# How to get an ITIN in the UK through an acceptance agent From the UK, you apply for an ITIN on Form W-7, usually with a U.S. tax return attached, through an IRS-approved acceptance agent, by mail to the IRS Austin office, or at a U.S. Taxpayer Assistance Center. Updated 2026-10-02. Country: United Kingdom. Also on the [web page](https://itinagents.fyi/guides/how-to-get-an-itin-in-the-uk). You apply for an ITIN from the UK on Form W-7, either through an IRS-approved acceptance agent, by mail, or at a U.S. Taxpayer Assistance Center. Most applicants attach a U.S. federal tax return. ## Who needs an ITIN The IRS says you need an ITIN if you have a federal tax purpose and you are not eligible for a Social Security number (SSN). Do not file Form W-7 if you have an SSN or are eligible for one. An ITIN is for federal tax purposes only. The IRS says it does not qualify you for Social Security benefits. It does not provide or change immigration status. It does not authorize you to work legally in the U.S. Form W-7 asks for one reason. Reasons include a nonresident or resident alien filing a federal return, a dependent or spouse of a U.S. citizen or resident alien, and a nonresident alien needing an ITIN for a tax treaty benefit. ## Tax return and exceptions For a new ITIN, you must include a U.S. federal tax return unless you meet an exception. Attach Form W-7 to the front of the return. The W-7 instructions list five exceptions. They cover passive income, other income, mortgage interest reporting, dispositions of U.S. real property interests by a foreign person, and Treasury Decision 9363. If you claim one, you send the required documents instead of a return. ## Acceptance agents and certifying acceptance agents An acceptance agent is a person or entity the IRS authorizes to help foreign persons get an ITIN. An acceptance agent can help you complete and file Form W-7. It sends your original documents or certified copies to the IRS. A certifying acceptance agent (CAA) can verify original documents and certified copies. It cannot verify foreign military identification cards. For dependents, a CAA can only verify passports and birth certificates. A CAA attaches a Form W-7 (COA), the Certificate of Accuracy, to each application. Agents must interview each applicant in person. The IRS says video conferencing may be used for the interview only. ## Documents Send a valid passport or a certified copy, and you need no other document. Otherwise, send at least two listed documents that prove identity and foreign status. At least one must show your photo, with an exception for young dependents. A certified copy comes from the original issuing agency and has an official stamped seal. The IRS does not accept notarized documents. Passports and national identification cards must be current. ## What is specific to the UK The IRS publishes a page of acceptance agents for the United Kingdom. An asterisk marks an ordinary acceptance agent. The W-7 list names these document types: passport, national identification card, foreign voter's registration card, foreign driver's license and civil birth certificate. A foreign driver's license proves identity only. A national identification card must show name, photograph, address, date of birth and expiration date. The list names no specific UK card, so ask your agent about yours. On Form W-7, the IRS says to enter the tax identification number your country of residence issued to you, if you have one, on line 6b. A dependent from the UK must prove U.S. residency unless the dependent belongs to U.S. military personnel stationed overseas. For a dependent, a passport with a date of entry into the U.S. also proves U.S. residency. The IRS lists the U.S.-UK income tax treaty texts. The W-7 instructions say certain nonresident aliens must get an ITIN to claim certain tax treaty benefits even without a return. You then enter the treaty country and article number on the form. ## Time, fees and where to apply Allow 7 weeks. The IRS says it can take 9 to 11 weeks in tax season or if you apply from overseas. Publication 1915 says mailed applications from abroad may take considerably longer. Publication 1915 says the IRS does not charge a fee to obtain an ITIN. It says an acceptance agent may charge a fee. The IRS says fees for agent services may vary, so ask each agent for the fee. You can mail your package to the IRS ITIN Operation in Austin, Texas. You can also use an agent in the UK. IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers with ITIN services are in the U.S. and need an appointment. The IRS pages differ. "Obtaining an ITIN from abroad" names only certifying acceptance agents abroad. "How to apply" says both agent types work abroad. For help from outside the U.S., call 267-941-1000. It is not a toll-free number. ## Before you book Confirm current details with the agent and with the IRS before you pay or travel. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the IRS, and the agent list data comes from the IRS. ## Sources - [IRS, Acceptance agents - United Kingdom](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/acceptance-agents-united-kingdom) - [IRS, Individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN)](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/individual-taxpayer-identification-number) - [IRS, How to apply for an ITIN](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/how-do-i-apply-for-an-itin) - [IRS, Instructions for Form W-7](https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iw7) - [IRS, ITIN Acceptance Agent Program](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/itin-acceptance-agent-program) - [IRS, ITIN acceptance agents](https://www.irs.gov/tin/itin/itin-acceptance-agents) - [IRS, ITIN supporting documents](https://www.irs.gov/tin/itin/itin-supporting-documents) - [IRS, Obtaining an ITIN from abroad](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/obtaining-an-itin-from-abroad) - [IRS, Publication 1915, Understanding Your IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1915.pdf) - [IRS, United States income tax treaties - A to Z](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/international-businesses/united-states-income-tax-treaties-a-to-z) - [IRS, United Kingdom (UK) - Tax treaty documents](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/international-businesses/united-kingdom-uk-tax-treaty-documents) ## Questions ### Does an ITIN let me work in the U.S.? No. The IRS says an ITIN does not authorize you to work legally in the U.S. It also does not provide or change immigration status. ### Can I use a passport alone to apply? Yes. The IRS says a passport is the only stand-alone document. Without a passport, you must submit at least two other listed documents. ### How long does an ITIN take? The IRS says to allow 7 weeks. It can take 9 to 11 weeks in tax season or if you apply from overseas. ### Does the IRS charge a fee for an ITIN? Publication 1915 says the IRS does not charge a fee to obtain an ITIN. An acceptance agent may charge a fee for services. ### Can I apply in person from the UK? Yes, with an acceptance agent in the UK. IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers that offer ITIN services are in the U.S.