I’m a foreigner and I already have an ITIN from the IRS for tax purposes. Now I’m planning to start a small business in the U.S., and I’m wondering if I can actually use my ITIN to apply for a local business license in a city like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago. Or do I also need an EIN or an LLC before the city approves my application?
Answer by: abdullah-al-naim
2 weeks ago
Yes, an ITIN can sometimes be used as your personal taxpayer ID when applying for a U.S. business license. Most U.S. cities and counties prefer (and often require) that the license be tied to a formal business entity such as an LLC or corporation, which has its own EIN.
For smoother approval and long-term compliance, the recommended path is:
Form an LLC in your chosen state.
Obtain an EIN from the IRS.
Apply for the local business license using your LLC and EIN.
This approach separates your personal identity from the company, simplifies banking, and gives regulators a professional, verifiable business record.
In short: your ITIN is useful for taxes, but pairing it with an EIN and an LLC is the smarter and more reliable way for non-residents to secure a U.S. business license.
