ITIN vs Passport: What ITIN Can and Cannot Do

What Is an ITIN?

An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to individuals who have US federal tax obligations but cannot qualify for a Social Security Number. The IRS created the ITIN program in 1996 to ensure that everyone who owes US taxes can file returns and comply with the law, regardless of immigration status.

ITINs follow the format 9XX-XX-XXXX and always start with the digit 9. You apply using IRS Form W-7, accompanied by a federal tax return and identity documents. Processing takes 7 to 11 weeks through the IRS. For a full breakdown of who qualifies and how to apply, read our complete ITIN guide.

The critical point for this discussion: an ITIN is a number, not a document. The IRS sends you a paper confirmation letter (CP565) when your ITIN is approved. That letter is not an ID card. It has no photo, no signature, no hologram, and no security features. It is simply a piece of IRS correspondence confirming your tax number assignment.

What Is a Passport?

A passport is an official government-issued document that verifies your identity and citizenship. It includes your photograph, full legal name, date of birth, nationality, and a unique document number. Passports contain security features like biometric chips, watermarks, and tamper-resistant lamination that make them one of the most trusted identification documents worldwide.

Passports serve two primary functions. First, they act as international travel documents that allow you to cross borders and pass through immigration checkpoints. Second, they function as universally accepted photo identification for banking, government services, notarization, and other identity verification purposes.

When you apply for an ITIN, the IRS actually requires identity documentation, and a valid passport is the single best document you can provide. It is the only document that satisfies both the identity and foreign status requirements on Form W-7 by itself. Every other option requires submitting two separate documents.

ITIN vs Passport: Side-by-Side Comparison

This table clarifies exactly how an ITIN and a passport differ across every dimension that matters. Understanding these differences helps you avoid common mistakes when dealing with US banks, government agencies, and employers. For a broader comparison of tax ID numbers, see our ITIN vs EIN guide.

What an ITIN Can Do

While an ITIN cannot serve as identification, it opens several important doors for individuals without a Social Security Number. Here is what your ITIN actually enables:

• File US federal tax returns. This is the primary purpose of an ITIN. You use it on Form 1040, 1040NR, and related schedules to report income and claim deductions or treaty benefits.
• Open a US bank account. Many banks accept an ITIN as your taxpayer identification number when opening personal checking and savings accounts. You still need a separate photo ID (usually a passport) to complete the process. See our guide on opening a bank account with an ITIN.
• Apply for credit cards. Several US credit card issuers accept ITINs, allowing you to build a US credit history over time.
• Complete W-8BEN forms. US companies and payment platforms require a W-8BEN to verify your foreign tax status. Your ITIN goes on this form.
• Claim tax treaty benefits. If your country has a tax treaty with the US, your ITIN allows you to claim reduced withholding rates on US-sourced income.
• Apply for a state driver license (in some states). Several states allow ITIN holders to apply for a driver license, which then becomes your photo ID for daily use.

What an ITIN Cannot Do

This is where the misconceptions pile up. Many people assume that because an ITIN is a government-issued number, it functions like an ID. It does not. Here is what an ITIN absolutely cannot do:

• Serve as photo identification. An ITIN is not a physical ID. There is no ITIN card. No photo. No biometric data. The CP565 letter is just a confirmation of your number assignment.
• Replace a passport for any purpose. Whether for travel, banking identity checks, or government services, an ITIN cannot substitute for a passport or any other photo ID.
• Authorize employment in the US. An ITIN explicitly does not grant work authorization. Employers cannot accept an ITIN for Form I-9 verification. Only an SSN paired with valid work authorization allows legal employment.
• Prove immigration status. An ITIN says nothing about your immigration status. The IRS issues ITINs regardless of whether you are in the US legally, and having an ITIN does not confer any legal status.
• Qualify you for Social Security benefits. ITIN holders are not eligible for Social Security retirement, disability, or Medicare benefits. Those programs require an SSN and qualifying work history.
• Serve as a REAL ID or boarding pass supplement. TSA and airlines require government-issued photo identification. An ITIN letter will not get you through airport security under any circumstances.

For a detailed comparison of ITIN versus SSN capabilities, including work authorization and benefits eligibility, read our ITIN vs SSN guide.

Common Misconceptions About ITIN and Identification

These misunderstandings cause real problems for people who assume their ITIN gives them more capability than it actually does. Let us clear up the most frequent ones.

When You Need Both an ITIN and a Passport

In practice, most situations where you use an ITIN also require a passport or other photo ID. These documents work together, not as substitutes for each other. Here are the most common scenarios:

• Opening a US bank account. The bank needs your ITIN for tax reporting (they file Form 1099 with the IRS) and your passport for identity verification under Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations.
• Applying for the ITIN itself. Your passport is the identity document you submit with Form W-7. Without a passport, you need two alternative documents from the IRS-approved list.
• Signing a lease or rental agreement. Landlords often request a taxpayer ID (ITIN or SSN) for credit and background checks, plus a photo ID to verify you are who you claim to be.
• Applying for credit. Credit card companies need your ITIN for credit bureau reporting and your passport or other photo ID for identity verification.
• Filing taxes through a tax preparer. Tax professionals verify your identity with a photo document and use your ITIN on all tax forms and filings.

The takeaway is straightforward: keep both your ITIN assignment letter and your passport readily accessible. They serve different purposes, and you will regularly need both.

How to Get Your ITIN Without Mailing Your Passport

One of the biggest concerns people have about the ITIN application process is the requirement to include identity documents. If you mail your W-7 directly to the IRS, you must include your original passport (or certified copies), and the IRS holds onto it for the entire 7 to 11 week processing period. That leaves you without your primary identification document for months.

The solution is to work with a Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA). A CAA is authorized by the IRS to verify your identity documents in person (or through a secure process) and certify them on your behalf. This means you never mail your original passport to the IRS. The CAA sends certified copies along with your W-7 application, and your passport stays with you the entire time.

At itin.so, our team includes IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agents who handle the complete process. Our Standard service ($197) prepares your application in 7 to 10 business days. Our Express service ($297) prepares everything in 2 to 3 business days with priority support. Both options include W-7 preparation, document verification, IRS submission, and full application tracking.

Whether you are applying for the first time or need to start your ITIN application today, keeping your passport in your possession throughout the process is one of the strongest reasons to use a CAA-certified service.