How long does it take to get an EIN

The EIN is free, but how quickly you get it depends on how you apply, and not everyone can use the fastest route. This guide sets out the timing for each method and what can hold an application up.

By Muhammad Bilal, Chartered Accountant. Reviewed by Mirza Fahad Baig, Chartered Accountant. Checked against official sources on . 2 minute read.

Short answer

Getting an EIN takes minutes online, where the IRS issues it at the end of the session. International applicants can get one during a phone call. By fax it usually takes about 4 business days, and by mail about four weeks. The number can be used right away for most purposes, but the IRS says it can take up to two weeks to reach its permanent records.

At a glance

Online
Immediate, if eligible
Phone, international applicants
Issued during the call
Fax
About 4 business days
Mail
About four weeks
Fully in IRS records
Up to two weeks after issue
Limit
One EIN per responsible party per day
How long does it take to get an EINOnline: Immediate, if eligible; Phone, international applicants: Issued during the call; Fax: About 4 business days; Mail: About four weeks; Fully in IRS records: Up to two weeks after issue; Limit: One EIN per responsible party per day.KEY FACTS AT A GLANCEHow long does it take to get an EINOnlineImmediate, if eligiblePhone, international applicantsIssued during the callFaxAbout 4 business daysMailAbout four weeksFully in IRS recordsUp to two weeks afterissueLimitOne EIN per responsibleparty per dayChecked against official sourcesTax BakersHow long does it take to get an EINOnline: Immediate, if eligible; Phone, international applicants: Issued during the call; Fax: About 4 business days; Mail: About four weeks; Fully in IRS records: Up to two weeks after issue; Limit: One EIN per responsible party per day.KEY FACTS AT A GLANCEHow long does it take to get anEINOnlineImmediate, if eligiblePhone, international applicantsIssued during the callFaxAbout 4 business daysMailAbout four weeksFully in IRS recordsUp to two weeks after issueLimitOne EIN per responsible party per dayChecked against official sourcesTax Bakers
Key facts at a glance, as set out in this guide.

How long does each method take?

MethodTimeWho can use it
IRS online applicationImmediateUS-based entities whose responsible party has an SSN or ITIN
Phone, 267-941-1099During the callInternational applicants with no US residence, principal place of business or office
FaxAbout 4 business daysAnyone, using Form SS-4
MailAbout four weeksAnyone, using Form SS-4

Online eligibility and hours are covered in how to get an EIN online. The fax numbers and phone line for owners abroad are in how to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.

When can you use the EIN?

Straight away for most purposes, such as opening a bank account or giving a Form W-9 to a client. The IRS says it can take up to two weeks before a new EIN becomes part of its permanent records. Until then, some things may not work, such as filing an electronic return or checking the number through the IRS TIN matching system.

What slows an application down?

  • Applying before the entity is formed. The IRS says this can delay the application.
  • A second application for the same responsible party on the same day. The IRS issues one EIN per responsible party per day.
  • Mismatched or incomplete details, such as a name that does not match the state filing or a blank line 7b. See Form SS-4 line by line.
  • No return fax number on a fax application, so the IRS has to mail the reply.
  • An online session timing out after 15 minutes of inactivity.

If the online application stops with a reference number, see EIN application errors.

How should you plan around it?

Apply the day the state approves the entity. If you need the EIN for a deadline, such as opening a bank account or filing Form 5472 by April 15, allow at least a week for the fax route. For the timing of the whole formation process, see how long it takes to form an LLC.

Need an EIN quickly?

We apply by the fastest route available to you, including for owners without an SSN, and send you the number as soon as it is issued.

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Questions people ask

How long does it take to get an EIN online?

The IRS issues it immediately at the end of the online application, for applicants who are eligible to use it.

How long does an EIN take by fax?

About 4 business days, faxed back to the number you provide.

How long does an EIN take by mail?

About four weeks.

Can I use my EIN right away?

For most purposes, yes. It can take up to two weeks to reach the IRS's permanent records, which can affect e-filing and TIN matching.

Sources

Every fee, date and rule on this page was taken from these official and primary sources.

  1. IRS: Get an employer identification number
  2. IRS: Employer identification number, including international applicants
  3. IRS: Instructions for Form SS-4 (12/2025)

Rules and fees change. If you are reading this long after September 30, 2026, confirm the figures with the source before you rely on them.

EIN and ITINHow to get an EIN onlineEIN and ITINHow to get an EIN without an SSN or ITINEIN and ITINForm SS-4 line by line

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This guide is general information. It is not tax or legal advice for your situation.