What is a CP565 notice?

The CP565 is the IRS approval letter for an ITIN application. It confirms the ITIN, the name on the application, and the effective date. Keep the original for tax filings, bank account opening, and ITIN renewals.

Did the IRS ever issue ITIN cards?

The IRS issued plastic ITIN cards before 2013. The program was discontinued in mid-2013; since then every approval has been issued as a CP565 paper notice only.

What if I lost my CP565 notice?

Call the IRS ITIN unit at 1-800-908-9982 (toll-free in the U.S.) or +1-267-941-1000 (international). After identity verification the IRS can mail a CP565 replacement to the address on file. Banks accept a recent federal tax return as secondary proof.

Can I use a photo of my CP565 instead of the original?

Many institutions accept a clear scan or photo, but the original paper letter is the authoritative proof. Always store the original in a safe place and keep at least one digital backup.

Updated June 25, 2026

CP565 Notice vs ITIN Card: What You Get From the IRS

What Exactly Is a CP565 Notice From the IRS?

The CP565 is a one-page IRS letter that confirms approval of an ITIN application. It includes the applicant's full name, the assigned 9-digit ITIN, the effective date, and an IRS contact number. The letter arrives in a plain envelope mailed to the address listed on Form W-7.

For full anatomy of the notice and what each field means, see the CP565 notice page.

Why Does the IRS Not Send a Plastic ITIN Card Anymore?

The IRS discontinued the plastic ITIN card program in 2013 to reduce confusion. Many ITIN holders were using the card as a general-purpose ID, which it was never designed to be. Replacing the card with a paper notice clarifies that the ITIN is a tax-processing number only and not an identification document.

What Does the CP565 Notice Look Like?

Standard 8.5x11 inch letter, printed on plain IRS letterhead.
Top right: notice number CP565 and a tax-year reference.
Top left: applicant name and mailing address.
Body: a single sentence confirming the ITIN, followed by the 9-digit number in 9XX-XX-XXXX format.
Footer: instructions for filing tax returns, renewal rules, and IRS contact information.

How Do Banks and Employers Accept the CP565 Without a Card?

U.S. banks accept the CP565 as the authoritative ITIN proof for Customer Identification Program (CIP) requirements. Employers generally accept either the CP565 or a previously filed federal tax return showing the ITIN. The number itself, not a physical card, is what matters.

What Should You Do With Your CP565 Once You Receive It?

Photograph and scan the letter. Store backups in two separate locations (cloud + offline).
File the original with passport, marriage certificate, and other long-life documents.
Record the ITIN in your password manager or financial-records system.
Use the ITIN immediately on the tax return that originally accompanied Form W-7.

What If You Never Received Your CP565 Notice?

If 11 weeks (or 13+ during peak season) have passed without a CP565 in the mail, call the IRS ITIN unit at 1-800-908-9982 from inside the U.S. or +1-267-941-1000 from abroad. The agent can confirm the ITIN over the phone after identity verification and mail a replacement notice if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About the CP565 Notice

No. The IRS does not issue a plastic ITIN card. The official proof of an ITIN is the CP565 notice — a paper letter that lists the applicant's name, the assigned 9-digit ITIN, and the issue date.

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