Are notarized copies of documents acceptable when applying for an ITIN?

Short answer: ❌ No — notarized copies are not acceptable for an ITIN application in most cases.

Here’s the IRS rule (this is where many applicants get denied):

✅ The IRS WILL accept:

• Original documents, OR
• Certified copies issued by the original issuing agency
  (for example: a certified passport copy from your country’s passport office or consulate)

A certified copy must:

be provided and stamped by the issuing agency as an exact copy of the original

❌ The IRS will NOT accept:

• Photocopies
• Notarized copies

The IRS is very clear:

“Notarized copies are not acceptable.”

A notarized document only confirms that a notary saw you sign something — it does NOT certify the document itself, which is why the IRS rejects them for Form W-7.

🚨 Exception (rare):

Notarized copies may only be accepted if:

• The applicant is a dependent of U.S. military personnel stationed overseas

💡 Pro Tip for Your Clients (Important for your Trabajo):

To avoid mailing original passports:

• Apply through an IRS Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA)
• Or visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC)

A CAA can verify the original documents and submit the ITIN application without sending the passport to the IRS.