ITIN Documents Required: Complete Checklist 2026

Complete ITIN Document Checklist

The IRS accepts 13 document types for ITIN applications. Each document proves identity, foreign status, or both. You must provide documents that collectively prove both your identity and your foreign (non-US citizen) status. Review the full list of ITIN eligibility requirements before gathering your documents.

Passport: The Only Standalone Document

A valid, unexpired passport is the strongest document you can submit with your ITIN application. It is the only document on the IRS list that proves both identity and foreign status by itself. No second document is needed when you use a passport.

Your passport must be current and unexpired at the time you submit Form W-7. If your passport has expired, you must either renew it or use a combination of other accepted documents. The name on your passport must exactly match the name you enter on your W-7 application. Any discrepancy, even a missing middle name, can trigger a rejection.

Other Accepted Documents (Without a Passport)

If you do not have a valid passport, you need at least two documents: one that proves identity and one that proves foreign status. Some documents prove both. Here are the most common combinations applicants use:

For dependents under 6, medical records (such as vaccination records showing the child's name and date of birth) can serve as identity documents. For dependents under 18, school records are also accepted. These dependent-specific documents prove identity only, so you still need a separate document proving foreign status.

Certified Copies vs. Notarized Copies

The IRS draws a strict distinction between certified copies and notarized copies. Only certified copies or original documents are accepted for ITIN applications. Understanding this difference prevents one of the most common application mistakes.

If obtaining a certified copy from the issuing agency is difficult or expensive, a Certifying Acceptance Agent offers a practical alternative. The CAA reviews your original documents, verifies their authenticity, and issues a Certificate of Accuracy that the IRS accepts in place of the originals. Learn how to complete Form W-7 to see where documents fit into the application process.

What If Your Documents Are Incomplete?

If the IRS determines that your documents are insufficient, they send a notice to the address on your Form W-7. The notice specifies exactly what is missing. You have a limited window (usually 45 days) to respond with the correct documents.

Common document problems that trigger a notice:

• Expired passport or identity document
• Name on documents does not match the name on Form W-7
• Submitting a notarized copy instead of a certified copy
• Missing a document that proves foreign status
• Documents not translated into English (translations must be certified)
• Sending regular photocopies instead of originals or certified copies

Each correction cycle adds 4 to 8 weeks to your processing time. An application that would normally take 7 weeks can stretch to 14 weeks or more with document issues. The simplest way to avoid delays is to have a professional review your documents before you submit.

The CAA Advantage for Document Verification

A Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) is authorized by the IRS to verify your identity and foreign status documents. Using a CAA eliminates the two biggest document headaches: mailing originals to the IRS and obtaining certified copies from overseas agencies.

When you work with a CAA like itin.so, the process works as follows:

1. Document review. The CAA examines your original documents (passport, national ID, birth certificate, or other accepted documents) and confirms they meet IRS requirements.
2. Certificate of Accuracy. The CAA issues an IRS Certificate of Accuracy (Form 13551) confirming that they have verified your documents. This certificate is submitted to the IRS instead of your original documents.
3. Application submission. The CAA prepares and submits your completed Form W-7 package, including the Certificate of Accuracy, your tax return (if required), and any supporting documents.

At itin.so, our CAA team reviews every document for completeness and accuracy before submission. This means fewer rejections, faster processing, and no risk of losing your passport in the mail.