How long does it take to receive a CP565?

Most applicants receive their CP565 within 7-11 weeks of the IRS receiving Form W-7. Peak tax season (January-April) extends this to 9-13 weeks. International applicants add 1-3 weeks for international mail transit. Working with a Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) typically keeps timing on the lower end of the range.

What should I do when I receive my CP565?

Save the original letter in a secure location, photograph it for backup, share the ITIN with any tax preparer or US payer who needs it (employers, brokers, publishers), and update Form W-8BEN with your new ITIN if you have US-source passive income. The CP565 itself does not need to be returned to the IRS.

What if I lose my CP565 notice?

The IRS does not reissue CP565 letters. Recover your ITIN by checking past tax returns or by calling the IRS at 1-800-908-9982 for verbal confirmation after identity verification. Keep a digital backup of the original CP565 immediately on receipt to avoid retrieval delays.

Does the CP565 expire?

The CP565 itself is a permanent record of issuance. The ITIN it assigns may expire if not used on a federal tax return for three consecutive years. Track expiration by looking at the most recent tax year you filed using the ITIN, and renew before the third year of non-use ends.

Updated June 25, 2026

Received a CP565 Notice? Here Is Exactly What to Do

What Does a CP565 Notice Contain?

IRS letterheadwith the notice code "CP565" in the upper right corner.
Your assigned ITIN in 9XX-XX-XXXX format, listed in the body of the letter.
Your legal name as recorded by the IRS based on Form W-7.
The assignment date - this becomes your ITIN issue date.
Filing instructions for the tax return that triggered the application.
Contact information for the IRS ITIN Operation in case of issues.

For deeper context on the notice, see the CP565 notice guide.

What Should You Do Within the First Week of Receiving CP565?

Verify the ITIN starts with 9. Every valid ITIN begins with the digit 9.
Verify your name spelling. Mismatches with your passport should be corrected by calling 1-800-908-9982.
Save the original letter in a fireproof safe or with other tax documents.
Create a digital backup. Photograph or scan and store in a secure cloud location.
Update tax software and preparer records with the new ITIN before next tax filing.

Where Do You Use Your New ITIN After CP565?

Document or Account	Where the ITIN Goes
Form 1040 / 1040-NR	SSN/ITIN field at top of return
Form W-8BEN	Line 5 (US TIN)
Bank account application	SSN/ITIN field
Form 1099-NEC (recipient)	Recipient TIN box
Form 8233 (treaty exemption)	Line 2 (US TIN)

How Long Should You Keep the CP565 Letter?

Keep the original CP565 indefinitely. The IRS does not reissue lost copies, and proof of ITIN assignment is often required by banks, brokers, and employers. Tax preparers may also request the original when setting up new client files. Digital backups should be stored in at least two separate locations.

What Should You Do If You Lose Your CP565?

See the ITIN number lost guide for the three recovery methods: prior tax returns, IRS phone line, or in-person Taxpayer Assistance Center visit.

How Does CP565 Relate to ITIN Expiration?

The CP565 documents the original issuance date. An ITIN expires only if it is not used on a federal tax return for three consecutive years. The CP565 stays valid forever as a record; renewal applies to the ITIN itself, not the letter. For renewal mechanics see the ITIN renewal page.

Frequently Asked Questions

The CP565 is the official IRS notice confirming that your ITIN application (Form W-7) was approved. It contains your newly assigned 9-digit ITIN, your name as recorded by the IRS, the date of assignment, and instructions for using the number on tax returns. CP565 is the proof-of-issue document.

Need an ITIN now? Apply with a Certifying Acceptance Agent — $297 flat, ready in 7 days.