How to Get an ITIN Number in 2026: 5-Step Guide + 3 Methods

What Do You Need to Apply for an ITIN?

You need 3 things to apply: a completed IRS Form W-7, valid identity and foreign status documents, and a federal tax return (unless you qualify for one of 5 IRS exceptions). The IRS rejects applications with missing signatures, expired passports, and incorrect reason codes on line 6d of Form W-7.

ITIN Application Checklist

• IRS Form W-7: 2-page application form. Every applicant must complete and sign one. Download from IRS.gov.
• Identity documents: the IRS accepts 13 types. A valid passport is the single document that proves both identity and foreign status. See our ITIN documents guide.
• Federal tax return: Form 1040 or 1040-NR, attached to your W-7 unless you qualify for an exception.
• Reason for applying: select the correct category on W-7 line 6d. Choosing the wrong reason triggers rejection.

For a full breakdown of eligibility criteria, read our guide on ITIN requirements and eligibility.

Step 1: Are You Eligible for an ITIN?

You are eligible for an ITIN if you meet 2 conditions: you have a US federal tax filing obligation under IRC Section 6109, and you are not eligible for a Social Security Number. The IRS lists 6 specific categories on Form W-7 line 6d:

• Non-resident aliens filing a US tax return: you earned US-source income (rental, investment, freelance) and must file Form 1040-NR
• Spouses or dependents of US citizens/residents: you are being claimed on someone's tax return for credits or deductions
• Non-resident aliens claiming a tax treaty benefit: your country is one of 67+ nations with a US tax treaty
• Foreign nationals with US-source income subject to withholding: bank interest, royalties, pensions, annuities, or scholarship grants at the 30% default rate
• Non-resident members of a US partnership: the partnership allocates income to you on Schedule K-1
• Foreign LLC owners: single-member LLC owners must file Form 5472 + pro forma 1120 annually

If you already have an SSN or are eligible for one, the IRS will reject your ITIN application. Check with the Social Security Administration first. Read more in our who needs an ITIN guide.

Step 2: Which 13 Documents Does the IRS Accept?

The IRS accepts 13 types of identity documents, all of which must be originals or certified copies from the issuing agency. Notarized copies are not accepted. A valid passport is the only standalone document that proves both identity and foreign status.

Complete List of 13 Accepted Documents

1. Passport (standalone - proves both identity and foreign status)
2. National identification card (must show photo, name, address, date of birth, expiration date)
3. US driver's license
4. Foreign driver's license
5. Birth certificate (required for dependents under 18)
6. Foreign voter's registration card
7. US military identification card
8. Foreign military identification card
9. US state identification card
10. Civil birth certificate
11. Medical records (dependents under 6 only)
12. School records (dependents under 18 only)
13. US visa issued by the Department of State

Document Rules to Know

• All documents must be current and unexpired at the time of submission
• Without a passport, you need at least 2 documents from the list above
• Certified copies must come from the issuing government agency, not a notary
• A Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) can certify your passport per IRS Publication 1915, so you never mail the original

We strongly recommend using your passport. It eliminates the need for multiple documents and reduces rejection risk. For complete details, see our ITIN documents required guide.

Step 3: How Do You Fill Out IRS Form W-7?

Form W-7 is a 2-page application. Errors on this form are the number-one cause of ITIN rejections. Here are the 8 critical fields to complete correctly:

8 Critical Form W-7 Fields

• Line 1a-1b: Your legal name exactly as it appears on your passport and tax return. Name mismatches trigger rejection.
• Line 2: Foreign mailing address. The IRS mails your CP565 notice here. Must be complete and accurate.
• Line 3: US address, if applicable.
• Line 4: Date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY format.
• Line 5: Country of citizenship.
• Line 6a: Foreign tax identification number from your home country.
• Line 6d: Reason for applying. This is the most critical field. Selecting the wrong reason is one of the top 8 causes of rejection.
• Signature: Sign and date the form. An unsigned W-7 is automatically rejected by the IRS.

For line-by-line instructions with examples, read our Form W-7 completion guide.

Step 4: Which of the 3 Submission Methods Is Best?

The IRS accepts Form W-7 through 3 submission methods. Each has different trade-offs for speed, cost, and document handling.

Step 5: How Long Does IRS Processing Take?

The IRS processes ITIN applications in 6-11 weeks from the date they receive your Form W-7. During peak tax season (January-April), processing runs 11+ weeks. Upon approval, you receive a CP565 notice by mail confirming your ITIN.

Processing Time by Method

How to Check Your ITIN Application Status

Call the IRS ITIN hotline at 1-800-829-1040 (domestic) or 1-267-941-1000 (international). Have your name, mailing address, and date of birth ready for verification. You can also track your application through our ITIN application status tracker. Read our full ITIN processing time guide for current wait times.

What Are the 8 Most Common ITIN Rejection Reasons?

The IRS rejects thousands of ITIN applications annually. All 8 of these rejection reasons are preventable:

1. Missing or incorrect information on Form W-7: blank fields, typos in your name, or name mismatches between W-7 and passport
2. No federal tax return attached: unless you qualify for one of 5 IRS exceptions, your W-7 must include a completed Form 1040 or 1040-NR
3. Unsigned application: the IRS rejects every unsigned W-7, including cases where a parent must sign for a minor
4. Expired passport or identity documents: all documents must be current and unexpired at the time of submission
5. Wrong reason code on line 6d: selecting the incorrect reason or leaving line 6d blank triggers automatic rejection
6. Notarized copies instead of certified copies: the IRS only accepts originals or copies certified by the issuing government agency, not a third-party notary
7. SSN eligibility: if the IRS determines you are eligible for a Social Security Number, your ITIN application is denied
8. Duplicate application: if you already have an ITIN (even an expired one), you cannot apply for a new one. You must renew your existing ITIN instead

Working with a professional service reduces rejection risk. At itin.so, our team reviews every application before submission. ITIN service ($297) includes a money-back guarantee if the IRS rejects an application due to a preparation error.

How Much Does It Cost to Get an ITIN in 2026?

The IRS charges $0 for Form W-7 processing. Your total cost depends on whether you apply yourself or use a professional service. Here is the full cost breakdown:

Read our full ITIN cost breakdown and service comparison for details.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get an ITIN Number?

The fastest path is a Certifying Acceptance Agent with Express preparation. IRS processing (6-11 weeks) is outside your control, but you can minimize the preparation phase from weeks to 2-3 business days.

itin.so Service: What You Get for $297

• Priority preparation: your W-7 moves to the front of the queue, completed in 2-3 business days
• Expert document review: every page checked for errors, inconsistencies, and missing information
• Certified document handling: your passport is certified per IRS Publication 1915 so you never mail the original
• Direct WhatsApp support: real-time answers from our team throughout the process
• Money-back guarantee: full refund if the IRS rejects due to a preparation error on our part

Ready to get started? Apply for ITIN service or compare with our $297 option.

What Are the Official IRS References for ITINs?

The ITIN program is governed by these federal statutes and IRS publications:

• IRC Section 6109 (26 U.S.C. Section 6109): requires every person making a tax return to include a taxpayer identification number
• IRS Form W-7: official 2-page application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
• IRS Publication 1915: governs the Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) program and document certification procedures
• Form 1040-NR: US non-resident alien income tax return, filed with ITIN
• Form W-8BEN: certificate of foreign status used to claim tax treaty benefits with ITIN
• CP565 Notice: IRS letter confirming ITIN assignment, mailed upon approval
• Form 5472 + pro forma 1120: annual filing required for single-member LLCs owned by foreign nationals