Quick Answer
There is no fully online ITIN application. Two paths — both require IRS Form W-7 attached to a federal tax return:
- Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) — fastest and safest. A CAA certifies your documents on the spot so you never mail your passport. Find one at irs.gov/acceptance-agents.
- Mail directly to the IRS — free, but you send original documents and wait 7–11 weeks.
No fee to apply. Processing time: 7–11 weeks by mail, faster through a CAA.
What Do I Need Before Applying for an ITIN?
Applying for an ITIN requires three things: a completed Form W-7, a federal tax return attached to the W-7, and original identity documents or certified copies. The IRS has issued more than 31 million ITINs since 1996 — 469,888 in 2025 alone (TIGTA, 2026) — and there is no filing fee. The IRS only issues ITINs in connection with a tax filing obligation.
See our guide on how to file taxes with an ITIN for the return you'll attach, or see the latest ITIN statistics for how many are issued each year.
What is Form W-7?
IRS Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is the official form used to apply for or renew an ITIN. It is free, available at irs.gov, and requires no filing fee. Download the current version before starting — the IRS updates it periodically.
There is no fee to apply. The IRS does not charge anything for processing a W-7. If you use a Certifying Acceptance Agent (see Method 2 below), they may charge a service fee — but applying by mail directly to the IRS is always free.
What Documents Do I Need to Apply for an ITIN?
The IRS requires documents proving 2 things: your identity and your foreign status as a non-citizen. A valid passport is the only single document that satisfies both requirements alone. Without a passport, you must combine 2 documents — one proving identity and one proving foreign status — from the IRS-accepted list of 13 document types.
Option A: Passport Only (Easiest)
A valid foreign passport is the only document that satisfies both identity and foreign status requirements by itself. If you have a valid passport, you only need one document. This is the simplest path.
Option B: Two-Document Combination
If you do not have a valid passport, you need two documents — one from each category below:
Proving identity (choose one):
- National identification card (must include photo, name, address, DOB, and expiration date)
- U.S. driver's license or state ID
- Foreign driver's license
- U.S. military ID card
- Foreign military ID card
- Voter's registration card
- Civil birth certificate (only for dependents under 18)
Proving foreign status (choose one):
- Foreign birth certificate
- Foreign voter's registration card
- Foreign military identification card
- Visa issued by the U.S. Department of State
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) photo ID
- Medical records (for dependents under 6 only)
- School records (for dependents under 18 only)
Important — Original Documents
If you mail your application directly to the IRS, you must send original documents or IRS-certified copies. The IRS will return your originals by mail within 60 days. If you use a Certifying Acceptance Agent or IRS walk-in center, they certify your documents on the spot so you keep the originals.
What Are the Three Ways to Apply for an ITIN?
There are 3 ways to apply for an ITIN: mail Form W-7 and your documents directly to the IRS for free, use an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) who charges roughly $50–$150 but lets you keep your originals, or visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center by appointment. Each is compared below:
The table below compares the three methods on cost, whether you keep your original documents, typical timeline, and who each option suits best:
| Method | Cost | Keep your original documents? | Typical timeline | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apply by mail (Form W-7 to the IRS) | Free | No — you mail originals | 8–14 weeks | No appointment needed; comfortable mailing original documents |
| Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) | $50–$150 service fee | Yes | 4–6 weeks | Applying from outside the U.S. or unwilling to mail your passport |
| IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) appointment | Free | Yes | Same-day confirmation of receipt | Those who can visit an IRS office in person |
Method 1: Mail to IRS
Complete Form W-7, attach your tax return, and mail everything with your original identity documents to the IRS address in Austin, TX.
✓ Free, no appointment needed
✗ Must send original documents
✗ 7–14 week processing time
Method 2: Certifying Acceptance Agent
An IRS-authorized agent (CAA) reviews and certifies your documents in person. You keep your originals. They submit the application on your behalf.
✓ Keep your original documents
✓ Expert guidance through the process
✗ Service fees may apply ($50–$150)
Method 3: IRS Walk-In Center
Visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) in person. An IRS employee will certify your documents and accept your application.
✓ Keep your original documents
✓ Free — no service fee
✗ Appointment required
How Do I Apply for an ITIN by Mail?
To apply for an ITIN by mail, download the current Form W-7 from irs.gov, complete it, attach your federal tax return and original identity documents, and mail the package to the IRS center in Austin, TX. Processing takes 7 to 14 weeks, and the IRS returns your original documents within 60 days. The full steps:
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1
Download Form W-7
Get the current version of Form W-7 from irs.gov. Do not use older versions — check that the revision date on the form matches the current tax year. The form includes detailed instructions.
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2
Prepare Your Tax Return
Complete your federal tax return (Form 1040 or 1040-NR). Leave the SSN field blank — write "ITIN Applied For" or "ITIN TO BE OBTAINED" in that field. You will attach this return to your W-7.
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3
Complete Form W-7
Fill in all required fields. On line 1a (reason for submitting), check the box that applies — most undocumented immigrants with U.S. income check box "h" (Nonresident or resident alien). Write your explanation in the box provided.
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4
Gather Original Identity Documents
Collect your passport (or the two-document combination). Make sure they are valid and not expired. The IRS will not accept expired documents.
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5
Mail Everything Together
Mail your completed W-7, your tax return, and your original identity documents in one envelope to: Internal Revenue Service, ITIN Operation, P.O. Box 149342, Austin, TX 78714-9342. Use a trackable mail service — these are original documents.
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6
Wait for Your ITIN
The IRS typically processes ITIN applications in 7–11 weeks (up to 14 weeks during peak tax season). Your ITIN will arrive by mail. Your original documents are returned separately.
Should I Use a Certifying Acceptance Agent to Apply?
A Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) is a person or organization authorized by the IRS to assist individuals in obtaining an ITIN. They can review and certify your identity documents, meaning you do not have to mail your originals. They then submit your W-7 application directly to the IRS.
Who Are CAAs?
CAAs include tax professionals, law offices, universities, libraries, and nonprofit organizations. Many tax prep companies (H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt) are authorized CAAs. Community organizations and legal aid offices often offer free ITIN assistance through CAAs. Search the IRS website for the CAA locator tool.
Using a CAA is especially valuable if you are applying from outside the U.S., if you are concerned about mailing your passport, or if you want someone to verify your application is filled out correctly. The CAA cannot guarantee ITIN approval — only the IRS makes that determination.
What Happens After I Apply for an ITIN?
Once you mail your application, you can check the status by calling the IRS ITIN line at 1-800-829-1040. Have your W-7 submission date ready. The IRS will also send your original documents back to you within approximately 60 days.
Pro tip
Once you receive your ITIN, write it down and store it somewhere secure. Your ITIN is tied to your tax record permanently — treat it like you would treat an SSN. You will use it to file taxes, open bank accounts, apply for credit cards, and more.
What Your ITIN Looks Like
Your ITIN is a 9-digit number in the format 9XX-XX-XXXX. The first digit is always 9. ITINs issued in recent years have a middle section beginning with 7 or 8 (e.g., 9XX-7X-XXXX). This number is yours permanently — you keep the same ITIN each year, though you must keep it active by using it on a tax return every three years (see the renewal guide for details).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for an ITIN without a tax return?
Generally no. The IRS requires you to file or attach a federal tax return with your W-7. There are limited exceptions — for example, if you are a dependent of a U.S. citizen or resident, or if you are applying for mortgage interest reporting purposes. These exceptions require additional documentation.
Does the IRS share ITIN information with immigration?
No. The IRS is legally prohibited from sharing individual taxpayer information, including ITIN applications, with other agencies including immigration enforcement. Applying for an ITIN is a tax matter only. In fact, consistently filing taxes using an ITIN demonstrates good-faith ties to the U.S.
What if I get an SSN after receiving an ITIN?
If you become eligible for and receive a Social Security Number after having an ITIN, you must use your SSN going forward. You should notify the IRS so that your tax records can be merged. The credit history you built with your ITIN can often be transferred — contact Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion directly to link your records.
How long does it take to get an ITIN?
Expect 8–11 weeks if you mail your W-7 with your tax return. During peak tax season (January–April) processing can stretch to 14 weeks. Applying through a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) takes 4–6 weeks. Visiting an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in person gives you same-day confirmation that your application was received.
Can I apply for an ITIN online?
No. The IRS has no online ITIN application. Your three options are: mail Form W-7 with your federal tax return to the IRS; visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in person; or work with a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) who can verify your documents and submit the application on your behalf. CAAs are the fastest and safest option if you cannot travel to an IRS office.
What documents do I need to apply for an ITIN?
A valid foreign passport is the only single document that proves both identity and foreign status — it is the easiest option. Without a passport, you need two documents: one proving identity (national ID or driver's license) and one proving foreign status (birth certificate or U.S. entry stamp). Documents must be originals or certified copies. The IRS does not accept photocopies.