Can I use my UK driving licence to apply?

No. The IRS requires a passport for identification. UK driving licences are not accepted for EIN applications.

Do I need to register my US LLC with Companies House?

Not necessarily. A US LLC is a foreign entity and doesn't automatically need UK registration. However, if the LLC is trading in the UK or has a UK establishment, you may need to register as an overseas company. Consult a UK accountant for your specific situation.

How does this affect my UK self-assessment?

You'll report your US LLC income as foreign self-employment income on your self-assessment return. If you're currently employed, you may need to register as self-employed with HMRC. The LLC income is taxable in the UK, with potential foreign tax credits for any US taxes paid.

EIN for UK Residents: Complete Guide

Why UK Residents Form US LLCs

British entrepreneurs form US LLCs for these practical reasons:

Access Amazon.com and US e-commerce without tax withholding
Accept USD at better exchange rates than UK payment processors offer
Raise funding from US investors (many require Delaware C-Corp or LLC)
Separate US operations from UK limited company
Work with US clients who prefer paying US entities

What You Need to Apply

As a UK resident, you need:

Valid UK passport (driving licence not accepted by IRS)
A formed US LLC (Delaware, Wyoming, and New Mexico are common choices)
US registered agent address
Your UK residential address
Email for communications

Banking: Options That Work for UK Residents

UK residents have several good options:

Mercury: Most popular choice, 100% online, no US visit needed
Relay: Alternative to Mercury with similar features
Wise Business: Provides US account details, easiest to set up, familiar to UK users
Revolut Business: Can provide US account details if you have UK Revolut
Traditional US banks: Generally require in-person visit or US address

Tax Implications: US-UK Treaty

The US-UK tax treaty is comprehensive. Here's what matters:

Single-member LLC is tax-transparent — you're taxed as self-employed in UK
File US Form 5472 annually (foreign-owned LLC disclosure) by April 15
Report LLC income to HMRC as self-employment or trading income
You may claim foreign tax credits if you pay US taxes
VAT: US LLC sales to UK customers may still trigger UK VAT obligations
HMRC may require you to notify them of your foreign business interest

Brexit Considerations

Brexit has not affected US LLC formation or EIN applications:

EIN process is administered by US IRS — EU membership was never relevant
US-UK tax treaty remains in effect (bilateral, not EU-related)
Banking options unchanged — Mercury, Wise, etc. work the same
Payment processing unaffected — Stripe US works for UK residents

Common UK Use Cases

Most UK residents getting EINs fall into these categories:

Amazon FBA sellers targeting the US market
SaaS founders seeking US investors or customers
Consultants and freelancers with US clients
E-commerce businesses wanting Shopify Payments US
Content creators monetizing US audiences