How to Get an EIN for Your Delaware LLC

Your Delaware LLC is formed. Now you need an EIN before you can do almost anything else — open a bank account, work with Stripe, hire anyone, or file taxes.

The good news: it’s free. For US residents, it takes about 10 minutes online. For non-US residents, it takes a few more steps — but it’s still straightforward once you know how.

This post covers both paths. For the full formation process, see our complete Delaware LLC guide →

What Is an EIN and Why Does Your Delaware LLC Need One?

An EIN — Employer Identification Number — is your company’s federal tax ID. It’s a 9-digit number issued by the IRS that identifies your business for tax purposes, in the same way a Social Security Number identifies an individual.

Despite the name, you don’t need employees to need an EIN. Every Delaware LLC needs one because:

• Banks require it to open a US business checking account
• Payment processors require it — Stripe, PayPal, and most others won’t activate a business account without one
• The IRS requires it to file your federal taxes
• Clients may request it when paying you, for their own tax records

Without an EIN, your LLC exists on paper but can’t function in practice.

Before You Apply: Form Your LLC First

Form your LLC before you apply for the EIN. The IRS will technically issue an EIN either way, but the application asks for your company’s formation details — and if they don’t match what Delaware has on record, it creates problems later, when you open your bank account or file taxes.

So wait for your Certificate of Formation to be approved by the state before you submit anything to the IRS.

The correct order: form the LLC → wait for state approval → apply for EIN.

How to Get an EIN Online (US Residents)

The online application is only available to applicants with a US Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

What You’ll Need

Before you start, have this ready:

• Your Delaware LLC’s legal name (exactly as it appears on your Certificate of Formation)
• Your LLC’s state of formation (Delaware)
• Your personal SSN or ITIN
• Your US mailing address
• The nature of your business (a brief description is fine)

Step-by-Step: The IRS Online Application

Step 1: Go to the IRS EIN online application at irs.gov. Navigate to the EIN section and select “Apply Online Now.” The tool is available Monday through Friday from 6am to 1am (next day), Saturday from 6am to 9pm, and Sunday from 6pm to midnight, Eastern Time.

Step 2: Select your entity type. Choose “Limited Liability Company (LLC).”

Step 3: Enter your LLC details — number of members, state of formation (Delaware), and business activity.

Step 4: Enter the responsible party information. This is the person who owns or controls the LLC — typically you. You’ll enter your name and SSN or ITIN here.

Step 5: Confirm and submit. Review the information for accuracy. Once submitted, the IRS displays your EIN immediately on screen.

Step 6: Save your EIN confirmation before you close the browser. The confirmation notice (CP 575) is available for download at the end of the session — don’t count on a mailed copy arriving. If you ever lose it, you can call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at +1-800-829-4933 and request a 147C verification letter, but that’s an avoidable phone call.

The whole process takes about 10 minutes if you have everything ready.

Important: Session Rules

The IRS online tool has two rules that catch people off guard:

• The session times out after 15 minutes of inactivity. If it expires mid-application, you’ll have to start over — but don’t worry, no EIN is issued from an incomplete session.
• The IRS limits applications to one EIN per responsible party per day. If you need multiple EINs (for multiple LLCs), you’ll need to apply on separate days.

How to Get an EIN Without an SSN (Non-US Residents)

The IRS online application is only open to US-based applicants with an SSN or ITIN, so non-US residents complete Form SS-4 and apply by phone, fax, or mail instead. For the full non-resident walkthrough, including the IRS numbers and how to fill out Form SS-4, see our EIN guide for non-US residents →

What to Do With Your EIN Once You Have It

Once you have your EIN, a few things happen in sequence:

1. Open your US business bank account. This is typically the next step after getting your EIN. You’ll provide your EIN, Certificate of Formation, and Operating Agreement. If you’re a non-US resident, traditional banks may require an in-person visit — most non-resident founders use online banking platforms like Mercury or Relay for remote account opening.
2. Set it up with payment processors. Stripe, PayPal, and similar platforms will ask for your EIN when you activate your business account.
3. Store it securely. Your EIN is sensitive — treat it the way you’d treat your personal SSN. Keep the IRS confirmation letter with your company records.
4. Use it on tax forms. Your EIN goes on all federal tax filings, including your annual return and any 1099s you issue to contractors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying before your LLC is formed. The IRS can issue an EIN for a company that doesn’t exist yet — but that mismatch creates problems later. Always form the LLC first.

Using a formation service that charges for the EIN itself. The IRS doesn’t charge for EINs. What you’re paying for (if anything) is the service’s time to handle the application. Make sure you understand what you’re paying for.

Losing the confirmation. For the online application, the CP 575 letter is available at the end of the session — save it before you close the browser instead of counting on a mailed copy. If it’s lost, the fix is a call to the IRS at +1-800-829-4933 to request a 147C letter — doable, but avoidable.

Providing the wrong responsible party. The IRS defines the “responsible party” as the person who controls the LLC. For most single-member LLCs, that’s the sole owner. Getting this wrong can complicate things when you file taxes.

Thinking you need an EIN to pay the Delaware franchise tax. You don’t — the Delaware franchise tax is paid through the state’s portal using your LLC’s state file number, not your EIN.

Forming from Outside the US?

If you formed your Delaware LLC as a non-US resident, the phone option is usually the best path for getting your EIN. The call takes 20–30 minutes and the EIN is issued on the spot.

A few things to know:

You do not need an ITIN to get an EIN. Non-US residents who have no US tax obligations don’t need an ITIN. The EIN for your LLC is a separate number for your company — you apply as a foreign person via Form SS-4.

If you have US personal tax obligations, you may need an ITIN separately — but that’s a different process from your LLC’s EIN. The two are independent.

Formation services can handle the EIN application on your behalf via fax or phone. This is worth considering if the IRS phone line is difficult to access from your country, or if you want the process handled without your direct involvement. For a breakdown of what services typically charge for this, see our Delaware LLC cost breakdown →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Delaware LLC need an EIN?

Yes. You need an EIN to open a US business bank account, work with payment processors like Stripe, file federal taxes, and in many cases, to work with US clients who need to record payments to your business.

Is an EIN free?

Yes. The IRS never charges for an EIN. If a service charges a fee, you’re paying for their time to handle the application — not for the EIN itself.

Can I apply for an EIN before forming my LLC?

You shouldn’t. The IRS may issue one, but your EIN application needs to match your LLC’s state records — a mismatch causes banking and tax problems later. The correct order is: form LLC → receive state approval → apply for EIN.

Can a non-US resident get an EIN for their Delaware LLC?

Yes. You apply with Form SS-4 by phone, fax, or mail, since the IRS online application is only open to US-based applicants with an SSN or ITIN. Our EIN guide for non-US residents walks through each method.

How long does it take to get an EIN?

Online (US residents): immediate — the EIN appears on screen at the end of the application. Phone (non-residents): issued on the call, typically 20–30 minutes. Fax: approximately 4 business days. Mail: approximately 4 weeks.

Bottom Line

Getting an EIN is one of the most important steps after forming your Delaware LLC — and one of the easiest. For US residents, it’s a 10-minute online application. For non-US residents, the phone option gets it done in a single call.

The key is to have your LLC formed first, your Form SS-4 ready, and your LLC details accurate before you start. A name mismatch or wrong entity type means starting over.

Related guides

• EIN for Non-US Residents: How to Get One for Your Delaware LLC
• Delaware LLC Tax Increase 2026: What You Owe and When
• Delaware LLC Name Change: Process, Fee and What to Update

Questions about getting your EIN? Reach out directly — you’ll get an answer from our Delaware formation specialists.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Consult a qualified attorney or tax professional for advice specific to your situation.