This guide shows you exactly what documents to gather for your ITIN mortgage application. Start collecting these papers at least 30 days before applying to avoid delays and missing documents.
ITIN Mortgage Documentation Requirements
ITIN mortgage loans require a valid ITIN, proof of identity (passport or consular ID), two years of tax returns, bank statements, employment verification, and alternative credit documentation when traditional credit history is limited.
For a no obligation conversation about your mortgage, contact Marc Hernandez (#639504) of Aequalend, LLC at 713-570-6765.
Identity Verification Documents
Your ITIN and passport or consular ID are your ticket to homeownership without a Social Security Number. Make sure your ITIN hasn't expired and your passport is current before starting the application process.
Primary Identity Documents
ITIN lenders accept these primary forms of identification to verify your identity:
| Document Type | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Valid ITIN Card or IRS Letter | IRS tax identification number | Must be current and not expired |
| Unexpired Foreign Passport | Photo identification from your country | Translation may be required |
| Consular Identification Card | Matricula Consular or other consular IDs | Must be current and valid |
| Foreign Driver's License | Supplementary identification | Must be combined with passport or consular ID |
Proof of U.S. Residency
You don't need to prove legal status, but you do need to show you live in the U.S. These documents prove your current address:
| Residency Proof | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Current lease agreement or rental receipts | Shows current address | Must be in your name |
| Utility bills in your name | Electric, gas, water, cable, internet | Dated within 60 days |
| Bank statements showing U.S. address | Financial institution records | Must match application address |
| Employment records with address | Pay stubs or employment verification | Shows current residence |
Gather at least two different types of residency proof from the last 60 days. Utility bills and bank statements work best.
Income Verification Documents
Your tax returns are the most important documents for ITIN loans. Lenders want to see you've been filing taxes consistently and earning enough to pay your mortgage.
Tax Return Requirements
Your tax returns show lenders you're a responsible taxpayer and have stable income. Make sure your ITIN appears on every page:
| Tax Document | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Two years of complete federal tax returns | Form 1040 with all schedules | Must show ITIN and match identification |
| W-2 forms from employers | Wage and tax statements | Must match tax return income |
| 1099 forms for contract work | Freelance or contract income | Should match Schedule C if applicable |
| Tax transcripts from IRS | Official IRS verification | May be requested by lender |
Double-check that your name and ITIN match exactly on all tax returns and identification documents.
Employment Documentation
Your current job proves you have steady income. Ask your employer for a verification letter on company letterhead:
| Employment Document | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Verification Letter | Letter from employer on company letterhead | Must be on company letterhead |
| Recent Pay Stubs | 30-60 days of pay stubs | Should show consistent income |
| Direct Deposit Records | Bank statements showing payroll deposits | Proves income is being received |
Self-Employment Documentation
If you're self-employed, you'll need extra paperwork to prove your business income is real and stable:
| Business Document | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Business tax returns with Schedule C | Shows business income and expenses | Must be filed with ITIN |
| Profit and loss statements | Business financial records | Should cover 12-24 months |
| Business bank statements | 12 months of business account records | Must show consistent deposits |
| Business license or registration | Proof of legal business operation | Current and valid |
| CPA letter verifying self-employment income | Professional verification of income | May be required by some lenders |
| 1099s received from clients | Income documentation from clients | Should match reported income |
Credit History or Alternative Credit
ITIN lenders are flexible about credit. If you have U.S. credit history, great. If not, they'll accept alternative proof that you pay your bills on time.
Traditional Credit with ITIN
If you have U.S. credit cards or loans in your name, gather these documents:
| Credit Document | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Credit reports from all three bureaus | Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion reports | Must be current within 30 days |
| Credit scores | Minimum 660 for most ITIN programs | Higher scores improve approval chances |
| Account payment histories | Payment records for all accounts | Should show consistent on-time payments |
| Explanation letters for derogatory items | Written explanations for negative items | Helps lenders understand circumstances |
You can build credit with an ITIN just like with an SSN. Start with a secured credit card and pay it off every month.
Alternative Credit Documentation
No U.S. credit history? No problem. Show lenders you pay your bills on time with these documents:
| Alternative Credit | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Rental Payment History | 12 months of rent checks or landlord verification | Must show consistent on-time payments |
| Utility Payment Records | 12 months of utility payments in your name | Should demonstrate payment reliability |
| Cell Phone Bills | Consistent payment history for cellular service | 12 months of on-time payments |
| Insurance Payments | Auto, renters, or life insurance payment records | Should show regular payment history |
| International Credit Reports | Credit history from your home country | Must be professionally translated |
Bank Statements and Asset Verification
Lenders need to see where your money comes from and that you have enough for the down payment and closing costs. Be ready to explain any large deposits.
Bank Statement Requirements
You'll need these bank statements to show your financial picture:
| Bank Statement Requirement | Description | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Most recent 2-12 months of statements | Varies by lender, typically 2-6 months minimum | All pages including blank ones |
| Clear account ownership | Account must match application name exactly | No joint accounts unless co-borrower |
| Explanation for large deposits | Any deposits over $1,000 need explanation | Source documentation required |
| Proof deposits match declared income | Bank deposits should align with reported income | Helps verify income accuracy |
| Both U.S. and foreign accounts | U.S. accounts preferred, foreign accounts acceptable | May require additional documentation |
U.S. bank accounts are better, but foreign accounts work too. Just be ready for extra questions about foreign accounts.
Down Payment Documentation
Show lenders where your down payment money comes from:
| Down Payment Source | Documentation Required | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Seasoned Savings | Funds in your account for 60+ days | Bank statements showing funds held |
| Gift Letters | Donor's letter, bank statements, and proof of transfer | Donor must be family member |
| Asset Sales | Documentation for any assets sold | Sales contracts and transfer records |
| Foreign Fund Transfers | Wire transfer records and source documentation | Must show legitimate source |
Reserve Requirements
Most ITIN lenders want to see you have extra money saved after closing. This proves you can handle unexpected expenses:
| Reserve Type | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 3-6 months of mortgage payments | Cash reserves after closing | Can include checking, savings, or investment accounts |
| Retirement accounts | Counted at 60% of value | 401(k), IRA, or other retirement funds |
| Business accounts | May be considered with restrictions | Must be properly documented |
| Investment accounts | Stocks, bonds, or other investments | May be counted at market value |
Document Preparation Checklist
Don't wait until the last minute. Start gathering these documents now to avoid delays and increase your approval chances:
| Document Category | Items to Prepare |
|---|---|
| Identity Documents | Verify ITIN is valid and not expired |
| Identity Documents | Ensure passport/ID is current |
| Tax Documentation | Gather 2 years of complete tax returns |
| Tax Documentation | Collect all W-2s and 1099s |
| Bank Documentation | Collect 12 months of bank statements |
| Employment Records | Obtain employment verification letter |
| Employment Records | Compile recent pay stubs |
| Credit Documentation | Prepare credit or alternative credit proof |
| Asset Documentation | Gather proof of down payment funds |
| Residency Proof | Collect utility bills and lease agreements |
Next Steps: Speak to an ITIN Specialist
Connect with an experienced ITIN lender who can provide detailed cost breakdowns and help you find the best available terms.
For a no obligation conversation about your mortgage, contact Marc Hernandez (#639504) of Aequalend, LLC at 713-570-6765.
ITIN Mortgage Documentation FAQs
What documents do I need for an ITIN mortgage loan?
Can I use my passport instead of a Social Security card?
How many years of tax returns do ITIN lenders require?
What if I don't have traditional credit history?
Do I need to prove legal residency for an ITIN loan?
What employment documentation is acceptable?
How do I document self-employment income with an ITIN?
What bank statement requirements exist for ITIN loans?
Can I use foreign credit history for an ITIN loan?
What if my ITIN is about to expire?
Do co-borrowers need ITINs too?
What additional documents help strengthen an ITIN application?
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