Quick Answer
An SSN is a lifelong ID for U.S. citizens and work-authorized residents. An ITIN is a tax processing number — the IRS issues ITINs for anyone with a U.S. tax obligation who cannot get an SSN. Core differences:
- Employment: SSN authorizes W-2 employment; ITIN does not.
- Government benefits: SSN holders can receive Social Security and Medicare; ITIN holders cannot.
- What both allow: banking, credit, investing, property ownership, and tax filing.
To apply for an ITIN: complete IRS Form W-7 with your tax return and identity documents. Processing takes 7–11 weeks.
If you've arrived in the U.S. without a Social Security Number, you've probably heard about both an ITIN and an SSN. They look similar — both are 9-digit numbers — but they serve very different purposes, issued by different agencies, to different groups of people.
Quick Answer
An SSN (Social Security Number) is for U.S. citizens and people authorized to work in the U.S. An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is for people who have a U.S. tax obligation but are not eligible for an SSN — mainly undocumented immigrants and nonresident aliens. Both let you file taxes. Only the SSN authorizes work and federal benefits.
What Are an ITIN and an SSN?
Social Security Number (SSN)
The Social Security Number is issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It is the primary identification number used in the U.S. for employment, federal benefits, credit, and most government services. To get an SSN you must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or have a valid work authorization visa (such as an H-1B, TN, or EAD).
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
The ITIN is issued by the IRS — not the Social Security Administration. It exists solely so that people with a U.S. tax obligation can file a tax return even if they are not eligible for an SSN. This includes undocumented immigrants, certain nonresident aliens, and foreign nationals earning U.S. income. An ITIN does not change your immigration status, authorize employment, or make you eligible for Social Security benefits.
How Does an ITIN Compare to an SSN?
| Category | SSN | ITIN |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | Social Security Administration | IRS |
| Who qualifies | U.S. citizens, permanent residents, authorized workers | People with U.S. tax obligation but no SSN eligibility |
| Format | XXX-XX-XXXX | 9XX-XX-XXXX (always starts with 9) |
| File federal taxes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Open a bank account | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes (most major banks) |
| Apply for credit cards | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes (Chase, Amex, Capital One) |
| Buy or rent a home | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes (ITIN mortgages available) |
| Apply for a driver's license | ✓ Yes (all states) | ✓ Yes (19+ states accept ITIN) |
| Invest in stocks / ETFs | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes (some brokers accept ITIN) |
| Authorize legal employment | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Collect Social Security benefits | ✓ Yes (if work credits earned) | ✗ No |
| Federal student aid (FAFSA) | ✓ Yes (eligible students) | ✗ No (state aid may be available) |
| Expires | ✗ No (permanent) | ✓ Yes (if unused 3+ years) |
What Can I Do With an ITIN?
An ITIN opens more doors than most people realize. The IRS has issued more than 31 million ITINs since 1996 (TIGTA, 2026), and seven of the ten largest U.S. credit card issuers accept one (WalletHub, 2026). With it you can file taxes, open a bank account, apply for credit cards, build a U.S. credit history, get an ITIN mortgage, obtain a driver's license in 19+ states, start a business, send remittances, and buy car insurance.
- File federal and state taxes — and receive withholding refunds; joint filers with a work-authorized-SSN spouse can also claim the Child Tax Credit (see CTC eligibility guide)
- Open a checking or savings account at major banks like Chase, Bank of America, Citibank, and Wells Fargo
- Apply for credit cards — Chase, American Express, and Capital One all accept ITIN on applications (see the full credit card guide)
- Build a U.S. credit history — your ITIN activity is tracked by Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
- Buy or rent a home — ITIN mortgages are available through specialized lenders
- Get a driver's license — over 19 states accept ITIN as part of their license application (see the full state list)
- Start a business or LLC — you can obtain an EIN using your ITIN
- Send money internationally and use services like remittances
- Get car insurance and other financial products without an SSN
More than you think
Many ITIN holders don't realize how much of the U.S. financial system is accessible. Banks have quietly accepted ITIN for years. Credit card issuers like Chase and Amex allow ITIN in their online applications. The main limitations are employment authorization and federal benefit programs — not everyday financial life.
What Can an ITIN Not Do?
It's equally important to know the 6 things an ITIN does not give you: work authorization (it isn't an acceptable Form I-9 document), Social Security benefits, federal student aid through FAFSA, Medicare or Medicaid enrollment, any path to immigration status, and the best loan pricing — ITIN borrowers often face higher rates and larger down payments than SSN holders.
- Work authorization — employers use Form I-9 to verify work eligibility, and an ITIN is not an acceptable I-9 document
- Social Security benefits — you cannot claim retirement, disability, or survivor benefits using an ITIN (even if taxes were paid under a shared or borrowed SSN)
- Federal student financial aid — FAFSA requires an SSN; however, some states (like California) have their own aid programs that accept ITIN
- Medicare or Medicaid enrollment — these federal programs require an SSN
- A path to immigration status — having an ITIN does not change your immigration status or create any legal status in the U.S.
- The best loan pricing — you can borrow with an ITIN, but applicants often face higher rates and larger down payments than SSN holders
ITIN is a tax number only
The IRS issues ITINs strictly for tax purposes. Applying for an ITIN does not put you in any immigration database, and the IRS is legally prohibited from sharing your tax information with immigration agencies. However, an ITIN alone has no immigration benefit or protection. For immigration-related questions, consult a qualified immigration attorney.
How Do I Switch From an ITIN to an SSN?
If your immigration status changes — for example, you receive a work permit, an employment-authorized visa, or a green card — you become eligible to apply for a Social Security Number. Switching then takes 4 steps: apply for your SSN, notify the IRS to merge your tax records, ask the 3 credit bureaus to link your credit history, and update your bank accounts.
- Apply for your SSN at your local Social Security Administration office with your new immigration documents
- Notify the IRS by writing to the IRS with both your ITIN and new SSN so your tax records can be merged
- Notify the credit bureaus — contact Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion and request that your credit history built under your ITIN be linked to your new SSN. This is important: your credit history does not transfer automatically
- Update your bank accounts — notify your banks of your new SSN if they require it
Credit History Transfer
Credit bureaus can link your ITIN-based credit history to your new SSN when you request it directly. This means the credit you built with your ITIN — your payment history, account age, and credit limits — may not be lost when you get an SSN. Contact each bureau separately and ask about their ITIN-to-SSN credit record linking process. Policies and results may vary.
How Do I Get an ITIN?
If you need an ITIN, you apply using IRS Form W-7 along with a federal tax return and proof of identity and foreign status. The process is free and takes 7–11 weeks by mail. See the full guide:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an ITIN to apply for a job?
No. An ITIN does not authorize employment. Employers verify work authorization using Form I-9, which requires a Social Security Number or a valid work authorization document such as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). An ITIN is a tax identification number only.
Does the IRS share ITIN data with immigration enforcement?
The IRS is legally prohibited from sharing individual taxpayer information — including ITIN applications — with other federal agencies including immigration enforcement. Your tax filings are confidential under federal law. That said, if you have legal questions about your specific situation, consult a qualified immigration attorney.
Is an ITIN the same as a tax ID number?
An ITIN is a type of Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The umbrella term "TIN" also includes SSNs and EINs (Employer Identification Numbers for businesses). An ITIN specifically refers to the number issued by the IRS to individuals who are not eligible for an SSN but have a U.S. tax filing requirement.
Can someone with an ITIN get a Social Security Number later?
Yes, if they become eligible. Eligibility for an SSN requires U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residence, or a qualifying immigration status that authorizes employment (such as a work visa or DACA). Once you receive an SSN, you should notify the IRS and credit bureaus to transfer your tax and credit records from your ITIN.
Can I have both an ITIN and an SSN at the same time?
No. Once you receive an SSN, you should use your SSN for all tax filings going forward. Your ITIN is deactivated once the IRS links it to your new SSN. You cannot use both simultaneously — the SSN takes over as your primary tax identifier.