How to get an EIN for your LLC without an SSN
Updated October 9, 2026
Non-residents without an SSN or ITIN can still get an EIN. The IRS online form won't work for you, so you file Form SS-4 instead.
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Not legal or tax advice
This page explains the process as the official sources document it. For your specific case, talk to an accountant who works with non-residents.
The EIN is your LLC’s tax ID. You need it to open a US business bank account and to file what the IRS expects from a foreign-owned LLC.
How to apply without an SSN
- Download the current Form SS-4 from the IRS website.
- Fill it in as a foreign owner of the LLC.
- Send it by fax or by mail, or call the IRS from outside the US.
Prefer that your provider handles it?
Some formation services include the EIN in a package; others charge for it separately or don’t offer it.
View at BizeeSources
Providers in this guide
- Bizee · Read the Bizee review · Bizee vs Northwest
- Northwest · Bizee vs Northwest
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for the EIN online?
Not without an SSN or ITIN. The IRS online application requires one, so non-residents file Form SS-4 instead.
Does the EIN expire?
No. It stays with the LLC for as long as the LLC exists.