How to Renew an Expired US ITIN in 2026

ITIN · Renewal

Expired or about to expire? Renewing an ITIN is simpler than getting one, and you keep your same number.

If your ITIN has lapsed, you do not start over. You reactivate the same number with a short Form W-7, and unlike a first application, you do not attach a tax return. This guide covers when an ITIN expires, how to check yours, the exact renewal steps, timing, family renewals, and what happens if you file with an expired one. New to ITINs entirely? Start with How to Get a US ITIN as a Non-Resident.

Key facts (2026)

An ITIN expires after 3 consecutive years of non-use on a US federal return.
Renew with Form W-7, ticking the "Renew an Existing ITIN" box. No tax return is attached.
Your number stays the same; it is simply reactivated.
The IRS charges nothing, and you can renew any time of year.
You can renew your whole family together.

When does an ITIN expire?

An ITIN expires after three consecutive years without being used on a US federal tax return. It lapses on 31 December of that third year. For example, if your ITIN last appeared on a 2022 return and you have not filed since, it expired on 31 December 2025.

Separately, many older ITINs were retired on a rolling schedule between 2016 and 2020 based on their middle digits (the ranges 70 through 87 have already expired). If yours is in that group and you have not renewed, you can still do so at any time.

How do I know if my ITIN has expired?

Check when you last used it and whether the IRS has written to you. Tap the case that matches you.

I last used my ITIN 3 or more years ago

Expired. Three consecutive years of non-use means it has lapsed. Renew before you next file.

I received a CP48 notice from the IRS

Action needed. The CP48 notice tells you your ITIN is expiring and must be renewed. Do not ignore it, but you also do not have to wait for it to renew.

My ITIN has middle digits 70 to 87

Previously expired. These ranges were retired on the older schedule. If you will file a return, renew first.

I never received any notice and my number is recent

Likely still active. If you have used it within the last three years and it is not in an expired digit range, it is probably fine. Note that notices can be missed if you moved.

How do I renew an ITIN?

File Form W-7, tick "Renew an Existing ITIN", enter your current number, state your reason, and include your ID documents. No tax return is attached. Tap each step.

01 Complete Form W-7 as a renewal

Check the "Renew an Existing ITIN" box and enter the same nine-digit number you already hold. It will be reactivated, not replaced.

02 State your reason

You still need to select the reason you need an ITIN on the form, exactly as on a first application.

03 Provide your identity documents

Include original or issuing-agency certified documents (a valid passport works on its own). Notarized copies are not accepted. A Certifying Acceptance Agent can verify these so your passport never leaves your hand.

04 Submit it (no return attached)

Mail it to the IRS ITIN Operation, apply in person at a Taxpayer Assistance Center, or use a CAA. Unlike a first application, you do not attach a tax return to a renewal.

Do I need to attach a tax return to renew?

No. This is the single biggest difference from a first-time application. A renewal is filed on its own, without a return. Here is how the two compare.

	First application	Renewal
Tax return attached	Usually yes	No
Your number	New number issued	Same number kept
Documents	Original or certified	Original or certified
IRS fee	$0	$0

Not sure whether you even need an active ITIN this year? Our interactive guide to who needs an ITIN answers that in two minutes.

How long does ITIN renewal take in 2026?

Allow about 7 weeks, and up to 9 to 11 weeks during peak season (mid-January to end of April). The IRS returns your identity documents within roughly 60 days. Because a lapsed ITIN delays your filing, renew early, ideally before the January to April rush and before you plan to file.

Can I renew my whole family at once?

Yes. If you receive a renewal notice, you can submit Forms W-7 for your whole family at the same time, the tax filer, spouse, and any dependents, even if some of their ITINs are not expiring yet. Doing them together saves repeat paperwork.

What happens if I file with an expired ITIN?

The IRS will still process your return, but it will be delayed, your refund held, and certain tax credits disallowed until you renew. You will receive a notice explaining what was affected. Renewing before you file avoids all of this, which is why an early renewal is worth it.

When you do NOT need to renew

You have since received a Social Security number (tell the IRS so records merge).
You no longer need to file a US return and will not be claimed on one.
Your ITIN only appears on information returns such as a 1099, not on a filed return.

Renew without the paperwork stress. As a Certifying Acceptance Agent, Proximal Solution prepares your renewal Form W-7, verifies your documents so you keep your passport, and submits it to the IRS. Our fee is $220. Book a free consultation or message us on WhatsApp.

Frequently asked questions

Does renewing change my ITIN number?

No. You keep the exact same nine-digit number. Renewing simply reactivates it.

Is there an IRS fee to renew?

No. The IRS charges nothing to renew. A Certifying Acceptance Agent charges a service fee to prepare and verify your application; Proximal Solution charges $220.

Can I renew at any time of year?

Yes. The IRS accepts renewals year round. You do not have to wait for tax season, and renewing outside the January to April rush is faster.

Do I have to wait for a CP48 notice to renew?

No. If you know your ITIN has lapsed or is about to, you can renew straight away without waiting for any letter.

Published by Proximal Solution LLC. General information only, current as of 2026, and not tax or legal advice. IRS rules and timelines can change, so confirm current requirements on IRS.gov or with a qualified professional before you act.