I'm just going to call the IRS in the morning and see what they say.
I just spoke to a Russian who got an EIN instead for his company (the ITIN is for individuals). He phoned and it took 15 mins to get it. Try that out if you have a company. Otherwise you need to take the long route.Here's what the W7 says about ID:
If you submit an original valid passport (or a notarized or
certified copy of a valid passport), you do not need to submit
any other documents. Otherwise, you must submit at least two or
more of the documents listed below. The documents must be
current, verify your identity (that is, contain your name), and support
your claim of foreign status. At least one document must contain
your photograph, but a photograph is not required if documents are
submitted for a dependent under age 14 (under age 18 if a student).
Do not attach expired documents.
a. National identification card (must show photo, name, current
address, date of birth, and expiration date).
b. U.S. driver’s license.
c. Civil birth certificate.
d. Foreign driver’s license.
e. U.S. state identification card.
f. Foreign voter’s registration card.
g. U.S. military identification card.
h. Foreign military identification card.
i. U.S. visa issued by the U.S. Department of State.
j. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) photo
identification.
k. Medical records.*
l. School records.*
*These documents are only valid for dependents under age 14
(under age 18 if a student) and can be used to establish foreign
status only if they are foreign documents.
Phew. Also I didn't get my passport notarised at a US Embassy I used my accountant (a laywer would probably also do). The form says:
Notarized by a U.S. notary public legally authorized within his or
her local jurisdiction to certify that the document is a true copy of
the original. To do this, the notary must see the valid, unaltered
original document and verify that the copy conforms to the original.
U.S. notaries public are available at U.S. embassies and consulates
worldwide. Foreign notaries are acceptable as outlined by the Hague
Convention.
her local jurisdiction to certify that the document is a true copy of
the original. To do this, the notary must see the valid, unaltered
original document and verify that the copy conforms to the original.
U.S. notaries public are available at U.S. embassies and consulates
worldwide. Foreign notaries are acceptable as outlined by the Hague
Convention.
Note the last sentence.
OK that's my legal council done for the day...