GlossaryUS
What is a Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA)?
IRS-authorized document verifier for ITIN applications
Short answer
A Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) is a person or organization the IRS authorizes to verify identity documents for ITIN applications. A CAA can authenticate documents such as a passport, return them right away and submit the W-7 package to the IRS.
Explained
The IRS approves two kinds of agents: Acceptance Agents (AA) and Certifying Acceptance Agents (CAA). A CAA authenticates supporting documents itself, except foreign military IDs and dependents’ documents other than passports and birth certificates. A plain AA reviews and mails the documents, so originals or certified copies go to the IRS.
AAs and CAAs operate both in the US and abroad; the IRS list includes Türkiye and the United Kingdom. Fees for their service vary.
Good to know
- The IRS, not the CAA, issues the ITIN and decides the application.
- You can check whether an agent is a CAA on the IRS’s official list.
- When you apply through a CAA, the IRS also sends the CAA a copy of your ITIN notices.
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; check the official source for the latest position or talk to us.
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