Certifying Acceptance Agent — no passport mailing
Get a US ITIN
without mailing your passport.
Non-residents applying for an ITIN normally have to mail their original passport to the IRS and wait months for it back. As an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA), we certify your identity documents so the IRS accepts a certified copy — your passport stays with you.
- No original passport mailing — CAA-certified copy accepted
- Form W-7 prepared and submitted on your behalf
- ITIN issued in 6–11 weeks (IRS processing time)
- ITIN renewals also available
ITIN Acquisition
$349
Flat fee · one-time · no subscription
Get startedNeed an EIN instead? →- No original passport required
- CAA certification included
- Form W-7 prepared for you
- Submitted to IRS ITIN Unit
- Renewals also handled
How it works
Step 1
Intake & eligibility check
Tell us why you need an ITIN (W-7 reason code). We confirm your eligibility and tell you exactly which documents are required for your situation.
Step 2
CAA identity certification
We review your passport and other required documents via a video call or secure document upload, then certify them as an IRS-authorized CAA. No mailing required.
Step 3
Form W-7 prepared and submitted
We prepare your Form W-7 application and submit it to the IRS ITIN Unit with our CAA certification attached.
Step 4
ITIN issued in 6–11 weeks
The IRS mails your ITIN assignment letter to your address. We'll help you follow up if there are any IRS questions.
What is an ITIN?
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the IRS to individuals who need a US taxpayer ID but are not eligible for a Social Security Number. ITINs are for tax purposes only — they don't authorize work in the US or provide eligibility for Social Security benefits.
Common reasons non-residents need an ITIN:
- Filing a US non-resident tax return (Form 1040-NR)
- Receiving US-source income subject to withholding (rental income, royalties, dividends)
- Being claimed as a dependent or spouse on a US tax return
- Opening certain US bank or brokerage accounts
- Completing Form W-8BEN for US withholding agents
ITINs are issued by the IRS after a review of Form W-7 along with certified identity documentation. The process typically takes 6–11 weeks once a complete application is submitted.
Certifying Acceptance Agent
Why a CAA is the right way to apply
Without a CAA, Form W-7 applicants must mail their original passport (or other primary identity document) to the IRS and wait 4–6 months for it to be returned — during which time they cannot travel internationally.
As an IRS-authorized CAA, we can certify your identity documents in place of the originals. The IRS accepts our certification, so your passport stays with you at all times.
We verify your documents via a secure process, prepare your W-7, attach our CAA certification, and submit everything to the IRS ITIN Unit.
Without CAA
- Mail original passport to IRS
- Wait 4–6 months for return
- No international travel
- Risk of loss in transit
With our CAA
- Share a passport copy with us
- We certify it for the IRS
- Passport stays with you
- Travel freely while waiting
Frequently asked questions
What is an ITIN?
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a 9-digit tax ID issued by the IRS to individuals who need to file or be identified on a US tax return but are not eligible for a Social Security Number. It's in the format 9XX-XX-XXXX.
Who needs an ITIN?
Non-resident and resident aliens who: (1) receive US-source income subject to withholding (e.g. rental income, dividends, royalties); (2) are required to file a US tax return; (3) are claimed as dependents on a US tax return; or (4) need a US tax ID for other purposes such as opening certain bank accounts or completing W-8BEN forms.
Do I need an ITIN to run my US LLC?
Not always. Many foreign-owned US LLC owners operate with just an EIN and never need an ITIN. You may need an ITIN if you receive US-source income that is reportable on a personal tax return, or if a withholding agent (such as a broker or payer) requires one. If you're unsure, email us and we'll help you figure it out.
What is a Certifying Acceptance Agent and why does it matter?
A CAA is authorized by the IRS to verify and certify identity documents for ITIN applications. Without a CAA, you must mail your original passport to the IRS and wait several months for it to be returned — a major inconvenience. As a CAA, we review and certify your documents, so the IRS accepts our certification in place of the original. Your passport stays with you.
What documents do I need?
A valid passport (primary identity document), proof of foreign status (often the same passport), and any supporting tax documents required for your specific W-7 reason code (e.g. a US tax return, withholding agent letter, or exception documentation). We will tell you exactly what applies to your situation after you contact us.
How long does the ITIN take?
The IRS typically issues ITINs within 6–11 weeks of receiving a complete W-7 application. During peak filing season (January–April) it can take longer. We submit your application promptly after completing the certification; IRS processing time is outside our control.
What is the difference between an EIN and an ITIN?
An EIN is assigned to a business entity (your LLC). An ITIN is assigned to an individual. Your LLC has an EIN; you as a person would have an ITIN (or SSN). Most foreign-owned single-member LLC owners need an EIN for the LLC but may or may not need an ITIN for themselves.
Can I apply for an ITIN and EIN at the same time?
Yes — we can handle both. Contact us and we'll coordinate them. Note that EINs are usually obtained faster (1–5 business days) than ITINs (6–11 weeks).
My ITIN expired. Can you renew it?
Yes. ITINs that haven't been used on a US federal tax return in the past three years expire. Renewal uses the same Form W-7 process with CAA certification. Contact us to renew.
Ready to get your ITIN?
Flat fee of $349. No passport mailing. CAA certification included.
Start your ITIN applicationAlso need an EIN for your LLC? See our EIN service →