Like an SSN, an ITIN number is nine-digits in the format xxx-xx-xxx. But the first digit will always be a 9, and the second section of the number will be in the range of 70-88 (e.g., 9xx-88-xxxx). Since the program began in 1996 the IRS has issued 21 million ITINs. To obtain an ITIN an alien with foreign status should complete Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. By law, an alien individual cannot have both an ITIN and a SSN.