“I don’t have a Social Security number — can I even buy a house?” It’s one of the most common questions this directory hears, and the honest answer surprises most people: yes, you can. ITIN mortgages exist specifically for people who file taxes and work in the U.S. using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number instead of an SSN — and lenders across DC, Maryland, and Virginia write them regularly. The problem usually isn’t eligibility. It’s that most buyers have never talked to a broker who actually offers this loan type.

The BasicsWhat is an ITIN mortgage, actually?

An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is issued by the IRS to people who need to file U.S. taxes but aren’t eligible for a Social Security number. An ITIN home loan is a mortgage product built around that reality — it verifies your ability to repay through tax returns, bank statements, and alternative documentation instead of an SSN-linked credit file.

These are not government-backed loans like FHA or VA — they’re non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) products offered by specific lenders and brokers who work in this space. That’s exactly why finding the right broker matters more here than with a conventional loan.

What Lenders Look ForThe documents that actually matter

Every lender’s exact checklist varies slightly, but ITIN loan underwriting in the DMV generally revolves around the same core pieces:

• A valid, unexpired ITIN issued by the IRS
• Two years of filed tax returns showing consistent income
• Proof of employment or self-employment income — pay stubs, employer letters, or business records
• An alternative credit history where a traditional FICO score doesn’t exist — rent payment history, utility bills, and other recurring payments can often be used to build a non-traditional credit profile
• A larger down payment than a conventional loan typically requires — often in the 15–20%+ range, though this varies by lender and loan-to-value
• Valid identification, such as a passport or foreign ID, alongside the ITIN itself

Where People Get StuckThe two most common roadblocks

Roadblock one: inconsistent tax filings. If your reported income has swung wildly year to year, or you haven’t filed for one of the last two years, that gap is the first thing an underwriter will flag. Getting tax filings current and consistent before you apply saves weeks of back-and-forth later.

Roadblock two: not enough documented payment history. Without a credit score, lenders lean hard on alternative documentation — 12+ months of on-time rent payments, utility bills in your name, or an existing bank account with consistent activity. If your rent has been paid in cash with no paper trail, start building one now, even a few months before you plan to apply.

DMV SpecificsWhat’s different about DC, Maryland & Virginia

ITIN loan programs themselves aren’t state-specific — they’re offered by individual lenders and brokers, and availability varies by who’s actually writing them in your area. What is regional is the price point: with median home prices well above the national average across DC, Northern Virginia, and much of Montgomery and Prince George’s County, the down payment math on an ITIN loan matters more here than in lower-cost markets. A broker who works ITIN files specifically in the DMV will know which lenders are actually active in this space right now, since not every lender offers this product, and terms shift.