Updated
ITIN Online Application: Apply in Minutes (2026)
Is There an Official IRS Online ITIN Application?
No. The IRS does not run a self-service online portal for Form W-7. Applicants who want an online experience use an IRS-Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA), which is the only authorized way to apply without mailing original identity documents to the Austin Service Center. The CAA accepts the intake online, verifies the passport on video, certifies the copy that goes to the IRS, and tracks the CP565 notice end to end.
For the direct application path, see Apply for ITIN Online.
What Are the 4 Steps of the ITIN Online Application?
- Online intake form.Enter the applicant's legal name, date of birth, country, addresses, and Form W-7 reason code. The form validates that the chosen reason code matches the supporting documents on the next step.
- Document upload. Color scan of the passport (photo and signature pages), supporting documents per reason code, and tax return PDF if filing one with the W-7.
- Video verification with a CAA. 10-minute Zoom call where the agent inspects the original passport on camera and matches it to the scan, satisfying IRS verification rules.
- CAA submission and tracking. The CAA prepares Form W-7, attaches certified document copies, and ships the packet to the IRS Austin Service Center. The CAA tracks the CP565 and forwards the ITIN digitally on issuance.
What Information Does the Online ITIN Application Require?
| Field | Source Document |
|---|---|
| Legal name (exact spelling) | Passport photo page |
| Date and place of birth | Passport photo page |
| Country of citizenship | Passport issuing country |
| Foreign address | Utility bill or government letter |
| US address (if any) | Lease, mortgage, or tax statement |
| Form W-7 line 6 reason | Tax return, visa stamp, or treaty country |
See ITIN documents required for the full reason-code mapping.
How Long Does the Online ITIN Application Take?
The applicant's online portion (intake form, document upload, video call) takes 30 to 60 minutes. The CAA finishes preparation and ships the packet within 48 hours. The IRS itself takes 7 to 11 weeks to assign the ITIN and mail the CP565 notice (9 to 13 weeks from January through April).
For more detail, see the processing time guide.
Why Is a Certifying Acceptance Agent Required for the Online Process?
IRS rules require original identity documents or certified copies for every ITIN application. A Certifying Acceptance Agent is one of three IRS-authorized routes that allow the original document to stay with the applicant. The other two (in-person visit to an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center, mailing originals to Austin) are not online and either require US travel or risk document loss.
Read more in the Certifying Acceptance Agent overview.