Quick Answer
An ITIN is always a 9-digit number starting with 9, written as 9XX-XX-XXXX. The middle two digits indicate the issue year and determine your renewal schedule. Find your ITIN on your IRS CP565 letter and on any previously filed tax returns.
What Is the ITIN Number Format?
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) has the same 9-digit structure as a Social Security Number: three digits, a hyphen, two digits, a hyphen, then four digits, written as the formula 9XX-XX-XXXX. The first digit is always 9, which is the clearest sign you are looking at an ITIN rather than an SSN.
The format is defined by the IRS ITIN program.
Two things distinguish an ITIN from an SSN at a glance:
- The first digit is always 9. No ITIN starts with any other digit.
- The group digits (positions 4–5) fall within specific ranges. The IRS only assigns ITINs with group numbers in these ranges: 50–65, 70–88, 90–92, and 94–99.
What Does a Valid ITIN Look Like?
A valid ITIN always starts with 9 and has group digits (positions 4 and 5) in the IRS ranges 50–65, 70–88, 90–92, or 94–99. Numbers like 912-70-3456 or 935-58-1234 fit the pattern. Below are 4 illustrative examples — none are real ITINs assigned to anyone:
- 912-70-3456 — group digit 70 (valid range)
- 935-58-1234 — group digit 58 (valid range)
- 978-90-5678 — group digit 90 (valid range)
- 901-94-2345 — group digit 94 (valid range)
If someone gives you a number starting with 9 but with a group number outside these ranges (e.g., 9XX-69-XXXX or 9XX-89-XXXX), it is not a valid IRS-issued ITIN.
Where Can I Find My ITIN Number?
You can find your ITIN in 4 main places: the CP565 assignment letter the IRS mailed you, the "Social Security number" field on any Form 1040 you previously filed, the Form W-7 you submitted, or by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Each source shows your full 9-digit number:
- CP565 letter: The IRS mails this when your ITIN is first assigned. It shows your full 9-digit number.
- Previously filed tax returns: Your ITIN appears in the "Social Security number" field on Form 1040 (ITINs go in the same box).
- W-7 form: If you renewed your ITIN, the W-7 you submitted shows the number.
- IRS by phone: Call 1-800-829-1040 if you can't locate your ITIN. Have your full name, date of birth, and mailing address ready.
How Does an ITIN Look Different From an SSN?
An ITIN and an SSN look nearly identical because both are 9-digit numbers in the XXX-XX-XXXX format. The visible difference is the first digit: an ITIN always starts with 9, while an SSN usually starts with 1 through 8. The deeper differences are in work authorization and benefits, shown below:
| ITIN | SSN | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | 9XX-XX-XXXX | XXX-XX-XXXX |
| First digit | Always 9 | 1–8 (occasionally 9) |
| Group digits (4–5) | 50–65, 70–88, 90–92, 94–99 | 01–99 (any, by region) |
| Used for taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Work authorization | No | Yes |
| Social Security benefits | No | Yes |
For a full breakdown of what each number can and cannot do, see: ITIN vs. SSN — What's the Difference?
Do ITINs Expire?
Yes. The IRS expires ITINs in 2 situations: when an ITIN is not used on a federal tax return for 3 consecutive years, and during periodic IRS expiration rounds that retire whole middle-digit ranges. An expired ITIN stays your number — you renew it rather than getting a new one:
- Non-use: If your ITIN is not used on a federal tax return for three consecutive years, it expires automatically.
- IRS expiration rounds: The IRS has periodically expired ITINs by middle-digit range. ITINs with group digits 70–88, 90–92, and 94–99 have been subject to mandatory renewal even when used regularly.
An expired ITIN is still your number — you don't get a new one. You renew by filing Form W-7 with a new valid ID. See: When and How to Renew Your ITIN.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an ITIN number look like?
An ITIN is a 9-digit number formatted as 9XX-XX-XXXX — always starting with 9. For example: 912-70-3456 or 935-88-1234. The first digit is always 9. The 4th and 5th digits fall within IRS-assigned ranges.
Is an ITIN the same format as an SSN?
The format looks identical — both are 9 digits written as XXX-XX-XXXX. The difference is the first digit: ITINs always start with 9, and the 4th and 5th digits fall within IRS-specific ranges (50–65, 70–88, 90–92, or 94–99). Social Security Numbers rarely start with 9.
How do I find my ITIN number?
Your ITIN appears on your IRS CP565 assignment letter, on any W-7 form you filed, and in the taxpayer ID field of previously filed tax returns. If you can't locate it, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
Do ITINs expire?
Yes. ITINs expire if not used on a federal tax return for three consecutive years. ITINs with middle digits 70–88, 90–92, and 94–99 have also been subject to IRS expiration rounds. You must file Form W-7 to renew an expired ITIN.