How to apply for an ITIN

Find what you need to apply for or renew an individual tax identification number (ITIN). You can apply by mail or in person.

On this page

What you need

Include in your ITIN application package:

1. Form W-7

Complete Form W-7, Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

To renew an expired ITIN, fill out the sections to complete Form W-7 for a renewal.

For families, each person applying for an ITIN must have a completed Form W-7.

2. U.S. federal income tax return

Complete Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return or Form 1040-NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return.

Follow these steps

  • Leave the area for SSN blank for each ITIN applicant listed on the tax return. We’ll write in the assigned ITINs and forward the tax return for processing.
  • If your spouse or dependents are ITIN applicants, attach Forms W-7 for each applicant to the front of the tax return.
  • Include required forms or steps to claim any allowable tax benefits.

If you qualify, you may be able to get free tax return preparation.

In certain cases, you may meet an exception to the filing requirement.

3. Supporting documents

Provide proof of foreign status and identity and proof of U.S. residency for dependents with supporting documents.

Apply by mail

Mail your ITIN application package by either:

U.S. Postal Service

Internal Revenue Service
Austin Service Center
ITIN Operation
P.O. Box 149342
Austin, TX 78714-9342

Private delivery service

Internal Revenue Service
ITIN Operation
Mail Stop 6090-AUSC
3651 S. Interregional, Highway 35
Austin, TX 78741-0000

Apply in person

You can get most supporting documents authenticated and returned immediately.

Apply in person with:

  • IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center with ITIN services
  • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site with ITIN services
  • Certifying Acceptance Agent or Acceptance Agent

Compare options to apply in person

Option

Cost

Reviews W-7 Helps complete W-7 Authenticates most supporting documents Locations
IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center with ITIN services Free Yes No Yes U.S.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site with ITIN services Free Yes Yes Yes Limited U.S. locations
Certifying Acceptance Agent Fee-based Yes Yes Yes U.S. and international
Acceptance Agent Fee-based Yes Yes No U.S. and international

Apply for free at a Taxpayer Assistance Center in the U.S.

A center with ITIN services can:

*Taxpayer Assistance Centers can authenticate all documents for ITIN applicants who appear in person, except for school and medical records for dependents. These must be mailed with the ITIN application package.

It may take several weeks to get an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center.

Find an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center with ITIN services

Apply for free atselect VITA sites in the U.S.

VITA sites that offer ITIN services have Certifying Acceptance Agents (CAAs) who can:

*CAAs at VITA sites can’t authenticate foreign military ID cards or documents for dependents except passports and birth certificates. These must be mailed with the ITIN application package.

Find a VITA site with ITIN services

Apply in the U.S. or abroad with an agent approved by the IRS. Fees may vary.

A Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) can:

  • Complete and review your Form W-7
  • Authenticate most supporting documents*
  • Return authenticated documents at the end of the appointment
  • Mail your ITIN application package for processing
  • Work with the IRS to resolve any issues with ITIN applications
  • Receive copies of client ITIN notices
  • Prepare your tax return if they offer this service

*CAAs can’t authenticate foreign military ID cards or documents for dependents except passports and birth certificates. These must be mailed with the ITIN application package.

How to apply with a Certifying Acceptance Agent:

  1. Find an agent near you.
  2. Contact them for an appointment.
  3. Bring your supporting documents.
  4. Bring family members who are applying and their supporting documents.

Apply in the U.S. or abroad with an agent approved by the IRS. Fees may vary.

An Acceptance Agent can:

  • Help complete and submit Form W-7
  • Review and mail supporting documents
  • Mail your ITIN application package to the IRS for processing
  • Work with the IRS to resolve any issues with ITIN applications
  • Prepare your tax return if they offer this service

How to apply with an Acceptance Agent:

  1. Find an agent near you.
  2. Contact them for an appointment.
  3. Bring your supporting documents.
  4. Bring family members who are applying and their supporting documents.

After you apply

Allow 7 weeks for us to notify you about your ITIN application status.

It can take 9-11 weeks if it’s tax season (January 15 to April 30) or if you applied from overseas.

If you don’t receive a notice within this timeframe, contact us.

Notices you may receive

  • CP565 Notice – We assigned you an ITIN. You don’t need to take further action.
  • CP566 Notice – We need more information to process your ITIN application.
  • CP567 Notice – Your ITIN application was rejected. You must resubmit it.

If you mailed supporting documents

We'll return supporting documents to the mailing address on line 2 of your Form W-7 within 60 days. If you haven’t received your documents by then, contact us.