How to Get an ITIN (Form W-7)

An ITIN is the starting point for everything — filing taxes, opening a bank account, and beginning to build a U.S. credit history. Here's exactly how to apply, what documents you need, and what to do once it arrives.

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Updated June 5, 2026

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Quick Answer

To get an ITIN, file IRS Form W-7 with proof of identity and foreign status — a valid passport is the simplest option — usually attached to a federal tax return. Submit by mail, through an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent, or at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. Processing takes about 7–11 weeks. The IRS charges no fee. Once you have an ITIN, you can open a bank account and start building U.S. credit history.

What is an ITIN and why does it matter for credit?

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit tax-processing number the IRS issues to people who must file U.S. federal taxes but are not eligible for a Social Security Number. It always begins with the digit 9. An ITIN does not authorize employment, confer immigration status, or replace an SSN for Social Security benefits — but it does unlock the financial infrastructure you need in the United States. With an ITIN you can open a U.S. bank account, apply for credit cards and loans that accept ITINs, and — most importantly for this site — establish a credit file with the three major bureaus. Your ITIN is the key that attaches all of that financial activity to a single identity the credit system can track and score.

Step-by-step: how to apply for an ITIN

Download IRS Form W-7. The current version is always available at IRS.gov. Fill it out completely and accurately. Any errors can delay processing.
Gather your identity and foreign-status documents. A valid, unexpired passport is the simplest option because it proves both identity and foreign status in a single document. If you don't have a passport, you'll need two documents — one proving identity (such as a national ID) and one proving foreign status (such as a birth certificate with official translation).
Prepare your federal tax return. Most ITIN applicants must attach a completed U.S. federal tax return. Exceptions exist (such as dependents claimed on a return); the Form W-7 instructions list them in full.
Choose a submission method. Mail directly to the IRS, use a Certifying Acceptance Agent, or visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. See the comparison table below.
Wait for your ITIN. The IRS mails your ITIN to the address on your Form W-7 within approximately 7 to 11 weeks.

Which submission method is right for you?

Method	Cost	Document handling	Best for
Mail to IRS	Free (postage only)	Must mail originals or certified copies; documents returned by mail	Anyone comfortable with certified mail; lowest cost
Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA)	Agent's fee varies ($50–$200 typical)	Agent certifies copies so you keep your passport and IDs	Anyone who can't risk mailing original passport
IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center	Free (appointment required)	IRS staff verify documents in person; you keep originals	Anyone near an IRS office who wants no-cost document safety

If keeping your original passport is important — especially if you travel internationally — a Certifying Acceptance Agent or TAC visit is strongly preferable to mailing originals. Certified Acceptance Agents can be found through the IRS CAA locator at IRS.gov.

After you receive your ITIN: building credit

The day your ITIN arrives is the day your U.S. financial life can begin in earnest. The first two moves most financial counselors recommend are opening a U.S. bank account (many banks and credit unions accept ITINs for checking and savings) and applying for a secured credit card or credit-builder loan. These two actions together start the clock on your credit-file history, which — as described in our complete credit score guide — needs at least six months of reported activity before a FICO score is generated. The sooner you open a reporting account, the sooner that clock starts. Don't wait until you need credit urgently; begin building while things are stable.

What if your ITIN expires?

ITINs expire if they're not used on a federal tax return for three consecutive years. Certain older ITIN ranges also expire on a rolling schedule. An expired ITIN cannot be used on a new tax return and may cause processing delays. To renew, file a new Form W-7 with the same documentation requirements as the original application — but without attaching a tax return in most renewal cases. Check IRS.gov for the current renewal schedule before filing. Keeping your ITIN active protects your credit file: accounts you've built under your ITIN remain on your report, but a lapsed ITIN can complicate future applications.

For official forms, current requirements, and the Certifying Acceptance Agent locator, always check IRS.gov. This guide is general information only, not tax or immigration advice.

Once you have your ITIN, explore the next steps: how to build credit history with an ITIN, how to check your credit score, or get matched with ITIN-friendly credit-building tools.

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Common questions

How do I apply for an ITIN?

File IRS Form W-7 — the "Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number" — with proof of identity and foreign status (a valid passport is the simplest option), usually alongside a federal tax return. You can submit by mail to the IRS, through an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA), or in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.

How long does it take to get an ITIN?

The IRS typically processes ITIN applications in 7 to 11 weeks. Applications submitted during peak tax season (January through April) may take longer. Applying outside peak season or through a Certifying Acceptance Agent can sometimes speed the process.

What documents do I need for an ITIN application?

A completed Form W-7, proof of identity and foreign status, and usually a federal tax return. A valid passport is the only single document that proves both identity and foreign status. Without a passport, you need two alternative documents — such as a national ID plus a birth certificate.

Does it cost money to get an ITIN?

The IRS charges no fee for Form W-7. Certifying Acceptance Agents and tax preparers may charge a fee for their services. You can apply directly by mail at no cost if you're comfortable mailing original or certified copies of your documents.

Does my ITIN expire?

ITINs not used on a federal tax return for three consecutive tax years expire automatically. The IRS also periodically expires older ITINs issued before a certain year. If your ITIN has expired, you must renew it by filing Form W-7 before using it on a new return. Check IRS.gov for the current expiration schedule.