Yes, you can get an EIN without a US address — but the IRS still requires a valid mailing address. Learn the difference between mailing, physical, and registered addresses, and how to stay compliant as a foreign owner.
One of the most common questions we hear at SpeedEIN is:
“I’m a non-US resident. Can I get an EIN if I don’t have a US street address?”
The short answer: Yes, you can.
But there’s a critical detail most EIN services won’t tell you:
✅ You don’t need a US physical address to get an EIN.
❌ But you DO need a US mailing address to receive your CP575.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- 📌 The IRS rules on addresses in Form SS-4 and Publication 1635
- 📬 The difference between mailing, physical, and registered addresses
- ⚠️ Why using a virtual mailbox or friend’s address can backfire
- 🏦 How banks like Mercury, Chase, and Novo verify your EIN address
- 🔐 The safest way to receive your CP575 without a US presence
- ✅ How SpeedEIN helps you get your EIN legally — no SSN, no US address required
If you’re launching a US LLC, C-Corp, or holding a US bank account as a foreigner, this is essential reading.
🔍 What the IRS Says: Address Rules on Form SS-4
The IRS is clear: you do not need to be a US resident or have a US physical address to apply for an EIN.
According to IRS Publication 1635 (Understanding Your EIN):
“The responsible party may be a non-resident alien. The business address on Form SS-4 may be a foreign address or a US mailing address.”
Let’s break down the three types of addresses you’ll encounter:
| Address Type | Required for EIN? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Business Mailing Address | ✅ Yes | Where the IRS sends your CP575. Can be US-based (PO Box, virtual office, registered agent). |
| Physical Business Address | ❌ No | Only if you have a US office or warehouse. Not required for online businesses. |
| Foreign Address (Owner) | ✅ Yes | Responsible Party’s home address (e.g., London, Tokyo, Sydney) — must be provided. |
📌 Key Takeaway: The IRS only requires a US mailing address to deliver your EIN confirmation letter (CP575). Everything else can be foreign-based.
📬 Why the Mailing Address Matters: The CP575 Problem
The CP575 is the official IRS document that proves your EIN is valid. It is mailed only to a US address — no exceptions.
If you list a foreign address as your mailing address, the IRS will:
- ❌ Reject your Form SS-4
- ❌ Or, worse — issue the EIN but never deliver the CP575
Without the CP575, you cannot:
- Open a US bank account (Mercury, Chase, Novo, etc.)
- Verify your business on Stripe, PayPal, or Amazon
- File US taxes or apply for an ITIN later
🛑 Warning: Some EIN providers claim they can “fax” or “email” the CP575. This is false. The IRS only sends the CP575 by US postal mail.
🏢 What Addresses Can You Use? (Legal & Safe Options)
You have several options for a US mailing address. Here’s what’s allowed — and what to avoid.
✅ Acceptable Mailing Addresses
- Registered Agent Address: Most US states require an LLC or corporation to have a registered agent. Their address can be used for IRS mail.
- Virtual Mailbox Services: Companies like EarthClassMail, Anytime Mailbox, or Traveling Mailbox provide real US addresses with scanning.
- Co-Working or Incubator Address: If you’re part of a startup program, they may allow mail receipt.
- Trusted Contact in the US: A friend, family member, or advisor with a stable address.
⚠️ Risky or Invalid Addresses
- UPS Store or FedEx Office: These are often rejected by banks during KYC verification.
- General Delivery (Post Office): Not considered a permanent address.
- Fake or Temporary Addresses: Using a hotel or Airbnb address can cause compliance issues.
💡 Pro Tip: Banks and payment processors perform address verification. If your EIN’s mailing address doesn’t match your bank application, your account may be suspended.
🏦 How Banks Verify Your EIN Address
When you apply for a US bank account as a foreign owner, banks like Mercury, Chase, or Novo will:
- Ask for your EIN and CP575
- Cross-check the business name and mailing address on the CP575
- Compare it to your application details
If there’s a mismatch — for example, your CP575 is sent to “123 Main St, Delaware” but you apply from “London, UK” — the bank may:
- Request additional proof of address
- Delay your application
- Reject your account
📌 Best Practice: Use a stable, verifiable US mailing address that you can explain if questioned.
🔐 The Safest Way to Get Your CP575: Use a Trusted Partner
At SpeedEIN, we partner with a licensed registered agent in Wyoming who provides a compliant US mailing address for our clients.
Here’s how it works:
- You apply for your EIN through SpeedEIN
- We list the registered agent’s address as the mailing address on Form SS-4
- When the IRS sends your CP575, they scan and securely email it to you within 24 hours
- You receive the official document — no delays, no travel needed
This method is:
- ✅ 100% IRS compliant
- ✅ Accepted by all major banks and platforms
- ✅ Fast and secure
🛡️ No Risk: We do not control your EIN. You are the Responsible Party. We only assist with mail receipt.
⏱️ Timeline: How Long to Get Your EIN & CP575
With the correct address and documentation:
| Step | Timeframe | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Submit Form SS-4 | Same day | Faxed to IRS with correct address |
| IRS Assigns EIN | 7–10 business days | You receive EIN via email from SpeedEIN |
| CP575 Mailed to US Address | 10–20 business days | Sent to registered agent |
| CP575 Scanned & Sent to You | Within 24 hours of receipt | Secure PDF delivered to your inbox |
✅ Final Checklist: Can You Get an EIN Without a US Address?
✔️ You are a foreign national — Yes, you can.
✔️ You don’t have an SSN or ITIN — No problem.
✔️ You don’t have a US physical address — Fine.
✔️ But you must have a US mailing address for the CP575 — Non-negotiable.
As long as you have a compliant way to receive IRS mail, you’re good to go.
📥 Free Download: “Ultimate Checklist: EIN Application for Non-US Residents”
🚀 Get Your EIN — No US Address Needed
At SpeedEIN, we help international founders get their EIN quickly, legally, and without hassle.
No SSN. No US address. No stress.
👉 Apply Now – Get Your EIN in 10 Days
SpeedEIN: Trusted by 5,000+ global entrepreneurs. 100% IRS compliant. Your EIN, your business, your control.