Do I need to send original documents for an ITIN application?

If you apply by mail, the IRS requires original documents or certified copies from the issuing agency. The IRS returns originals within 60 days of receiving your application. To avoid mailing your passport, use a Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) who verifies your documents locally and sends a Certificate of Accuracy to the IRS instead.

Can I use expired documents for my ITIN application?

No. All 13 accepted identity and foreign status documents must be current and unexpired at the time you submit Form W-7. The only exception is for dependents under age 6, where a birth certificate with no expiration date is accepted. Renew expired documents before applying or use a different valid document from the IRS list.

Do I need to translate my documents into English?

Yes. Any document not in English must include a certified English translation. The translation must be word-for-word accurate, and the translator must sign a certification statement attesting to completeness and accuracy. Professional translation services cost $20 to $50 per page. Missing translations add 4 to 8 weeks to processing time.

What happens if I forget a document in my ITIN application?

The IRS sends a written notice (CP566 or CP567) explaining which documents are missing. You have 45 days to respond. Each correction cycle adds 4 to 8 weeks to your processing time. In 2025, the IRS reported that 22% of W-7 rejections were due to incomplete documentation. Using a CAA eliminates this risk.

How many identity documents do I need without a passport?

You need at least 2 documents from the IRS list of 13 accepted documents. One document must prove your identity (name, photo, date of birth) and one must prove your foreign/non-US citizen status. Some documents prove both. For example, a national ID card from your home country proves both identity and foreign status.

Can a Certifying Acceptance Agent verify my documents?

Yes. CAAs are authorized by the IRS to review and certify identity documents. They issue a Certificate of Accuracy (Form 13551) that replaces original documents in the mail submission. This means you keep your passport and other originals. At itin.so, our CAA team verifies documents as part of the $297 packages.

What is the difference between certified copies and notarized copies?

Certified copies are issued directly by the agency that created the original document (embassy, civil registry, vital records office). Notarized copies are photocopies verified by a notary public. The IRS accepts only certified copies, not notarized copies. This is one of the most common mistakes that causes ITIN application rejections.

Do dependents under 6 need the same documents as adults?

No. Dependents under age 6 can use medical records (vaccination records, hospital birth records) to prove identity. These must show the child's name and date of birth. A birth certificate is still required for foreign status proof. Dependents aged 6 to 17 can use school records in addition to the standard 13 documents.

Where do I send my ITIN documents if I apply by mail?

Mail your complete W-7 package to: Internal Revenue Service, ITIN Operation, P.O. Box 149342, Austin, TX 78714-9342. Use a trackable shipping method (USPS Priority, FedEx, UPS) because the IRS receives over 2 million ITIN applications annually. Processing takes 6 to 11 weeks from the date the IRS receives your package.

Updated May 2026 | Source: IRS Form W-7 Instructions

ITIN Document Checklist 2026: All 13 Accepted Identity Documents

The IRS accepts 13 identity documents for ITIN applications. A valid passport is the only single document that proves both identity and foreign status. Without a passport, you need at least 2 documents from the approved list. Missing even 1 document adds 4 to 8 weeks to your processing time. Check off each item as you prepare your Form W-7 submission. For detailed explanations of each document, read the complete documents guide.

What Forms Are Required for Every ITIN Application?

2 forms are mandatory in every ITIN application package. Both must be completed, signed, and included before submission to the IRS Austin processing center.

Form W-7 (IRS Application for ITIN)

The official 2-page IRS form with 7 sections. Download the current version from IRS.gov. Our W-7 form guide walks through every field.

Federal Tax Return (Form 1040, 1040-NR, etc.)

Most applicants must attach a completed federal tax return. Exceptions include dependents claimed on another person's return and certain treaty-based claims. See non-resident filing requirements.

What Are the 13 IRS-Accepted Identity Documents?

The IRS lists exactly 13 acceptable documents for proving identity and foreign status on an ITIN application. A passport is the only standalone document. All others must be combined to cover both identity and foreign status requirements. Every document must be current and unexpired per IRS guidelines.

Documents That Prove Both Identity and Foreign Status

1. Valid, unexpired passport (standalone)

The only single document that satisfies both requirements. Used by over 80% of ITIN applicants. Must be current and unexpired at submission.

2. National identification card

Must show name, photo, address, date of birth, and expiration date. Issued by your home country's government.

3. US visa issued by Department of State

Must be valid and unexpired. Shows name, photo, and visa classification. Relevant for H-4 visa holders and international students.

4. Foreign voter's registration card

Issued by your home country's election authority. Must include name, photo, and date of birth.

5. Foreign military identification card

Must show name, photo, and date of birth. Issued by a foreign government's military branch.

Documents That Prove Identity Only

6. Foreign driver's license

Must include name, photo, and date of birth. Pair with a document that proves foreign status (birth certificate, visa).

7. US state identification card

Issued by a US state or territory. Proves identity only. Must be paired with foreign status proof.

8. US driver's license

Proves identity only. Must be paired with a foreign status document.

Documents That Prove Foreign Status Only

9. Civil birth certificate

Must be an original or certified copy from the civil registry. Proves foreign status but not identity. Required for dependents under 18 in most cases.

10. USCIS photo identification (Form I-766, I-862, I-94)

Issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services. Proves foreign status. Must be current.

Documents for Dependents (Age-Specific)

11. Medical records (dependents under 6 only)

Vaccination records or hospital records showing the child's name and date of birth.

12. School records (dependents under 18 only)

Report cards or enrollment letters from an accredited school showing the child's name and attendance dates.

13. US Citizenship and Immigration Services letter

An official USCIS letter confirming the applicant's immigration status. Must be current and reference the applicant by name.

What Additional Documents Are Needed for Specific Situations?

Beyond the 13 accepted identity documents, certain applicants need additional paperwork based on their W-7 reason code and personal circumstances.

Translations and Certifications

Certified English translations

Required for any document not in English. The translator must sign a certification statement. Professional translations cost $20 to $50 per page.

Third-party documentation (treaty claims, withholding)

Letters from financial institutions, withholding statements, or treaty benefit claims may be required for W-7 Reason H.

How Do You Avoid Document Problems That Delay Your ITIN?

22% of W-7 rejections are caused by document issues. Follow these 5 rules to avoid delays:

Check expiration dates. Every document must be current and valid. Expired documents are automatically rejected by the IRS.
Match names exactly. The name on your documents must match Form W-7 character for character. Even a missing middle name triggers rejection.
Use originals or certified copies. The IRS does not accept notarized copies or regular photocopies. Only originals or certified copies from the issuing agency are valid.
Use a CAA to keep your originals. A Certifying Acceptance Agent verifies your documents locally and sends a Certificate of Accuracy (Form 13551) instead. You never mail your passport.
Translate everything. Any document not in English requires a certified translation. Missing translations add 4 to 8 weeks.

3 Application Methods Compared

You can submit your documents through 3 methods: a CAA (keeps your originals, costs $297 at itin.so), mail-in to the IRS Austin center (free but requires mailing originals), or an in-person visit to 1 of 13 IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers. Learn about processing times for each method.

Frequently Asked Questions About ITIN Documents

You need 3 items: a completed Form W-7, a federal tax return (in most cases), and identity/foreign status documents. The IRS accepts 13 identity documents. A valid passport is the only single document that proves both identity and foreign status. Without a passport, you need at least 2 documents from the IRS-approved list to cover both requirements.

Have your documents ready? Let our CAA team verify them and handle your entire application. $297.

Start Your ITIN Application

Need help gathering documents? Read the complete documents guide. Check your eligibility first or review all ITIN requirements.