CP565 Notice: What Is It and What to Do (2026)

What Is a CP565 Notice in 2026?

The CP565 is one of the IRS's standard taxpayer notices. The IRS uses the CP series to communicate routine processing events; the CP565 specifically confirms that the ITIN Operation has approved Form W-7 and issued a new ITIN. The notice is the functional equivalent of a Social Security card for the ITIN holder, except in paper form.

The companion ITIN definition lives on the what is an ITIN page. For the issuing application process, see the ITIN application guide.

What Information Does the CP565 Notice Contain?

Every CP565 notice contains 7 standard data fields. The layout has been stable since the IRS introduced the notice in 1996.

• Notice number: CP565 in the upper-right corner of page 1.
• Issue date: The date the IRS printed the notice, located below the notice number.
• Applicant name and mailing address: Exactly as entered on Form W-7.
• Assigned ITIN: 9-digit number in the format 9XX-XX-XXXX. Treat this number with the same care as a Social Security Number.
• Use instructions: Brief direction on where to use the ITIN (federal tax returns).
• IRS contact information: Toll-free 1-800-908-9982 (US) and 1-267-941-1000 (international).
• Required actions: Statement that no immediate action is required if the ITIN is correct.

When Does the IRS Mail the CP565 Notice?

The IRS prints and mails the CP565 approximately 7 to 10 days after the ITIN is assigned in the system. The total elapsed time from Form W-7 submission to CP565 receipt depends on filing season.

Add 1-3 weeks for international mail transit. Status detail lives on the application status guide and the processing time guide.

What Should You Do After Receiving the CP565 Notice?

1. Verify the ITIN format. 9 digits, 3-2-4 grouping, starts with 9. Confirm the name spelling matches Form W-7.
2. Store the original. Keep it with the passport and other identity documents in a secure location.
3. Make 2 photocopies. One for everyday use at banks and lenders, one as a backup.
4. Use the ITIN on federal returns. File at least once every 3 tax years to keep the ITIN active.
5. Share the CP565 with institutions requiring proof of ITIN: banks, mortgage lenders, state DMV, employer payroll for W-9 vendors.

How Do You Replace a Lost CP565 Notice?

The IRS issues a replacement called the CP565-A on request. The replacement is free and contains the same ITIN as the original.

• Call the IRS at 1-800-908-9982 (US toll-free) or 1-267-941-1000 (international, not toll-free).
• Verify identityusing name, date of birth, and prior tax filing details. The IRS does not ask for the lost ITIN itself; the system retrieves it from the applicant's record.
• Confirm mailing address. The IRS mails the CP565-A to the address on file. Update the address first if it has changed by submitting Form 8822.
• Wait 4 to 6 weeks for the replacement to arrive. Add 1-3 weeks for international shipping.

See the lost-number recovery walkthrough on the lost ITIN page and the lookup process on the ITIN number lookup page.

What Is the Difference Between CP565 and CP566 Notices?

Both notices belong to the IRS CP series and both relate to ITIN applications, but they signal opposite outcomes.

• CP565: ITIN was assigned. The notice carries the new 9-digit number.
• CP566: ITIN application was rejected. The notice explains the rejection reason and lists the documents or corrections needed for resubmission.

Rejection reasons and remediation steps live on the ITIN rejection guide. For renewals, see the ITIN renewal page.