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Required documents to apply for ITIN — official IRS list

Complete list of the 13 documents accepted by the IRS for ITIN application. Which proves what (identity / foreign status) and when certification is required.

Required documents to apply for ITIN — official IRS list

The IRS accepts 13 specific documents as proof to issue an ITIN. Each document can prove identity, foreign status, or both.

The basic rule

To get an ITIN, you must prove TWO things:

  1. Your identity (that you are who you claim to be)
  2. Your foreign status (that you are not a US citizen)

Only the current passport can prove both by itself. Any other document proves only one, so you need two documents.

Complete list of accepted documents

Documents proving BOTH identity AND foreign status (one alone is enough)

  1. Passport (current) — issued by your country’s government. Most recommended.

Documents proving ONLY identity

  1. National identification card (must show photo, name, current address, birth date, expiration date)
  2. US military ID card
  3. US visa (issued by the State Department)
  4. US driver’s license
  5. Foreign civil voter card
  6. Foreign military ID
  7. Foreign driver’s license

Documents proving ONLY foreign status

  1. Birth certificate (official, translated to English if in another language)
  2. USCIS Form I-551 (green card)
  3. Foreign national ID card (from country OTHER than US)
  4. Medical records for a minor (only for dependents under 6 years)
  5. School records (only for dependents under 18, during current school year)

Critical rules about documents

Must be ORIGINAL or CERTIFIED copies

The IRS does not accept regular photocopies or notarized copies. Only:

  • Original documents that the IRS will hold during the process (returned afterward)
  • Certified copies issued by the official agency that issued the original (NOT by a notary public)

To avoid mailing your passport for 7-11 weeks, consider using a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) or going in person to an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). They verify your documents in person and you keep them.

Validity

  • Passport: must be current at time of application
  • Driver’s license / national ID: must be current
  • Birth certificate: doesn’t expire but must be official (not a copy)

Translation

If the document is in a language other than English, it must come with a certified translation to English. The translator must sign and certify.

Common document combinations

If you have a current passport

✅ One document is enough: the current passport

If you do NOT have a current passport

You must send two documents: one for identity + one for foreign status.

Valid examples:

  • Birth certificate + current foreign driver’s license
  • Birth certificate + current foreign voter card
  • Current national ID card + (any foreign status document)

For dependents (spouse / children)

Rules are similar, but with flexibility for minors:

  • Spouse: same rules as adult
  • Child under 6: medical records or birth certificate accepted
  • Child 6-18: school records + birth certificate
  • Child over 18: same rules as adult

What if my document expires during processing?

The IRS evaluates validity at time of application. If your current passport expires while the IRS processes the W-7, that’s fine — the application remains valid.

Official verification

The complete official list with all technical rules is in Annex D of Form W-7. Always verify the most recent version before sending your application.

Official source: IRS Form W-7 Accepted documents

Last verified: 2026-05-25.

General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.

Frequently asked questions

What documents does the IRS accept for an ITIN?
The IRS accepts 13 documents. A current passport is the only one that proves both identity and foreign status by itself. Without a passport you combine two documents — for example a national ID plus a foreign birth certificate or US visa.
Can I send photocopies of my documents?
No. The IRS requires original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency. Plain photocopies or notarized copies are not accepted and are the top cause of rejection.
Will the IRS keep my original passport?
If you mail originals, the IRS returns them within about 60 days. To avoid mailing your passport at all, apply through a Certifying Acceptance Agent or at a Taxpayer Assistance Center, where staff verify and hand the document back to you.
Do my documents need to be translated?
Documents in another language generally must be accompanied by a certified English translation, unless you apply through a CAA who can handle verification. Check the W-7 instructions for the specific document.

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General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.