Non-Resident Guide
How to Get an EIN Without an SSN (2026)
Non-US residents do not need a Social Security Number to get an EIN. This guide covers the Form SS-4 fax method, the documents you need, and why the IRS online application does not work without an SSN.
Non-US residents get an EIN without an SSN by filling out IRS Form SS-4 and faxing it to 855-215-1627. Write "N/A" on Line 7b where the form asks for an SSN, attach a copy of your passport, and include a fax number where the IRS can send your EIN. Processing takes 4-7 business days. The IRS online EIN application does not work without an SSN or ITIN -- it blocks you on the first screen. The fax method is the official alternative for non-residents, and the IRS processes thousands of these applications every month.
The Core Problem for Non-Residents
If you are a non-US resident trying to start a business in the United States, one of the first obstacles you face is getting an EIN without a Social Security Number. The IRS website makes it look like you need an SSN or ITIN to apply, but that is only true for the online application. The paper form (SS-4) submitted by fax works perfectly without either number.
What This Guide Covers
This guide walks you through the entire process step by step. We cover exactly what to write on each relevant line of Form SS-4, what documents to include, how to submit the form, and how long it takes to receive your EIN. If you want to skip the process entirely, ein.so handles everything for $49 (Standard) or $97 (Express). For a broader overview of all EIN application methods, see our How to Get an EIN guide.
The Problem
Why Does the IRS Online EIN Application Not Work Without an SSN?
The IRS Online System Blocks Non-Residents
The IRS EIN Assistant (the online application at irs.gov) was designed primarily for US residents. On the very first screen, it asks for the responsible party's SSN or ITIN. If you cannot provide one of these numbers, the system will not let you proceed to the next step. There is no "skip" option and no way to enter "N/A."
This is not a bug or an oversight -- the IRS intentionally designed the online system this way. The SSN/ITIN requirement serves as an identity verification mechanism for the online application. Since the online system issues EINs instantly (within minutes), the IRS needs a reliable way to verify that the applicant is a real person. The SSN/ITIN check accomplishes this.
Two Alternative Methods for Non-Residents
For non-residents who do not have an SSN or ITIN, the IRS provides two alternative methods: faxing Form SS-4 and calling the IRS international phone line. The fax method is the most reliable and most commonly used. The phone method (267-941-1099) can work but involves hold times that often exceed one to two hours, and the line is only available during limited business hours.
Documents
What Documents Do You Need to Get an EIN Without an SSN?
Required and Accepted Documents
The document requirements for getting an EIN without an SSN are straightforward. You need three things: a completed IRS Form SS-4, a copy of your passport, and access to a fax machine (or a digital fax service). If you have formed a US business entity, you should also have your formation documents available, though they are not always required to be submitted with the SS-4.
| Document | Accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Passport (photo page) | Yes - Primary ID | Must match name on Line 7a of SS-4. Most commonly accepted ID for non-residents. |
| IRS Form SS-4 (completed) | Yes - Required | Write "N/A" on Line 7b. Must be signed and dated. Use current revision (Rev. 12-2023). |
| Articles of Organization | Yes - Recommended | For LLCs. Confirms legal name and formation date. Not always required but reduces delays. |
| Articles of Incorporation | Yes - Recommended | For corporations. Same purpose as Articles of Organization for LLCs. |
| National ID Card | Sometimes | The IRS prefers passports. National IDs accepted in some cases but not consistently. |
| Driver's License (foreign) | No | Foreign driver's licenses are not accepted as identity verification for EIN applications. |
| ITIN Letter (CP 565) | Yes - Alternative | If you have an ITIN, you can enter it on Line 7b instead of writing "N/A." |
| Power of Attorney (Form 2848) | Yes - If using representative | Required if a third party (not Line 18 designee) is acting on your behalf. |
| SSN (Social Security Number) | Not required | Non-residents do not need an SSN. The fax method bypasses this requirement entirely. |
Document Details
IRS Form SS-4
Download from irs.gov. Fill out all applicable lines. Write "N/A" on Line 7b where it asks for SSN/ITIN.
Passport Copy
A clear copy of the photo page of your passport. This verifies the responsible party's identity since no SSN is provided.
Fax Access
You need the ability to send a fax to the IRS at 855-215-1627 and receive a fax back. Online fax services like eFax or HelloFax work.
Business Formation Documents (recommended)
Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (corporation). Not always required with the SS-4, but useful for reference.
For a detailed breakdown of every line on Form SS-4, see our SS-4 Form Guide.
Process
What Are the Steps to Get an EIN Without an SSN?
The process for getting an EIN without an SSN involves five steps. Each step is straightforward, but accuracy matters -- mistakes on the form cause delays or rejections. Follow these steps carefully:
Download Form SS-4 from IRS.gov
Fill Out the Form Completely
Attach Your Passport Copy
Fax to the IRS at 855-215-1627
Receive Your EIN by Fax (4-7 Business Days)
Alternative Method
Can You Get an EIN Without an SSN by Calling the IRS?
The Phone Method: Same-Day EIN Possible
Yes, you can call the IRS international line at 267-941-1099 to apply for an EIN without an SSN. An IRS representative will walk you through the SS-4 form over the phone and can issue your EIN during the call. This method has the advantage of getting your EIN immediately without waiting 4-7 business days.
Phone Method Drawbacks
However, the phone method has significant drawbacks. Hold times frequently exceed one to two hours, and the line is only available Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM Eastern Time. International calling charges apply unless you use a VoIP service. The IRS agent may also ask you to verify your identity verbally, which can be challenging if English is not your first language. Many applicants call multiple times before successfully getting through.
For most non-residents, the fax method is more reliable and less stressful. You fill out the form at your own pace, double-check everything before sending, and receive your EIN by fax without spending hours on hold. If you want to avoid both methods entirely, ein.so handles the entire process -- we file your SS-4 by fax and deliver your EIN by email for $49 (Standard) or $97 (Express).
Our Service
How Does ein.so Help You Get an EIN Without an SSN?
Purpose-Built for Non-Residents
ein.so was built specifically for non-US residents who need an EIN but do not have an SSN or ITIN. We handle the entire Form SS-4 filing process so you do not have to deal with fax machines, IRS processing delays, or confusing form instructions. Here is how it works:
You fill out a simple online form on our website with your legal name, date of birth, country of citizenship, mailing address, and business details. We use this information to complete IRS Form SS-4 accurately. We then fax the form to the IRS at 855-215-1627 and monitor for the response. When the IRS returns your EIN, we deliver it to you by email along with a copy of the official IRS confirmation.
Pricing and Turnaround
We offer two packages: Standard ($49) with 14 business day turnaround and Express ($97) with 7 business day turnaround. Both include full SS-4 preparation and filing, IRS correspondence handling, and email delivery of your EIN. No SSN, ITIN, or US address is required. Visit our EIN for Non-Residents page to learn more, or check our EIN Processing Time page for current turnaround estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for an EIN online without an SSN?
No. The IRS online EIN application (the EIN Assistant at irs.gov) requires a valid SSN or ITIN on the first screen. If you do not have either number, the system will not let you proceed. Non-residents must use the fax method (Form SS-4) or call the IRS international line at 267-941-1099.
What documents do I need to get an EIN without an SSN?
You need a completed IRS Form SS-4, a copy of your passport (or other government-issued ID), and your business formation documents (Articles of Organization for LLCs, Articles of Incorporation for corporations). The passport helps verify your identity since you do not have an SSN or ITIN.
How long does it take to get an EIN without an SSN?
Faxing Form SS-4 to the IRS results in an EIN within 4-7 business days. The IRS returns your EIN by fax. Calling the IRS international line at 267-941-1099 can result in an immediate EIN, but hold times often exceed 1-2 hours and the line is only available Monday through Friday, 6 AM to 11 PM Eastern Time.
What fax number do I use to send Form SS-4?
Fax your completed Form SS-4 to the IRS at 855-215-1627. This is the dedicated fax line for EIN applications. Make sure you include a fax number where the IRS can send your EIN confirmation back to you (or your designee's fax number if using a service like ein.so).
Do I need an ITIN to get an EIN?
No. An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is not required to get an EIN. The fax method allows you to apply with 'N/A' on the SSN/ITIN line of Form SS-4. An ITIN is a separate number used for personal tax filing by individuals who cannot get an SSN. An EIN is a business tax ID -- they serve different purposes.
Can ein.so get me an EIN without an SSN?
Yes. ein.so specializes in helping non-residents obtain EINs without an SSN or ITIN. We complete Form SS-4, fax it to the IRS, and deliver your EIN by email. Standard service costs $49 with 14 business day turnaround. Express service costs $97 with 7 business day turnaround. No SSN, ITIN, or US address required.
Will the IRS reject my SS-4 if I do not have an SSN?
No. The IRS routinely processes SS-4 applications from non-residents who do not have an SSN or ITIN. Write 'N/A' or 'Foreign' on Line 7b of the form. Including a copy of your passport with the fax helps verify your identity and reduces the chance of delays. The IRS has a dedicated process for handling these applications.
Can I get an EIN with just a passport?
Yes. A passport is the primary identification document for non-residents applying for an EIN. You include a copy of your passport with your Form SS-4 when faxing it to the IRS. The passport verifies the responsible party's identity and is accepted from any country. No US-issued ID is required.