Does the IRS Issue an ITIN Card in 2026?
Updated April 2026
Written by
itin.so Editorial Team
IRS-Authorized Certifying Acceptance Agents
No, the IRS does not issue a physical ITIN card. When your Form W-7 application is approved, you receive a CP565 notice letter by mail. This single-page letter contains your nine-digit ITIN in the 9XX-XX-XXXX format and serves as your only official proof of assignment. The IRS has never issued a plastic ITIN card at any point since the program launched in 1996 under IRC Section 6109. If you still need to get your ITIN, we handle the entire W-7 process for you.
If you are searching for an "ITIN card," you may be surprised to learn that no such thing exists. The IRS does not issue a physical card for your ITIN; instead, it mails a single-page CP565 notice that confirms your assigned nine-digit number and serves as your only official proof. This guide explains what the CP565 looks like, how to use it as verification for banks and tax forms, what to do if you lose it, and how it differs from a Social Security card. You will also see why third-party ITIN cards carry no legal value.
What Do You Actually Receive When the IRS Approves Your ITIN?
You receive a CP565 notice, not a card. The IRS mails this single-page letter to the address on your Form W-7 application after processing is complete. The letter confirms your full legal name, your assigned nine-digit ITIN, and a statement that the number is valid for federal tax purposes under IRC Section 6109.
Why the IRS does not issue a card
The IRS designed the ITIN system in 1996 exclusively for tax processing. Unlike the Social Security Administration, which issues physical SSN cards, the IRS chose a letter-based confirmation system. The CP565 notice is the only official ITIN document the IRS has ever produced. There is no plastic card, laminated ID, or downloadable digital card.
How the CP565 differs from an SSN card
The SSA issues a physical card with your Social Security Number printed on blue-patterned paper. The IRS sends a standard letter on white paper with the IRS letterhead. Both contain a nine-digit number. Neither includes a photo. The CP565 is larger (full letter size vs. wallet card) but carries the same verification weight for its intended purpose: tax filing.
What Does the CP565 Notice Look Like?
The CP565 arrives in a standard IRS envelope from the Department of the Treasury. The letter includes the IRS letterhead, your name and mailing address, the notice number (CP565), and your nine-digit ITIN printed clearly in the body. The letter states your ITIN is for federal tax use only and does not authorize employment or change immigration status.
Security features on the CP565
The CP565 has no holograms, barcodes, or biometric security features. It is standard IRS correspondence. The IRS relies on its mailing process and internal records to verify authenticity. If anyone asks to see your "ITIN card," present your CP565 letter. Make a photocopy and store it separately.
Key information printed on the CP565
- IRS letterhead with Department of the Treasury branding
- Notice number: CP565
- Your full legal name as listed on your W-7
- Your nine-digit ITIN in 9XX-XX-XXXX format
- Date of assignment
- Statement that the ITIN is for federal tax use only
- Statement that the ITIN does not authorize employment
How Can You Use Your CP565 as Proof of Your ITIN?
Your CP565 notice is the document you present whenever someone needs to verify your ITIN. Banks, tax preparers, and financial institutions all recognize this letter as the official source. Here are the 6 most common situations where you need it:
Filing federal tax returns
Write your nine-digit ITIN on Form 1040 or 1040NR where it asks for a taxpayer identification number. Reference your CP565 to confirm the number is correct.
Opening a bank account
Many US banks accept an ITIN for personal account opening. Bring your CP565 notice along with a valid passport or government-issued ID. Banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have ITIN account programs.
Applying for credit
Several lenders accept ITINs for mortgage, auto loan, and credit card applications. Your CP565 proves the number is legitimate and IRS-issued.
Filing W-8BEN forms
If you earn income from US sources as a non-resident, you provide your ITIN on withholding forms like W-8BEN. The CP565 verifies your number to payers.
Tip: Make a photocopy of your CP565 notice and store it separately from the original. Save a digital photo in an encrypted notes app or password manager. Having 2 backup copies prevents future lookup headaches.
Need your ITIN fast?
We handle your entire W-7 application from start to finish. No passport mailing required.
Starting at $197 with a 100% money-back guarantee.
Start Your ITIN ApplicationWhat Should You Do If You Lose Your CP565 Notice?
Losing your CP565 does not mean you lost your ITIN. The number is permanently stored in IRS records. However, you need documentation to prove it. Here are 3 recovery methods:
Method 1: Check prior tax returns
Your ITIN appears on every federal return you filed. Check any paper or digital copy of a past Form 1040 or 1040NR. The number is printed near the top in the taxpayer identification field.
Method 2: Call the IRS
Call 1-800-829-1040 (Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM local time). Provide your full legal name, date of birth, and mailing address. The agent will verify your identity and confirm your ITIN. International callers use 1-267-941-1000.
Method 3: Contact a Certifying Acceptance Agent
A Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) has direct IRS communication channels and can help verify your ITIN details faster than the public phone line. CAAs handle ITIN cases daily and know the verification process inside out.
You can also check your ITIN status to confirm your number remains active. ITINs expire after 3 consecutive years of non-use on a tax return.
Can You Get a Replacement CP565 Notice?
Yes. The IRS issues replacement CP565 letters. Call 1-800-829-1040, verify your identity, and request a new copy. The replacement takes 4 to 6 weeks depending on IRS volume.
Address requirements for replacement notices
The IRS mails replacements to the address on file. If you moved since applying, update your address first by filing IRS Form 8822 (Change of Address). Otherwise the replacement goes to your old address.
Using a CAA for faster confirmation
If you need your number urgently for a tax filing deadline, a CAA can confirm your ITIN through IRS channels faster than waiting for a replacement letter. The IRS agent can also confirm your number verbally during the phone call itself.
How Does the ITIN CP565 Compare to an SSN Card?
People search for "ITIN card" because they expect something like a Social Security card. This table shows the differences between the two documents. For a full comparison of the numbers themselves, see our ITIN vs SSN guide.
| Feature | ITIN (CP565) | SSN Card |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Full-page IRS letter | Wallet-size card |
| Issuing agency | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | Social Security Administration (SSA) |
| Contains photo | No | No |
| Number format | 9XX-XX-XXXX (always starts with 9) | XXX-XX-XXXX (never starts with 9) |
| Purpose | Federal tax filing only | Tax filing, employment, benefits |
| Expires | ITIN expires after 3 years non-use | SSN never expires |
| Work authorization | No | Yes |
| Replacement cost | Free (call IRS) | Free (visit SSA office) |
How Do You Protect Your ITIN from Fraud and Misuse?
Your ITIN carries the same sensitivity as an SSN. Someone who obtains your ITIN can file fraudulent tax returns, steal your refund, or create false financial accounts. The IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490 handles ITIN fraud cases. Here are 5 protection rules:
Never share your ITIN electronically
Do not send your ITIN over email, text, or unencrypted messaging apps. The IRS will never request your ITIN by email. Any such request is a scam.
Store your CP565 securely
Keep it in a locked drawer, safe, or secure digital scan. Do not carry it in your wallet. A digital backup in an encrypted notes app prevents loss without exposure risk.
Only share with verified entities
Provide your ITIN only to the IRS, your tax preparer, your bank, or licensed financial institutions. Verify any new request before sharing.
Monitor for unauthorized filings
If the IRS sends notices about returns you did not file or income you did not earn, contact the Identity Protection Specialized Unit immediately and file Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit).
Understand your taxpayer confidentiality rights
Under IRC Section 6103, the IRS cannot share your ITIN or tax filing information with other government agencies in most cases. Your ITIN tax records are protected by taxpayer confidentiality law.
Skip the IRS paperwork entirely
Our team prepares your W-7, certifies your documents, and submits everything to the IRS on your behalf.
Express service available at $297 with priority processing and a full money-back guarantee.
Apply for Your ITIN NowWhen Do You Need Your ITIN Number?
Your ITIN is required any time you interact with the US federal tax system. The IRS processes over 4 million ITIN-filed returns annually. Here are the 7 most common situations:
Annual income tax returns
Filing your Form 1040 or Form 1040NR requires your ITIN in the taxpayer identification field.
Claiming tax treaty benefits
If your country has a tax treaty with the US, your ITIN goes on W-8BEN forms to claim reduced withholding rates.
Banking and credit applications
Many US banks accept ITINs for checking, savings, and credit accounts. Some states also accept ITINs for driver's license applications.
ITIN expiration and renewal
ITINs expire after 3 consecutive years of non-use. If you have not filed a return with your ITIN in 3+ years, it is deactivated. You need to renew your ITIN before the IRS will process returns with that number. Check your ITIN processing timeline to plan accordingly.
What Are the Legal Rules Governing ITINs?
The ITIN program operates under specific federal laws and IRS regulations. Understanding these helps you know your rights and obligations as an ITIN holder.
IRC Section 6109
This section of the Internal Revenue Code requires every person filing a US tax return to include a taxpayer identification number. The ITIN program was created to fulfill this requirement for individuals who cannot obtain an SSN.
IRC Section 6103 (taxpayer confidentiality)
This section protects your ITIN information from disclosure. The IRS cannot share your tax filing data, ITIN assignment, or filing history with immigration authorities or other government agencies without your consent or a court order.
13 accepted identity documents
The IRS accepts 13 types of identity documents for W-7 applications, including passports, national ID cards, birth certificates, foreign driver's licenses, and US state ID cards. A passport is the only single document that satisfies both identity and foreign status requirements. See our complete document checklist for the full list.
What Are the Biggest Misconceptions About ITIN Cards?
The phrase "ITIN card" generates thousands of searches monthly. Most come from incorrect assumptions. Here are 4 facts that correct the biggest misconceptions:
"The IRS sends a card like the SSA does."
The SSA issues a physical card for SSNs. The IRS does not follow this practice for ITINs. You only receive the CP565 letter. The two agencies operate independently with different document processes.
"I can buy an ITIN card from a company."
Some companies sell unofficial plastic cards for $10 to $50. These have zero legal standing. No government agency, bank, or institution is required to accept them. The CP565 is the only recognized ITIN document.
"My ITIN works as a photo ID."
An ITIN is a tax number only. It does not verify identity, prove immigration status, or serve as identification. You need a passport or government-issued photo ID for identity verification purposes.
"If I lose my CP565, my ITIN is gone forever."
Your ITIN is permanently recorded in IRS systems. The CP565 is replaceable. Call 1-800-829-1040, check past returns, or work with a CAA to recover your number.
ITIN Card: Frequently Asked Questions
Does the IRS issue a physical ITIN card?
What is a CP565 notice from the IRS?
How long does it take to receive the CP565 notice in 2026?
Can I use my ITIN as a form of identification?
What should I do if I lose my CP565 notice?
Is an ITIN the same as a Social Security Number?
Do third-party ITIN cards have any official value?
Does the CP565 notice expire?
How do I protect my ITIN from identity theft?
Can I get my ITIN number faster than 6 to 11 weeks?
Written by
itin.so Editorial Team
IRS-Authorized Certifying Acceptance Agents
The itin.so editorial team is made up of IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) professionals who have helped applicants from 150+ countries secure their ITINs. Every guide is sourced from official IRS publications, forms, and instructions, then reviewed for accuracy before publishing.