How to Get an EIN Without SSN (Step-by-Step)
Step-by-step instructions to obtain your Employer Identification Number from the IRS as a foreign entrepreneur.
📋 What's Covered in This Guide
The "SSN Barrier" is a Myth
Sound familiar?
You tried to apply for an EIN online. The IRS website asked for a Social Security Number (SSN). You don't have one. The system blocked you. You felt stuck.
Here's the truth: The online system is ONLY for US residents.
The Good News: There's a "Back Door" for Non-Residents
The IRS has a special process for international entrepreneurs:
The Back Door: Form SS-4 + Fax/Mail
Non-US residents can get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN by submitting Form SS-4 via:
- Fax (fastest: 4-14 days)
- Mail (slower: 6-8 weeks)
- Phone (complicated, not recommended)
What is an EIN? (Quick Definition)
EIN = Employer Identification Number
Think of it as your LLC's Social Security Number. It's a 9-digit tax ID issued by the IRS.
Why You Need It:
- Open a US business bank account (Mercury, Wise)
- Apply for Stripe US or PayPal Business
- Hire employees or contractors
- File taxes with the IRS
- Establish business credit
Without an EIN, your LLC is basically useless. You can't do banking, payments, or taxes.
Prerequisites: Before You Apply
Don't start the EIN application until you have these three things ready:
✅ Approved LLC
Your LLC must be officially formed and approved by the state. You should have your "Articles of Organization" or "Certificate of Formation" document.
📘 Valid Passport
The "Responsible Party" (usually you, the owner) needs a valid passport. The IRS may ask for a copy.
No SSN or ITIN required—your passport is your identification.
🏢 US Business Address
You need a physical US address for your LLC. This is typically your Registered Agent's address.
Tip: Use your Registered Agent's address (not a PO Box).
Got all three? Perfect. Let's move to the application.
Download and Fill IRS Form SS-4 📝
This is where most people get confused. I'm going to walk you through every single field that trips up non-residents.
Line-by-Line Instructions (The "Cheat Sheet")
I'll only cover the confusing fields. The easy ones (like "Business Name") are self-explanatory.
Line 1: Legal Name of Entity
What to write: Your LLC's exact legal name as it appears on your formation documents.
Example: "Global Consulting Services LLC"
⚠️ Important: Must match exactly—including "LLC" at the end.
Line 2: Trade Name (DBA)
What to write: Only if you do business under a different name than your legal LLC name.
Example: If your LLC is "Smith Enterprises LLC" but you sell as "Smith Consulting," write "Smith Consulting" here.
Leave blank if: You don't have a DBA/trade name.
Line 7b: SSN, ITIN, or EIN ⚠️ CRITICAL FIELD
THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LINE FOR NON-RESIDENTS.
What to write: Write "FOREIGN" or "N/A"
Why: You don't have an SSN or ITIN. This tells the IRS you're a foreign person.
- Leave it blank
- Write "000-00-0000"
- Make up a number
Any of these will cause rejection or delays.
Line 8a: Type of Entity
What to check: "Limited Liability Company (LLC)"
Then specify number of members:
- If you're the only owner: Check "Single-member LLC"
- If you have partners: Check "Multi-member LLC"
Line 9a: Reason for Applying
What to check: Usually "Started new business"
Other options:
- "Banking purposes" (if LLC already existed)
- "Changed type of organization" (if converting from sole proprietorship)
Line 9b: Date Business Started
What to write: The date your LLC was officially approved by the state (not when you submitted the application).
Find this: Look at your "Certificate of Formation" or "Articles of Organization" for the filing/approval date.
Line 10: Closing Month of Accounting Year
What to write: Most LLCs use "December" (calendar year).
Why: This keeps your tax year aligned with the calendar year (January-December).
Alternative: If you have specific accounting reasons, you can choose a different fiscal year-end.
Line 18: Signature
Who signs: The "Responsible Party" (usually you, the owner/member).
Format:
- Print or type your name
- Sign by hand (if mailing) or digital signature (if faxing)
- Write your title: "Member" or "Manager"
- Date it
Want a Visual Example?
Download our Sample Filled SS-4 Form for Non-Residents to see exactly what a completed form looks like.
Download Sample Form (PDF)The Submission Methods (Fax vs. Mail vs. Phone) 📠
You have three options. Here's how they compare:
Method A: Fax (Fastest)
- Processing Time: 4-14 business days
- Cost: Free (or $1-5 for online fax)
- Difficulty: Easy
How to Fax (Without a Fax Machine)
You don't need a physical fax machine. Use an online fax service:
- HelloFax (hellofax.com) - $9.99/month
- FaxZero (faxzero.com) - Free for up to 3 pages
- eFax (efax.com) - $16.99/month
Note: This is the dedicated number for non-US applicants. Verify this number on IRS.gov before faxing.
What Happens After You Fax:
- The IRS receives your Form SS-4
- They process it manually (4-14 days)
- They fax back a CP 575 Notice with your EIN written on it
- You receive your EIN (usually handwritten or typed on the fax)
Method B: Mail (Slowest)
- Processing Time: 6-8 weeks
- Cost: $5-20 (postage)
- Difficulty: Easy but slow
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
United States
When to use mail: Only if you're not in a hurry and fax isn't working.
Method C: Phone (Hard)
- Processing Time: Immediate (if successful)
- Cost: International call fees
- Difficulty: Very Hard
Why We Don't Recommend It:
- Long wait times (1-2 hours on hold)
- Must answer questions in English in real-time
- IRS agents may reject you if you can't provide instant answers
- Must call during US business hours (8am-7pm EST)
Not recommended for beginners. Stick with fax or mail.
Receiving Your EIN (The Confirmation Letter)
After the IRS processes your application, you'll receive your EIN in one of two forms:
CP 575 Notice (The Gold Document)
This is the first confirmation you'll receive (usually by fax or mail).
What it looks like:
- Your EIN will be printed at the top (9 digits: XX-XXXXXXX)
- It may be handwritten or typed
- It's on official IRS letterhead
147C Letter (The Verification Letter)
This is an alternative verification document you can request if you lose the CP 575.
How to get it:
- Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line: +1-800-829-4933
- Explain you need a 147C letter (also called "EIN Verification Letter")
- They'll mail it to your registered address
Alternative: "Done-For-You" EIN Services 💰
Let's be honest: Filling out IRS tax forms is stressful.
One typo in Line 7b or Line 9a can delay your application by weeks. If you'd rather have a professional handle this, here are your options:
Northwest Registered Agent
(included in formation packages)
What They Do:
- Fill out Form SS-4 correctly for you
- Fax it to the IRS on your behalf
- Follow up if there are issues
- Send you the EIN confirmation within 2-3 weeks
Why We Recommend Them: Northwest has been doing this for 25+ years. They know the IRS process inside-out. If you already use them as your Registered Agent, they can bundle this service.
Get Northwest to Handle Your EINZenBusiness
Similar service to Northwest. Good option if you used ZenBusiness for LLC formation.
Check ZenBusiness EIN ServiceFreelancers (Fiverr/Upwork)
Risk: Quality varies. Some freelancers are excellent, others make mistakes. Check reviews carefully.
Only use if: You're on a tight budget and willing to vet the freelancer thoroughly.
DIY or Pay Someone?
Do it yourself if:
- You're confident filling out forms
- You have time to research
- You want to save $100-200
Pay a pro if:
- You're nervous about making mistakes
- You don't want delays
- You value your time more than the fee
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an ITIN to get an EIN?
No. Non-US residents can get an EIN without an ITIN or SSN. Simply write "FOREIGN" or "N/A" in Line 7b of Form SS-4 and use your passport as identification.
Can I apply for an EIN online if I'm a non-resident?
No. The IRS online system only works for applicants with a valid SSN or ITIN. Non-residents must use the fax method (+1-855-641-6935) or mail method instead.
Does it cost money to get an EIN?
No. The EIN itself is 100% FREE from the IRS. Beware of scam websites charging $200-500 for "EIN services." The only cost is fax/mail fees ($1-10) or professional assistance if you choose to hire someone.
Does the EIN expire?
No. Once issued, your EIN is permanent and never expires. You keep the same EIN for the life of your LLC, even if you change business activities or move locations.
How long does it take to get an EIN by fax?
4-14 business days is the typical processing time. The IRS manually processes international applications and faxes back your CP 575 Notice with your EIN. Peak times (January-April) may take longer.
What if I make a mistake on Form SS-4?
The IRS may reject the form or request clarification, delaying your application by weeks. If you already received an EIN with incorrect information, call the IRS Business Tax Line (+1-800-829-4933) to request corrections.
Can I use my home country address on the EIN application?
You must use a US address for Line 4a-5b (the LLC's mailing/street address). This is typically your Registered Agent's address. However, you can use your foreign address in Line 7a for the Responsible Party's address if asked.
What if I don't receive the CP 575 confirmation?
If it's been more than 4 weeks since faxing (or 10 weeks since mailing), call the IRS Business Tax Line at +1-800-829-4933. Have your LLC details ready. They can check the status and resend the confirmation or provide your EIN over the phone.
Quick Recap: Your EIN Checklist
Prerequisites Ready
Approved LLC, Valid Passport, US Business Address
Form SS-4 Filled Out
Pay special attention to Line 7b (write "FOREIGN")
Fax to IRS
+1-855-641-6935 (use online fax service)
Wait 4-14 Days
Receive CP 575 Notice with your EIN
Use Your EIN
Open bank account, set up Stripe, start your business
You've got this! Thousands of non-residents successfully get EINs every month using this exact process.
The "SSN barrier" is just a misconception. The IRS has a clear path for international entrepreneurs—you just need to know the steps.
Continue Your LLC Journey
Now that you have your EIN, here's what to do next:
Get a US Business Address
Banks require a US address. Learn about virtual mailboxes approved for banking.
Understand US Taxes
Learn about Form 5472 and tax obligations for non-resident LLC owners.
LLC Without a Visa?
Learn why you can legally own a US LLC without a visa or green card.