ITIN renewal
Your ITIN expired or got a CP48? Renew it with the return it needs.
An ITIN expires when it goes unused on a federal tax return for three years in a row. Renewing keeps the same number, but it takes a new Form W-7 and, in most cases, the tax return you need the ITIN for. We prepare both, certify your passport copy and file them together.
- Same ITIN, renewed — not a new number
- W-7 renewal prepared and passport copy certified
- Tax return prepared too in ITIN Complete
- No original passport mailed to the IRS
- Reply within one business day
- Private service, not the IRS — read our disclaimer
- Passport scan uploadedVerified
- Reason for applying (W-7 box)Verified
- Foreign address verifiedVerified
- Tax return or exception documentsNeeds review
- CAA video verificationPending
How to renew an ITIN
An ITIN that has not been used on a federal tax return at least once in three consecutive tax years expires on December 31 of the third year.
- Check whether you need it: renew only if you have to file a U.S. federal tax return or are claimed for a tax benefit. Spouses and dependents renew only when that applies to them.
- Complete Form W-7, tick “Renew an existing ITIN”, and enter your current ITIN and the name it was issued under.
- Renewing uses the same Form W-7 (tick "Renew an existing ITIN") and, unless an exception applies, a federal tax return.
- Send the W-7 with your passport (an original, a copy certified by the issuing agency, or a copy certified by a Certifying Acceptance Agent).
Sources: IRS — How to renew an ITIN and Instructions for Form W-7 (Rev. December 2024), checked November 6, 2026. The IRS charges nothing for an ITIN.
This service is built for these situations
Your ITIN hasn’t been used for three years
An ITIN that has not been used on a federal tax return at least once in three consecutive tax years expires on December 31 of the third year.
You received a CP48 notice
The IRS sends CP48 to tell you your ITIN is about to expire.
You need to file a U.S. return again
New rental income, a K-1, or a refund to claim after years without a filing.
Your return was delayed by an expired ITIN
The IRS can hold up processing and disallow certain credits until the ITIN is renewed.
Your spouse or dependents’ ITINs expired
They only need to renew if they’re claimed for an allowable tax benefit or file their own return.
You don’t want to post your passport abroad
Our Certifying Acceptance Agent verifies the original on a video call and certifies a copy.
Getting an ITIN from outside the U.S. is full of small traps
The IRS rejects a large share of ITIN applications, and most rejections and long delays come from a handful of avoidable mistakes: the wrong documents, a missing tax return or exception proof, or originals lost in the mail.
Common pitfalls
What usually goes wrong when filing alone
- Filing a return with an expired ITIN and finding the refund or credits held up.
- Sending a renewal W-7 on its own when it needed a tax return attached.
- Applying for a new ITIN instead of ticking “Renew an existing ITIN” and giving the old number.
- Mailing the original passport to the IRS and being without it for weeks.
- Renewing family members who don’t need it, and paying for applications that get rejected.
Our approach
How we prevent each of those problems
- We check whether your ITIN has really expired and who in the family actually needs to renew.
- The W-7 is prepared as a renewal, with your existing ITIN and the reason it’s needed.
- The renewal is filed together with your return, or under an exception where one applies.
- Our CAA certifies your passport copy, so you don’t mail the original to the IRS.
- ITIN Complete includes the return itself, prepared by an enrolled agent or CPA.
What we actually do for you
Expiry check
We work out from your filing history whether the ITIN has expired, which returns need it, and whether any spouse or dependent ITINs need renewing at the same time.
Renewal W-7 & return
We prepare the renewal W-7 and, in ITIN Complete, the federal return it goes with. Our CAA verifies your passport on a video call and certifies a copy.
Filing & follow-up
The renewal and return go to the IRS together by tracked courier. We track it through the IRS wait and handle any CP566 or CP567 notice.
Compare what each package includes on our ITIN service pricing page.
ITIN Renewal
Prepared and certified by our CAA team
Three ways a Form W-7 reaches the IRS
Every ITIN application needs the W-7, proof of identity and foreign status, and usually a tax return. These are the routes the IRS lists for getting your documents to it. You can use any of them yourself — the ITIN is free.
| Route | How it works | Who can use it | Your original documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) | An IRS-authorized agent reviews your original passport (in person or on a video interview) and certifies a copy | Anywhere in the world | Original passport is not mailed to the IRS |
| Mail to the IRS | Internal Revenue Service, ITIN Operation, P.O. Box 149342, Austin, TX 78714-9342 | Anywhere in the world | You mail originals or copies certified by the issuing agency; originals are returned by mail |
| IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center | In-person appointment at a designated IRS office (844-545-5640) | Inside the U.S. only | Documents reviewed and returned at the appointment |
- Processing time. The IRS says to allow 7 weeks for an ITIN decision, or 9–11 weeks if you apply during peak season (January 15 – April 30) or from overseas. Nobody — no agent and no paid service — can make the IRS process an ITIN faster.
- Certified copies only. Copies must be certified by the agency that issued the document. Notarized copies are not accepted.
- A return, or an exception. Form W-7 must be attached to a valid federal income tax return unless you qualify for one of the exceptions listed in the W-7 instructions.
Why the route matters: Applications filed through a Certifying Acceptance Agent were rejected 12.3% of the time, against 27.3% when originals were mailed to the IRS and 18.4% through IRS offices (National Taxpayer Advocate, CY2023 to September 2024).
What to expect, week by week
Two clocks apply to every ITIN. Ours: we prepare and certify your application within 1–3 business days of receiving your documents and completing the video verification. The IRS’s: it says to allow 7 weeks, or 9–11 weeks from January 15 to April 30 or when you apply from abroad — and nobody can speed that up. We track your application through the IRS wait, follow up once the IRS window has passed, and tell you as soon as your ITIN is assigned.
Day 1 · Expiry check
You tell us your ITIN and filing history. We confirm what needs renewing and which return it goes with.
Your chosen time · Video verification
Our CAA examines your original passport on a recorded call.
1–3 business days · Renewal prepared
We prepare the W-7 and certified copy (and the return in ITIN Complete). This is our clock, not the IRS’s.
On your approval · Filing
The W-7 and return are filed with the IRS together.
IRS processing · 7 weeks (9–11 weeks from January 15 to April 30 or from abroad)
Nobody — no agent and no paid service — can make the IRS process an ITIN faster. We follow up once the IRS window has passed.
Get a clear next step for your case
Share your situation and a specialist will reply within one business day. The assessment is free.
- Free to askThe assessment costs nothing. Our packages have fixed prices, fully refundable until we file your W-7.
- Honest directionIf we're not the right fit, we'll say so and point you elsewhere.
- Private by defaultYour details stay with us. We don't sell or share data.
Common questions from non-U.S. applicants
If your question isn't here, contact us — we'll answer honestly, even if the answer is 'this isn't a fit for our service.'
How do I know if my ITIN has expired?
An ITIN that has not been used on a federal tax return at least once in three consecutive tax years expires on December 31 of the third year. If the IRS expects you to need it, it may send a CP48 notice before it expires. If you’re unsure, tell us which years you filed and we’ll check.
Will I get a new ITIN when I renew?
No. Renewal keeps your existing number. That’s why the W-7 must be marked as a renewal with your current ITIN — applying as if you were new can cause delays.
Do I need a tax return to renew?
Renewing uses the same Form W-7 (tick "Renew an existing ITIN") and, unless an exception applies, a federal tax return. ITIN Complete ($449) prepares that return for you; ITIN Essential ($179) fits if your return is already prepared.
Can I file my return with an expired ITIN?
You can, but the IRS can delay processing and disallow certain credits until the ITIN is renewed. It’s better to renew with the return.
Do my spouse and children need to renew too?
Only if they’re claimed for an allowable tax benefit or file their own return. Each family member who does need it renews with their own W-7. Each additional family member renewal is $99.
I now have a Social Security number. Should I renew my ITIN?
No. Once you’re eligible for an SSN, use the SSN and stop using the ITIN. Tell the IRS so it can combine your tax records under the SSN.
Related ITIN guides
Ready to get your ITIN without mailing your passport?
Tell us who needs an ITIN and why. A specialist will reply within one business day with the documents you need and a clear plan.
Or email support@itinnumber.io
- Reply within one business dayA specialist reviews your case and outlines a clear plan.
- Free resubmissionPriority and Complete include one free resubmission if the IRS rejects your application.
- Refund before filingChange your mind before we file your W-7? Full refund, no questions.