Can the IRS send a replacement CP565 letter?

The IRS does not reissue the original CP565. Instead, taxpayers can request an account transcript or wage and income transcript that shows the assigned ITIN. They can also call IRS ITIN Operations at 1-800-908-9982 (toll-free, US) to verbally confirm the ITIN after passing identity verification. A formal duplicate CP565 is not part of standard IRS service.

How can I look up my ITIN without the original letter?

Three methods work: (1) review any past federal tax return where the ITIN appears on the taxpayer or dependent line; (2) order an IRS Individual Account Transcript through IRS.gov which lists the ITIN; (3) call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (individual taxpayer line) and pass identity verification. The first method is fastest if you still have prior returns.

How long does it take to recover a lost ITIN from the IRS?

By phone, identity verification and confirmation usually take 30 to 60 minutes including hold time. By mail (Form 4506-T transcript request), the IRS targets 10 business days for delivery. By online transcript through IRS.gov (requires ID.me), retrieval is instant once the account is verified. The CP565 itself is not reissued through any of these channels.

Can a Certifying Acceptance Agent help me recover my ITIN?

A CAA cannot directly look up your ITIN with the IRS because the IRS does not give CAAs read access to taxpayer records. However, a CAA can help you prepare Form 4506-T, file a renewal Form W-7 if needed, and walk you through phone verification with the IRS. For lost-ITIN recovery, the taxpayer is the only person the IRS will speak with.

Do I need a new ITIN if I lost my CP565?

No. A lost CP565 does not invalidate the ITIN. The ITIN itself remains active as long as it has been used on a return within the last 3 years and is not in a retired middle-digit range. Losing the paper letter is purely a documentation problem; recovery uses the methods above without applying for a replacement ITIN.

Updated June 25, 2026

Lost Your ITIN Letter: How to Get Your CP565 Again in 2026

What Exactly Is the CP565 ITIN Assignment Notice?

The CP565 is a one-page IRS notice mailed after an ITIN is issued or renewed. The body lists the assigned 9-digit ITIN, the taxpayer's legal name, the assignment date, and a brief note about how the ITIN may be used. The notice arrives 7 to 11 weeks after Form W-7 is received, although peak season delays can push arrival to 13 weeks or more.

For the official CP565 description and what to do when it arrives, see the CP565 notice page.

What Are the 3 Methods to Recover a Lost ITIN?

Check past federal tax returns. The ITIN appears on the taxpayer or dependent line of every return where it was used. Form 1040, 1040-NR, 1040-X, and 1040-SR all display the ITIN in the SSN/ITIN field. This is the fastest method if you kept copies.
Order an IRS account transcript.Go to IRS.gov, create or sign in to an ID.me account, request an "Account Transcript" or "Wage and Income Transcript" for the relevant tax year. The transcript lists the ITIN on file. Free; available instantly once ID.me verification is complete.
Call the IRS. Dial 1-800-829-1040 (individual taxpayer line) or 1-800-908-9982 (ITIN unit). Pass identity verification (name, address, prior return data, and identifying questions). The agent will state the ITIN verbally and can mail a written confirmation to the address on file.

For an in-depth lookup walkthrough, see the ITIN number lookup page.

How Do You Order an IRS Account Transcript to Find Your ITIN?

Go to IRS.gov and select "Get Your Tax Record."
Sign in or create an ID.me account. ID.me requires a government-issued photo ID and a selfie video for verification. ITIN holders use their passport for ID.
Once logged in, choose "Account Transcript" for the most recent tax year you filed.
The transcript displays the ITIN at the top alongside the taxpayer's name. Download as PDF and save securely.
If ID.me verification fails (common for foreign passports), switch to Form 4506-T by mail or use the phone method instead.

How Do You Call the IRS to Recover Your Lost ITIN?

Call 1-800-829-1040 Monday through Friday, 7am to 7pm local time. Use the IRS ITIN unit at 1-800-908-9982 for ITIN-specific issues. Have ready: full legal name, current address, country of citizenship, date of birth, and details from the most recent tax return filed under the ITIN. The agent verifies identity through a series of questions before disclosing the ITIN. International callers without US phone access can call +1-267-941-1000 (not toll-free).

What Documents Do Banks Accept Instead of the Lost CP565?

IRS account transcript showing the ITIN.
Past tax return (Form 1040 or 1040-NR) showing the ITIN.
Written IRS confirmation letter requested by phone (mailed 2 to 4 weeks after the call).
Some banks accept a signed self-affidavit alongside passport ID if no IRS document is available; this depends on the institution's ITIN policy.

When Should You Apply for a New ITIN Instead of Recovering the Old One?

Apply for renewal (not a new ITIN) when the ITIN has expired (3-year non-use rule or retired middle-digit range). The renewal keeps the same 9-digit number. A genuinely new ITIN is required only when you have never applied before. Most lost-letter situations are pure recovery, not renewal or new application. See the ITIN renewal guide to confirm which path applies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lost ITIN Letters

The CP565 is the IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number assignment letter. It is the official document the IRS mails when an ITIN is first issued or renewed. The notice states the assigned ITIN, the recipient's full name as filed, and the date of assignment. CP565 is the primary proof of ITIN ownership and is commonly requested by banks, mortgage lenders, and tax preparers.

Need a fresh ITIN or a renewal? Apply with a Certifying Acceptance Agent — $297 flat, ready in 7 days.