Yes — you can absolutely get an EIN without an SSN. If you’re a non-US resident forming a US LLC, you do not need a Social Security Number, and you don’t need an ITIN either. The IRS issues an EIN to foreign owners through a simple paper process using Form SS-4. This guide walks you through exactly how to get an EIN without an SSN, step by step, in 2026.
At LLC Station we file these for clients every week, so this is the real process — including the mistakes that get applications rejected.
Can you really get an EIN without an SSN?
Yes. This is the single most common myth we hear from non-residents: that you need a Social Security Number to get an EIN. You don’t. The IRS has a specific process for foreign business owners with no SSN and no ITIN. The only catch is that you cannot use the IRS online application — that tool requires an SSN — so you apply by fax or mail instead.
What is an EIN and why do you need one?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a federal tax ID for your business — think of it as a Social Security Number for your company. Without one, you cannot:
- Open a US business bank account (Mercury, Relay, and others all require it)
- Apply for Stripe, PayPal, or other payment processors
- Sell on Amazon, Shopify, or most marketplaces
- File your federal tax forms
For a non-resident, the EIN is the key that unlocks the entire US financial system. That’s why getting an EIN without an SSN is one of the first things you need to sort out after forming your LLC.
Why non-residents don’t need an SSN or ITIN
The confusion comes from the IRS online form, which asks for an SSN or ITIN. But that online tool is only one way to apply — and it’s the one path closed to non-residents. The paper Form SS-4 has a specific field for foreign applicants who have no US tax ID. On line 7b, instead of a number, you simply write “Foreign.” That single word is how the IRS knows you’re a non-resident applying for an EIN without an SSN.
How to get an EIN without an SSN: step by step
Step 1: Form your LLC first
You need a registered company before the IRS will issue an EIN. If you haven’t formed your LLC yet, start there — see our guide on choosing between New Mexico and Wyoming. The EIN is tied to the legal entity, so the company must exist first.
Step 2: Complete Form SS-4
Download Form SS-4 from the IRS website. Fill in your LLC’s legal name, your name as the “responsible party” (this must be a person, not the company), your foreign address, and the reason for applying. Take your time — small errors here cause most rejections.
Step 3: Write “Foreign” on line 7b
This is the critical step for getting an EIN without an SSN. On line 7a enter the responsible party’s name; on line 7b, where it asks for SSN/ITIN, write “Foreign.” Do not leave it blank and do not invent a number. This tells the IRS you’re a foreign owner with no US tax ID.
Step 4: Submit by fax (not online)
Because the online tool is closed to you, send the completed Form SS-4 to the IRS by fax — it’s much faster than mail. The IRS has a dedicated fax number for international applicants (listed on the SS-4 instructions). Fax typically returns your EIN in about four business days; mail can take several weeks.
Step 5: Receive your EIN confirmation (CP 575)
The IRS sends back an official confirmation letter called the CP 575, which shows your new EIN. Keep this letter safe — banks and payment processors will ask for it. Once you have it, you can open accounts and start operating.
How long does it take to get an EIN without an SSN?
By fax, expect roughly 4 to 7 business days. By mail it can take 4 weeks or more. There’s no faster “online” option for non-residents, despite what some websites claim — anyone promising an instant EIN without an SSN is either using the online tool incorrectly or not telling you the truth.
Common mistakes that get EIN applications rejected
From filing hundreds of these, here are the errors we see most often:
- Trying the online application. Non-residents who try the IRS online tool hit the “Reference 101” error. You must use fax or mail.
- Listing the LLC as the responsible party. The responsible party must be an individual person with a name — not the company.
- Leaving line 7b blank. It must say “Foreign,” or the IRS may reject or delay it.
- Mismatched company name. The name on Form SS-4 must exactly match your LLC’s formation documents.
- Wrong fax number. Domestic and international applicants use different IRS fax numbers.
EIN vs ITIN: which do you need?
These get confused constantly. An EIN is for your business; an ITIN is a personal tax ID for you as an individual. To form an LLC and open a business bank account, you need an EIN — not an ITIN. You only need an ITIN in specific personal tax situations. If you’re unsure, our ITIN service page explains when it’s actually required.
Should you file it yourself or use a service?
The EIN itself is free — the IRS charges nothing. You can absolutely file Form SS-4 yourself using the steps above. What you’re paying for with a service like ours is getting it done correctly the first time: the right responsible-party setup, the “Foreign” entry, the correct fax number, and no weeks lost to a rejection. If you’d rather not risk the back-and-forth with the IRS, our EIN service handles the entire filing for you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an EIN without an SSN as a non-US resident?
Yes. Non-US residents can get an EIN without an SSN by filing Form SS-4 with the IRS by fax or mail and writing “Foreign” on line 7b. No SSN or ITIN is required.
Do I need an ITIN to get an EIN?
No. You do not need an ITIN to get an EIN. The two are separate — an EIN is for your business, an ITIN is a personal tax ID. You can get an EIN without an SSN or an ITIN.
Why can’t I apply for an EIN online?
The IRS online EIN tool requires a US SSN or ITIN, so non-residents can’t use it. You apply by fax or mail instead, which still works perfectly.
How much does an EIN cost?
The IRS issues EINs for free. If you use a filing service, you’re paying for correct, hassle-free handling — not for the EIN itself.
How long is an EIN valid?
An EIN never expires. Once the IRS assigns it to your LLC, it’s yours for the life of the business.
Ready to get your EIN?
Whether you file it yourself or let us handle it, an EIN without an SSN is completely achievable as a non-resident. LLC Station can form your LLC and file your EIN together, so you go from nothing to a bankable US business in one process — all remotely, in English.