You need a government-issued ID to open a Chase account in person or online
Chase requires a valid government-issued photo ID to open any deposit account. This is a federal requirement under the Bank Secrecy Act, not a Chase policy alone — all banks must verify your identity before opening an account. If you walk into a branch without an ID, they will not open an account for you that day.
The IDs Chase accepts include a driver's license, passport, passport card, state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID. If you have none of these, you have limited options: you can either obtain an ID first, or explore accounts that do not require a traditional bank relationship.
Key Takeaways
- Chase requires government-issued photo ID for all new accounts — this is federal law, not a bank choice.
- Acceptable IDs include driver's license, passport, state ID, military ID, or tribal ID.
- If you cannot get an ID quickly, prepaid debit cards and money services accounts do not require the same verification.
- Getting a state ID typically takes two to four weeks depending on your state's processing time.
- If you already have a Chase account, you may be able to add a secondary cardholder without a separate ID verification.
What happens if you try to open an account without ID
The Chase employee will ask for ID at the start of the process. If you do not have one, they will stop and explain what documents you need. They cannot proceed — the system will not let them complete the account opening without verifying your identity against a government database.
Online account opening also requires ID verification. Chase uses a third-party verification service that checks your information against public records. If the system cannot verify you, the application will be denied or flagged for manual review, which can take several days and may still result in rejection.
Getting a state ID if you do not have a driver's license
A state ID card is the fastest path if you cannot or do not want to get a driver's license. You apply at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency — the name varies by state). You will need proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or consular ID), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number.
Processing time ranges from same-day to four weeks depending on your state. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Once you have the ID in hand, you can open a Chase account immediately — in person at a branch or online.
Alternatives if you cannot get an ID soon
If you need to move money or receive deposits before you have an ID, prepaid debit cards are available without government ID verification. Retailers like Walmart, Target, and CVS sell prepaid cards at checkout, and you can load money onto them immediately. These cards work for purchases and ATM withdrawals but do not build banking history and typically charge monthly or per-transaction fees.
Money transfer services like Western Union and MoneyGram also do not require ID for receiving transfers under certain amounts, though sending money does require ID. If someone needs to send you money, they can use these services and you can pick it up with just a confirmation number.
Some credit unions and community banks have lower verification requirements than Chase, though most still require some form of ID. It is worth calling local credit unions in your area to ask whether they have alternative verification paths.
Adding someone to your existing Chase account without a new ID
If you already have a Chase account and want to add a family member or authorized user, the process is simpler. Chase can add an authorized user to your existing account without requiring that person to open their own account or provide ID. The authorized user gets a debit card linked to your account and can make purchases and withdrawals, but you remain the account holder.
This is different from opening a joint account, which does require ID verification for both parties. If you want the other person to have full account ownership and access, they will need to provide ID.
What ID documents Chase will not accept
Chase does not accept school IDs, work IDs, library cards, or expired government IDs. They also do not accept digital or mobile versions of ID — the ID must be a physical card they can inspect. If your ID is expired, you can still use it if it expired within the last five years, though some branches may ask for additional verification.
If your ID is from outside the United States, Chase will accept a valid passport or passport card. Consular IDs from your home country are generally not accepted unless you also have a U.S. passport or state ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase account with just a passport?
Yes. A valid U.S. passport or passport card is an acceptable form of government-issued photo ID for opening a Chase account. You can use it in person at a branch or during online account opening.
What if my ID is expired?
Chase generally accepts expired IDs if they expired within the last five years. If your ID is older than that, you will need to renew it first. Some branches may ask for a second form of ID even if your primary ID is only slightly expired.
Can someone else open a Chase account on my behalf without my ID?
No. Chase requires the person opening the account to be present and to provide their own ID. A parent or guardian cannot open an account for an adult without that adult's ID, though they can open accounts for minors with parental documentation.
How long does it take to get a state ID?
Processing time varies by state. Most states process standard applications in two to four weeks. Some offer expedited processing (same-day to one week) for an additional fee. Check your state's DMV website for exact timelines.
Do I need ID to open a Chase savings account, or just a checking account?
You need ID for both. Chase requires government-issued photo ID for any deposit account — checking, savings, money market, or CD. The verification requirement is the same regardless of account type.