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

How Can a Non-US Citizen Get an ITIN?

A non-US citizen gets an ITIN by filing IRS Form W-7 with proof of identity and foreign status, usually attached to a federal tax return. Your nationality or immigration status does not disqualify you. What matters is that you have a US tax purpose and are not eligible for a Social Security Number. The IRS charges $0, and processing takes 6-11 weeks (11+ weeks in the January-to-April peak season). Correctly prepared applications are approved in the vast majority of cases; nearly all rejections come from preventable errors on Form W-7, not from where you are from. Start with our Form W-7 guide or let a CAA prepare it through our ITIN application service.

Can a non-US citizen get an ITIN number?

Yes. The ITIN exists specifically for people who are not US citizens and cannot get an SSN but still have a US tax obligation. Non-resident aliens, foreign business owners, and dependents or spouses of US taxpayers are all eligible. You do not need a green card, a visa, or US residency to qualify — our ITIN guide for non-residents covers applying from abroad.

How does a foreigner get an ITIN number?

A foreigner living abroad gets an ITIN without visiting the US. Complete Form W-7, have a Certifying Acceptance Agent certify your passport so you keep the original, and the CAA submits your application to the IRS. This is how applicants in 150+ countries apply. See the full ITIN cost breakdown before you choose a method.

How do I get an ITIN number for a non-resident in the US?

A non-resident physically in the US follows the same 5 steps: confirm eligibility, gather documents, complete Form W-7, submit through a CAA or by mail (or in person at 1 of 13 IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers), and wait 6-11 weeks for the CP565 notice. A CAA is still the safest route because you keep your passport during processing.

Can someone who is undocumented get an ITIN or EIN?

Yes. ITINs are not tied to immigration status, and the IRS does not share ITIN application data for immigration enforcement. An undocumented individual with a US tax filing requirement can apply with Form W-7. An EIN is different: it is a business number, and any individual (including one with only an ITIN or no SSN) can obtain an EIN for a US business by filing Form SS-4. The two numbers serve different purposes and you can hold both.

Can I get an ITIN immediately, fast, or quickly?

No. There is no same-day or instant ITIN. The IRS controls the 6-11 week review, and no service can shorten it. What you can compress is the preparation phase: Express service prepares your W-7 in 2-3 business days instead of weeks. Be cautious of any provider promising an immediate ITIN, as that is not possible. Already applied? Track it on our check ITIN status page.

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, or reactivate it if it lapsed years ago

Working with a professional service reduces rejection risk. At itin.so, our team reviews every application before submission. Express 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 Express 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 Express ITIN service or compare with our Standard $197 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