An expired Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can stop you from filing your federal tax return, opening a new bank account, or applying for credit that requires an IRS-verified taxpayer ID. The good news is that the renewal process is straightforward if you know what to file and when.
This guide walks through ITIN renewal step by step for 2026, including which form to use, what documents you need, and how to keep building U.S. credit during the wait.
When does an ITIN expire?
The IRS automatically expires an ITIN at the end of any year in which the ITIN was not used on a federal tax return for three consecutive years. ITINs issued before 2013 may have expired even sooner under the staggered expiration schedule.
If your ITIN has middle digits 70-99, it has likely already expired during one of the IRS's batch expirations in 2017-2020. Filing a tax return with an expired ITIN delays your refund by 8 to 12 weeks.
The fastest way to check whether your ITIN is still valid is to look at your last federal tax return. If you successfully filed within the last three years and the IRS accepted it, the ITIN is still active.
Step 1: Confirm you actually need to renew
Not everyone with an expired ITIN needs to renew right away. The IRS allows expired ITINs to remain inactive until the holder needs to file a federal tax return.
You need to renew if:
- You will file a federal tax return for tax year 2025 or later.
- A dependent on your return needs an ITIN.
- A bank or lender requires an active ITIN for an account or loan.
You do not need to renew if you have permanently left the U.S. and have no further U.S. tax obligations.
Step 2: Gather the required documents
The IRS requires identity and foreign status documentation. Approved documents include:
- Passport (the only single document that proves both identity and foreign status)
- National identification card with name, photo, and current address
- U.S. driver's license
- Foreign driver's license
- Birth certificate (required for dependents under 18)
If you do not have a passport, you will need two of the other documents. The IRS accepts certified copies from the issuing agency, but does not accept notarized copies.
Step 3: Complete Form W-7
Form W-7 is the IRS application for an ITIN, used for both initial applications and renewals. Download it from irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-7.
Key lines to complete:
- Reason for applying: Check box (g) for renewal.
- Name and U.S. address: As they appear on government documents.
- Foreign address: Required for renewal.
- Birth information: Date and country.
- Foreign tax ID number: If applicable.
Double-check the spelling of names against the documents you are submitting. The IRS rejects W-7 forms with name mismatches at a high rate.
Step 4: Submit your renewal
You have three options:
Option A: Mail the W-7 and documents to the IRS. Send the W-7, original or certified-copy supporting documents, and your federal tax return (if applicable) to: Internal Revenue Service, ITIN Operation, P.O. Box 149342, Austin, TX 78714-9342. Processing takes 8 to 14 weeks.
Option B: Use a Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA). A CAA is an IRS-authorized professional who verifies your documents in person. The CAA returns your originals immediately and submits certified copies to the IRS. This is the safest option if your only ID is your passport. Processing takes 7 to 11 weeks.
Option C: Visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). TACs accept and verify W-7 documents in person. Make an appointment at irs.gov/help/contact-your-local-irs-office. Processing time is similar to mailing.
Step 5: Track the application
The IRS does not provide an online tracker for ITIN status. After 7 weeks (CAA) or 11 weeks (mail), you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to check status.
If the IRS sends a CP-565 notice, your ITIN was renewed successfully. The notice includes your ITIN number, which is the same as your old one (the IRS does not reissue different numbers on renewal).
Step 6: Keep building U.S. credit during the wait
A pending ITIN does not stop credit-building activity that uses your existing ITIN. If you already have credit accounts open, keep paying on time. The credit bureaus do not check ITIN renewal status.
If you are starting U.S. credit from scratch, ITIN-friendly products are still accessible:
- The Self Visa® Credit Card reports to all three bureaus and accepts ITIN holders.
- The Current Build Card requires no SSN to start.
- Firstcard offers credit-building options designed for ITIN holders. See firstcard.app/credit-card/itin for current options.
Common ITIN renewal mistakes
Mailing originals you cannot replace. The IRS does occasionally lose ID documents in the mail. A passport replacement can take months and cost $130 or more.
Using a notarized copy. The IRS only accepts certified copies from the issuing agency, not notarized photocopies.
Filing the W-7 without a tax return. If you list your reason as filing a tax return, you must attach the return. The IRS rejects standalone W-7 forms with that reason code.
Submitting between January and May. This is peak tax season and processing times can stretch to 16-20 weeks. File earlier in the year (June-November) for faster turnaround if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does ITIN renewal cost in 2026?
The IRS does not charge a fee to renew an ITIN. If you use a Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA), the CAA may charge a service fee, typically $50 to $200 depending on the agent. Mailing the W-7 directly to the IRS is free.
How long does ITIN renewal take?
Processing takes 7 to 14 weeks for most renewals in 2026, depending on submission method. CAA filings tend to be the fastest at 7 to 11 weeks. Filing during peak tax season (January through April) can extend processing to 16-20 weeks.
Can I file my taxes while my ITIN renewal is pending?
No. The IRS will hold your tax return until the ITIN is renewed. The most common approach is to file the W-7 renewal together with your federal tax return as a single package. The IRS processes both at once.
Will my ITIN number change when I renew it?
No. Your ITIN number stays the same after renewal. The IRS just refreshes the active status. Any credit accounts, bank accounts, or financial records tied to your ITIN do not need to be updated.
