Fill Out IRS Form W-7 Online
Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
Internal Revenue Service
Applies for an ITIN for individuals who need a U.S. taxpayer identification number but are not eligible for a Social Security number.
Reviewed July 2026
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IRS Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is how you apply for or renew an ITIN. An ITIN is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who need a U.S. taxpayer identification number for federal tax purposes but are not eligible for a Social Security number, such as certain nonresident aliens, resident aliens, and their spouses and dependents.
You can fill out Form W-7 in the Universal PDF editor, complete every field on screen, and download a clean PDF to print and submit with your documents. Because the application usually travels with a federal tax return and original identity documents, a legible, typed form helps avoid processing delays.
What is Form W-7 used for
The form has two jobs: applying for a new ITIN and renewing an ITIN that has expired or is about to expire. An ITIN exists purely for tax administration. It does not authorize work in the United States, change immigration status, or qualify you for Social Security benefits.
In most cases the W-7 must be attached to a federal income tax return that shows why you need the number. The instructions list specific exceptions, such as certain treaty claims and third-party reporting situations, where a return is not required.
Who needs to file Form W-7
Anyone with a U.S. federal tax filing or reporting requirement who cannot get a Social Security number. Typical applicants include nonresident aliens who must file a U.S. return, U.S. resident aliens under the substantial presence test, and spouses or dependents claimed on someone else's return when the rules allow.
If you are eligible for an SSN, you must apply for that with the Social Security Administration instead. An ITIN is never issued to someone who can get an SSN.
How to fill out Form W-7
Key parts of the application:
- Application type: check whether you are applying for a new ITIN or renewing an existing one.
- Reason for applying: check the box (a through h) that matches your situation, such as nonresident alien required to file a U.S. return or dependent of a U.S. citizen or resident.
- Name and, if different, name at birth.
- Mailing address and, if different, your foreign (non-U.S.) address.
- Birth information: date and country of birth, and gender.
- Other information: country of citizenship, foreign tax ID number if you have one, visa details if applicable, and details of the identity documents you are submitting.
- Signature: sign and date, or have a parent, guardian, or authorized delegate sign where the rules permit.
Where to send it
There are three submission routes described in the official instructions: mail the W-7 with your tax return and original or certified identity documents to the IRS ITIN processing address listed in the instructions, apply through an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent, or make an appointment at a designated IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. Acceptance agents and assistance centers can verify documents such as passports so you do not have to mail originals.
Check the current mailing address and appointment procedures on irs.gov before submitting, since they can change between revisions.
Frequently asked questions
Documents proving both identity and foreign status. A valid passport can cover both on its own; otherwise you need a combination from the list in the instructions, such as a national ID card, birth certificate, or visa. Only originals or copies certified by the issuing agency are accepted.
Usually yes. The application is normally attached to the federal return that creates the need for an ITIN. The instructions list limited exceptions where no return is required.
Processing typically takes several weeks, and longer during peak filing season or if you apply from abroad. You can check current processing timeframes on irs.gov.
No. An ITIN is only for federal tax reporting. It does not provide work authorization, immigration status, or Social Security benefits.
Yes, an ITIN can expire if it goes unused on a federal return for a stretch of years defined by the IRS. Renewing uses the same Form W-7 with the renewal box checked.
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