Updated April 2026
ITIN CP565 Notice 2026: Your ITIN Assignment Letter Explained
The CP565 is the official IRS notice that confirms your ITIN has been assigned. It is a single-page letter containing your 9-digit ITIN number, your legal name, and the date of issuance. Over 1,000 people search for “ITIN letter” every month, and the CP565 is what they are looking for. The IRS mails this notice 7 to 11 weeks after processing your Form W-7 application. There is no ITIN card — the CP565 letter is the only official document proving your ITIN assignment.
What Is the CP565 Notice from the IRS?
The CP565 is the IRS notice number for ITIN assignment confirmation. Every approved ITIN applicant receives this letter. It serves as your official record that the IRS reviewed your Form W-7, verified your identity documents, and assigned you an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
The CP565 notice contains 4 key pieces of information:
- Your assigned ITIN: A 9-digit number in the format 9XX-XX-XXXX
- Your legal name: As submitted on Form W-7
- Date of issuance: When the IRS processed your application
- IRS instructions: Brief explanation of what the ITIN is used for
Important distinction:
The CP565 is not an ID card. The IRS does not issue physical cards or photo identification for ITINs. If someone offers you an “ITIN card,” it is not an official IRS document. Learn more in our ITIN card explained guide.
What Does the CP565 Notice Look Like?
The CP565 is a standard IRS letter with these visual characteristics:
- Printed on standard white 8.5 x 11 inch paper
- IRS logo and “Department of the Treasury” header
- Notice number “CP565” printed in the upper right corner
- Your ITIN prominently displayed
- Your name and mailing address from Form W-7
- Mailed in a standard IRS white envelope
- No holographic elements, no lamination, no photo
The letter is 1 page. It is not a multi-page document. If you receive a multi-page mailing from the IRS, the CP565 is just the first page. Additional pages may contain general IRS information.
When Will You Receive Your CP565 Notice?
The timeline from Form W-7 submission to CP565 receipt depends on your application method and mailing address.
| Application Method | IRS Processing | Mail Delivery (US) | Mail Delivery (International) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mail to IRS | 7-11 weeks | 5-10 days | 4-8 weeks |
| Through CAA | 7-11 weeks | 5-10 days | 4-8 weeks |
| IRS TAC office | 7-11 weeks | 5-10 days | N/A (US only) |
| Peak season (Jan-Apr) | 9-14 weeks | 5-10 days | 4-8 weeks |
If you have not received your CP565 after 14 weeks (US address) or 20 weeks (international address), call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to check your application status.
What Should You Do When You Receive Your CP565?
Take these 6 steps immediately after receiving your CP565 notice.
- Verify your ITIN number. Confirm it starts with 9 and follows the format 9XX-XX-XXXX. Check that the middle digits fall within valid ranges.
- Verify your name. Ensure it matches your passport and tax return exactly. Report any errors to the IRS immediately.
- Make digital copies. Scan or photograph the CP565 at high resolution. Store copies in a secure cloud location and on a local backup.
- Store the original safely. Keep the paper letter in a secure location (safe, lockbox, or fireproof file). You may need the original for bank applications.
- Open a bank account. Use your ITIN to open a US bank account. Many banks accept the CP565 as proof of your ITIN.
- Check your tax return status. If you attached a tax return to your Form W-7, the IRS processes it after assigning your ITIN. Check refund status at irs.gov/refunds 2 to 4 weeks after receiving your CP565.
How Do You Replace a Lost CP565 Notice?
If you lost your CP565 notice, you can request a replacement through 2 methods:
1. Call the IRS
Call 1-800-829-1040. After identity verification (name, date of birth, address on file), request a replacement CP565. The IRS mails a new copy to your address on file within 30 to 60 days. If your address has changed, you need to update it first using Form 8822.
2. Visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center
Visit any of the 380+ IRS TAC offices with valid photo identification. The agent can look up your ITIN and provide written confirmation. This does not produce a new CP565 but gives you official verification of your ITIN number.
Alternative: ITIN Number Lookup
If you just need your ITIN number (not the physical letter), see our ITIN number lookup guide for 3 ways to find your ITIN without the CP565.
Do Banks Accept the CP565 Notice as ITIN Proof?
Yes. Most banks that accept ITINs recognize the CP565 notice as official proof of your ITIN. Here is how major ITIN-friendly banks handle the CP565:
- Mercury: Accepts ITIN entry during online application. CP565 may be requested for verification.
- Relay: Accepts ITIN. CP565 copy uploaded during the application process.
- Wise: Accepts ITIN for US dollar accounts. CP565 scan accepted.
- Bank of America: In-branch applications accept the original CP565 with a passport.
- Chase: In-branch applications accept CP565 with additional identification.
Always bring or upload a clear, complete copy of your CP565. Banks verify the ITIN number against IRS records during the account opening process.
Frequently Asked Questions About the CP565 Notice
Need an ITIN? Our CAA service handles the entire application process. You receive your CP565 notice in 7 to 11 weeks.
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