Lost Your ITIN Letter? How to Replace Your CP565 Notice
Updated April 2026
Direct answer: Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request a replacement CP565 letter. You do not need to file a new W-7. The IRS mails the replacement within 30 days. The agent gives you your ITIN number during the call so you do not have to wait for the letter to use your ITIN.
What Is the CP565 Letter and Why Does It Matter?
The CP565 is the official IRS notice confirming your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number assignment. It is the only official document from the IRS showing your ITIN. Banks, employers, and financial institutions often require the CP565 as proof of your ITIN. The letter contains your 9-digit ITIN in the format 9XX-XX-XXXX, your registered name, and the assignment date. Unlike an SSN card, the IRS does not issue a physical card for ITINs. The CP565 letter is your only official ITIN documentation. If you need to understand the ITIN number format, we have a separate guide explaining the 9-digit structure.
How Do You Request a Replacement CP565 Letter by Phone?
Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM local time. Navigate the automated menu and select individual tax questions. When connected to a live agent, state that you need a replacement CP565 ITIN notice. The agent verifies your identity by asking your full legal name, date of birth, and mailing address on file. After verification, the agent confirms your ITIN number verbally and initiates the replacement letter. The letter ships within 30 days to the address on your IRS record. There is no fee for this service. Call early morning or late afternoon for shorter hold times. During tax season (January through April), hold times exceed 60 minutes.
Can You Get a Replacement CP565 at an IRS Office?
Yes. Visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) with valid government-issued photo identification. Schedule an appointment by calling 1-844-545-5640. The TAC agent verifies your identity in person and can look up your ITIN immediately. However, the replacement CP565 letter is still mailed. It cannot be printed at the TAC office. The advantage of visiting a TAC is immediate identity verification and ITIN confirmation without phone hold times. The IRS has 358 TAC locations across the US. Find the nearest one at irs.gov/help/tac-locations.
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Start Your ITIN ApplicationWhat If Your Address Changed Since Your ITIN Was Issued?
Update your address with the IRS before requesting the replacement letter. File Form 8822 (Change of Address) by mail, or call 1-800-829-1040 to update by phone. Address updates take 4 to 6 weeks to process. If you request a replacement CP565 before updating your address, the letter goes to your old address. For a faster update, visit a TAC office in person with proof of your new address. Once updated, request the replacement letter. The IRS does not forward mail, so the correct address is critical.
What Can You Use While Waiting for the Replacement Letter?
While waiting for your replacement CP565, you can still use your ITIN. The IRS agent provides your ITIN number during the phone call. Write it down. For tax filing, your ITIN works without the physical letter. For opening bank accounts, bring a copy of a previously filed tax return showing your ITIN as proof. Some banks accept this as temporary verification. For any purpose requiring the CP565 specifically, you will need to wait the 30 days. If you need your ITIN urgently for tax filing, use the number provided by the agent and file your return while waiting for the letter.
Does Losing Your CP565 Affect Your ITIN Status?
No. Losing the CP565 letter has zero impact on your ITIN validity or status. Your ITIN is a number in the IRS database, not a physical document. The CP565 is simply a notification letter. Your ITIN remains active as long as you file a federal tax return using it at least once every 3 consecutive years. If your ITIN has expired due to non-use, you need to renew your ITIN regardless of whether you have the CP565 letter. Check your ITIN status by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
How Do You Prevent Losing Your ITIN Letter Again?
When you receive the replacement CP565, take these 4 steps to protect it. First, photograph the letter and save the image to secure cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox with 2-factor authentication). Second, store the original letter in a fireproof safe or bank safety deposit box. Third, record your ITIN number in a secure password manager like 1Password or Bitwarden. Fourth, give a trusted family member or tax preparer a copy for backup. Your ITIN number never changes, so this is a one-time effort for permanent access to your number.
Can You Request the CP565 Letter in a Different Language?
The CP565 letter is issued in English only. The IRS does not provide translated versions of ITIN assignment notices. If you need the letter translated for use outside the US, you must hire a certified translator. The IRS does provide the W-7 form instructions in Spanish, and IRS phone support is available in Spanish by pressing the appropriate menu option. For other languages, the IRS offers translation services during phone calls through their multilingual support line. See our guide on finding your ITIN number for all available methods.
Government Sources
CP565 notice replacement procedures per IRS Publication 1915 (Understanding Your IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). IRS phone hours and TAC appointment procedures from irs.gov. Form 8822 address change process per IRS instructions. Information current as of April 2026.
Replacing Your ITIN Letter: Frequently Asked Questions
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