Hey… I know, losing your ITIN feels like losing the one key that unlocks everything. Your taxes, your refunds, your proof of identity. Maybe that IRS letter got buried somewhere, or it’s just been too long since you last filed and now it’s nowhere to be found.
Well, you’re not the only one who’s been through this. The “lost ITIN number” incident happens more often than you can think about, and the IRS actually has a pretty simple solution to help you get your number back. So, without any delay, let’s talk about how to safely recover your ITIN, what mistakes to avoid, and when it’s best to call the IRS directly.
What Happens When You Lose Your ITIN Number
Your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is permanent. It’s assigned once and stays linked to you for life, unless you leave it unused for consecutive three years (if you do so, it will expire).
But if you’ve misplaced it, or simply can’t remember it, that lost ITIN number can quietly block a lot of important things.
Here’s what actually happens when you lose access to it:
- You can’t file your U.S. taxes or claim refunds properly until you recover your ITIN number.
- You can’t renew an expired ITIN without knowing the original number.
- Financial platforms like PayPal, banks, or tax agencies can’t verify your identity or process certain payments.
So, while you don’t need a new ITIN, you do need to find or recover your existing one before doing anything else. The good news? The IRS can confirm or resend it, as long as you know how to request it the right way.
How to Find My ITIN Number (Step-by-Step)
Losing your ITIN isn’t the end of the road, it’s just a matter of retracing where it last appeared. Whether you forgot your ITIN number or can’t find the official IRS letter, there are a few reliable ways to get it back.
Let’s learn those:
1. Check Your Previous Tax Documents
Your ITIN is printed on every tax return you’ve filed with the IRS. Look at your old Form 1040, Form W-7 approval copy, or any official CP565 notice, your ITIN appears where a Social Security Number usually goes.
If you worked with a tax preparer or accountant before, they’ll likely have it saved in their records too.
2. Contact the IRS Directly
If you can’t find your old paperwork, call the IRS ITIN hotline:
- Within the U.S.: 1-800-829-1040
- Outside the U.S.: +1-267-941-1000
After getting connected, tell the agent you’ve lost your ITIN and need to confirm or recover it. They’ll ask for a few basics: your full name, date of birth, and the mailing address from your last tax return.
Once they verify your identity, the IRS will issue an official ITIN confirmation letter to your address. For security reasons, they can’t reveal the number over the phone. It only comes by mail.
3. Visit a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA)
If you’re outside the US, or just don’t want to deal with the IRS headache (they really can be one, if they want to), a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) can take care of it all for you. They’ll speak to the IRS on your behalf, track down your missing ITIN, confirm your ID, and even renew it if it’s expired. All without you ever having to mail your passport anywhere.
4. Don’t Reapply (Unless the IRS Tells You To)
If you’ve simply misplaced your ITIN, don’t just rush to file a new Form W-7. Submitting a duplicate application only slows things down and can create IRS record conflicts.
Always confirm your existing ITIN status with the IRS or a CAA first.
In short, your ITIN is still yours, even if you can’t see it right now. A quick check through your documents or a verified call to the IRS is all it takes to find or recover your ITIN safely.
When to Request a Copy of Your ITIN Letter
Sometimes, you don’t just need to find your ITIN number, you also need official proof of it. That’s where the IRS CP565 letter (your original ITIN confirmation notice) comes in. It’s the official document that verifies your number for banks, tax filings, or online payment services like PayPal.
If you’ve lost your ITIN number and can’t find the original letter, don’t panic. Here’s exactly what to do:
Call the IRS ITIN Hotline.
In the U.S.? Just dial 1-800-829-1040.
Outside the U.S.? Then call +1-267-941-1000.
Tell the agent you’ve misplaced your ITIN letter and need a replacement CP565 notice. They’ll ask a few quick questions to verify it’s really you, then mail a new copy to the address already on file.
Wait for the letter to arrive by mail.
The IRS doesn’t email or fax ITIN details—ever. It’s always sent by mail for security reasons. Depending on where you live and the season (peak/off-peak), your replacement letter usually shows up within 6 to 8 weeks.
Once the letter arrives, treat it like gold.
Keep the new letter with your tax documents or in a safe folder. That’s your only official proof if you ever lose your ITIN again.
Important: If you’ve moved since your last tax filing, file Form 8822 to update your address before asking for the replacement. Otherwise, your new CP565 might quietly land in your old mailbox.
Common Mistakes When Recovering a Lost ITIN Number
When you’re already stressed about a lost ITIN number, it’s easy to make small mistakes that turn a simple recovery into a long wait. Most people just don’t realize how particular the IRS can be when verifying your details.
Here are the most common mistakes, and how to avoid them:
Reapplying for a new ITIN instead of recovering the old one
Reapplying for a new ITIN instead of finding your old one might seem like the real quick fix. But it’s actually the trap. The IRS won’t give you a duplicate, and sending in another Form W-7 only pushes you to the back of the line. Always check first before reapplying, either through the IRS hotline or a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA).
Expecting your ITIN by phone or email
For security reasons, the IRS will never share your ITIN number over the phone or electronically. They’ll only send it to your registered mailing address after verifying your identity.
Forgetting to update your address
If you’ve moved since your last tax filing, update your record using Form 8822 before asking for a replacement CP565 letter. Otherwise, your mail will head straight to your old address.
Not checking past tax returns first
Your ITIN might already be right in front of you, on your previous tax return, W-7 approval copy, or tax preparer’s file. Always check those before contacting the IRS.
Sharing your ITIN carelessly once you recover it
Treat your ITIN like a passport number. Don’t share it over text, email, or unverified forms. Identity theft and tax fraud cases often start there.
Important Note: The IRS doesn’t send ITIN letters or tax notices directly to international addresses. If you’re a non-resident who lost your ITIN number, that letter won’t reach you overseas. In that case, you can receive it safely through your registered U.S. agent or a trusted third-party service provider. It’s the only way to make sure your ITIN confirmation letter actually gets delivered.
How Long It Takes to Recover an ITIN & When to Get Help
Once you’ve contacted the IRS or a Certified Acceptance Agent, it usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks for your ITIN confirmation letter to arrive. If you’re outside the U.S., expect it to take a bit longer, especially if you’re receiving it through your registered agent.
If it’s been more than two months and you still haven’t received anything, don’t guess or reapply. Reach out to the IRS again or let a CAA help you recover your lost ITIN number directly.
Business Globalizer: IRS-Certified Help to Recover Your Lost ITIN Number
If you’ve lost your ITIN number or never received your confirmation letter, Business Globalizer can make things easy.
As an IRS-authorized Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA), we help you get your ITIN back on record; whether that means verifying it directly with the IRS, recovering a lost number, or requesting a replacement CP565 letter. No passport mailing. No endless waiting. Just a clean, guided process that works.
Lost your ITIN and stuck with taxes, PayPal, or paperwork? No worries. We handle the whole recovery process for you, securely and correctly, so you can move forward without the headache.
Closing It Out
A lost ITIN number doesn’t mean starting over, it just means finding your way back to your records. Once you know how to find your ITIN number or get the IRS to resend it, everything else falls into place.
And if you’d rather not deal with the process alone, Business Globalizer’s CAA and his expert team can handle the retrieval and follow-up directly, so your tax identity stays as steady as it was meant to be. They can verify your identity, confirm your record, and make sure your request doesn’t fall through the cracks. A little expert help often saves you weeks of waiting, and a lot of frustration.
FAQs about Lost ITIN Number
How can I find my ITIN number?
Answer: Check your old tax return or ITIN approval letter (CP565). Your number appears where a Social Security Number would normally go.
I lost my ITIN number, can I get it online?
Answer: Unfortunately, no; the IRS doesn’t offer any online tool or portal to look up ITINs. The only way to get it back is by calling the IRS directly or working with a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) who can help you recover it safely.
What should I do if I forgot my ITIN number?
Answer: Give the IRS a call. If you’re in the U.S., dial 1-800-829-1040. If you’re outside the country, call +1-267-941-1000. They’ll ask a few quick questions to confirm your identity and then mail a new ITIN confirmation letter to your registered address.
How long does it take to recover a lost ITIN?
Answer: Once they verify who you are, the IRS usually mails your confirmation letter within 6 to 8 weeks. It’s not instant, but it’s the only official and secure way to get your ITIN back.
Can I apply for a new ITIN if I lost my old one?
Answer: Well, not right away. You should only reapply if the IRS confirms your existing record can’t be located. Filing too soon can create duplicate files and delay your future tax processing.
I moved after applying, how will I get my letter?
Answer: If you’ve moved since applying, file Form 8822 to update your address before requesting a new ITIN letter. That simple step makes sure your IRS mail actually finds you; not your old mailbox.
Can the IRS send my ITIN letter to another country?
Answer: Sadly, no. The IRS only mails ITIN letters within the U.S. If you live abroad, you’ll need to receive it through a trusted U.S. contact; like your registered agent or a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) who can handle it safely on your behalf.
Who can help me recover my ITIN safely?
Answer: A Certified Acceptance Agent, such as Business Globalizer, can step in for you. They verify your identity, speak directly with the IRS, and help recover your lost ITIN. Without you having to risk mailing your original passport overseas.
