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ITIN DOCUMENTS

ITIN Supporting Documents: Passport, Certified Copies and IRS Rules

Understand the 13 document types the IRS accepts for ITIN applications, when a passport can stand alone, what “certified copy” means and which extra rules apply to dependents.

Quick answer

What documents does the IRS accept for an ITIN?

The IRS accepts a passport plus 12 other document types. A valid passport is generally the only stand-alone document that proves both identity and foreign status. Without a passport, the applicant normally submits two accepted documents, with at least one showing a photograph unless a limited age-based exception applies.

The 13 accepted ITIN supporting-document types

1. PassportIdentity + foreign status; generally the only stand-alone document.
2. USCIS photo identificationIdentity and foreign status.
3. U.S. visaIdentity and foreign status when it meets IRS requirements.
4. Foreign military IDAccepted by the IRS, but CAAs cannot authenticate it.
5. National ID cardMust meet current IRS content requirements.
6. Foreign voter registration cardIdentity and foreign status.
7. Civil birth certificateRequired for certain applicants under 18 without a valid passport.
8. Medical recordsLimited to qualifying dependent cases and age rules.
9. School recordsLimited to qualifying dependent/student cases and age rules.
10. U.S. driver’s licenseIdentity only.
11. U.S. military IDIdentity only.
12. Foreign driver’s licenseIdentity only.
13. U.S. state identification cardIdentity only.
Copies

Certified copy vs. notarized copy

An issuing-agency certified copy is an exact copy that the original government issuing agency certifies. The IRS generally accepts originals or issuing-agency certified copies for ITIN supporting documents.

A notarized copy is different. A notary verifies a signature or copy, but the IRS generally does not accept notarized supporting documents for an ITIN, apart from a limited military-family exception described in IRS guidance.

U.S. embassies and consulates overseas may provide certification and authentication services; availability and appointment procedures vary by location.

Dependents

Proof of U.S. residency can be an additional requirement

Certain dependent applicants need evidence of U.S. residency in addition to identity and foreign status. The acceptable document depends on age and may include a qualifying passport entry record, school record, medical record, state ID, driver’s license, visa or certain U.S. bank, rental or utility records.

CAA authentication is also narrower for dependents: a CAA may authenticate the dependent’s passport and civil birth certificate, but other dependent documents generally must be sent to the IRS as originals or issuing-agency certified copies.

Common document problems that can delay an ITIN application

  • Expired documents on the submission date
  • Names or dates that do not match Form W-7
  • Photocopies that are not certified by the issuing agency
  • Notarized copies used where the IRS requires originals or issuing-agency certified copies
  • Missing U.S. residency evidence for a dependent when it is required
  • Documents that are unclear, damaged or difficult to verify

If your main concern is whether you must mail an original passport, send a short case summary first and identify which documents you currently have available.

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