extend your time toward loan forgiveness.
• If you need guidance on which loans to consolidate or the double consolidation loophole for Parent PLUS Loans, consider scheduling a 1:1 consultation.

Sections 8-10: Terms and agreements

Important highlights here: Consolidating within the federal system keeps your loans federal. The new interest rate will be a weighted average, rounded up to the nearest 1/8%, meaning this process does not improve your interest rate, but also does not make it much worse.

Final steps

• Page 14: Sign and date the application.
• Pages 15-34: You can omit these when mailing or faxing the form.
• Once submitted, your loans will likely enter a processing forbearance, meaning no payments are due until consolidation is complete.
• If you have an upcoming payment you want to avoid, you can proactively submit a forbearance request citing your consolidation status.

If applying for an income-driven repayment IDR plan

• Include your income-driven application and income documentation.
• If opting for an amortized plan, submit the Repayment Plan Request form.

Where to submit your application

All consolidations are processed through Aidvantage, even if you select a different servicer for ongoing payments.

Mail your Consolidation Application, Income-Driven Application, and Income Documentation (or Repayment Plan Request form) to the loan servicer’s consolidation-processing address:

Aidvantage
ATTN: ED Loan Consolidation
PO BOX 300005
Greenville, TX 75403-3005

MOHELA
C/O Aidvantage
PO BOX 300006
Greenville, TX 75403-3006

Nelnet
C/O Aidvantage
PO BOX 300007
Greenville, TX 75403-3007

Edfinancial
C/O Aidvantage
PO BOX 300008
Greenville, TX 75403-3008

CRI
C/O Aidvantage
PO BOX 300009
Greenville, TX 75403-3009

Notes: If your loans are already with Aidvantage, you can upload your documents directly through your online portal—even if you're choosing a different servicer. Just ensure Section 2 correctly reflects your intended servicer.

I recommend sending this via certified mail so you have proof of delivery. A signature receipt isn’t necessary since it’s being sent to a P.O. box.

You will receive progress updates throughout their processing. Pay close attention to the notice detailing the loans being consolidated, as you have 10 days to correct any errors.

The phone number to call for consolidation inquiries is 1-800-722-1300 (Aidvantage's phone number since they process all consolidations).

Getting help with your student loan consolidation

Submitting a paper consolidation application may seem tedious, but following these steps will help ensure a smooth process. If you have any questions, contact your loan servicer before mailing your documents or schedule a 1:1 consultation with us for personalized guidance.