Yes, but most banks also want a second form of ID
A passport alone is usually not enough to open a checking account. Most banks require two forms of identification, and they want at least one to be a government-issued photo ID. Your passport counts as one. The second form can be a driver's license, state ID card, birth certificate, Social Security card, or utility bill — the exact list depends on the bank.
Some banks are stricter than others. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically ask for two IDs. Smaller regional banks and credit unions may accept a passport plus one other document. Online banks have varying rules — some ask for fewer documents, others ask for more. The only way to know what your specific bank needs is to call them or check their website before you go in.
If you do not have a second form of ID, you have options. You can get a state ID card from your DMV, which takes a few days to a few weeks depending on your state. You can also bring documents that prove your address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement — which many banks accept as a second form of verification even if it is not a photo ID.
Key Takeaways
- Your passport is a valid government-issued photo ID, but most banks require a second form of identification to open a checking account.
- The second ID can be a driver's license, state ID card, birth certificate, Social Security card, or a document showing your address like a utility bill.
- Online banks and credit unions sometimes have different requirements than large national banks, so check with your specific bank before visiting.
- If you lack a second ID, getting a state ID card from your DMV is usually faster than waiting for other documents.
- Bring your passport and at least one other document when you open an account in person, or upload images of both if you are opening online.
What banks actually check when you show your passport
Banks verify your identity through a system called ChexSystems or Early Warning Services. When you hand over your passport, the bank scans it and checks the name, date of birth, and passport number against their database. They are looking for fraud — whether you have opened accounts under false names, written bad checks, or have outstanding debts to other banks.
The bank also runs your name through the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's list of people banned from opening accounts. This is rare, but it happens if you have committed banking fraud or have an unresolved dispute with another bank. Your passport alone does not tell them any of this, which is why they need a second document. The second ID confirms that the person sitting in front of them is actually the person named in the passport.
If you are opening an account online, the bank may ask you to upload photos of both sides of your passport and your second ID. Some banks also use facial recognition software to match your face to the passport photo. This process usually takes a few minutes to a few hours.
Online banks versus in-person banks
Online banks often have looser ID requirements because they cannot see you in person. Some online banks accept a passport plus a utility bill or lease. Others ask for a passport plus a Social Security number, which they verify through a third-party service. A few online banks ask for only a passport and a phone number, then send a verification code to your phone.
In-person banks at a physical branch almost always want to see two documents in your hand. This is partly because the teller can verify that the photo matches your face, and partly because it is the standard practice for banks that have been around for decades. If you walk into a Chase or Bank of America branch with only a passport, they will likely ask you to come back with a second ID.
Credit unions fall somewhere in between. Many credit unions are smaller and have more flexibility. Some will open an account with a passport and a utility bill. Others follow the same two-ID rule as large banks. Call your local credit union before you visit.
What to bring if you only have a passport
If your passport is your only government-issued photo ID, bring one of these documents as your second form of ID:
- Driver's license or state ID card
- Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
- Social Security card
- Utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement (must show your name and current address)
- Recent bank statement from another bank
- Insurance card (health, auto, or homeowner's)
- Tax return or W-2 form
Address documents like utility bills and leases are especially useful because they prove two things at once: that you are who you say you are, and that you actually live where you say you live. Banks care about your address because they use it to send statements and to comply with anti-money-laundering laws.
If you do not have any of these documents, ask the bank what they will accept. Some banks have a list of alternative documents. If the bank still says no, you can get a state ID card from your DMV. Bring your passport and proof of address to the DMV, and they will issue you a state ID card. The cost is usually between $10 and $30, and it takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on whether you pay for expedited processing.
Opening an account online with your passport
Most online banks let you start the process on their website or app. You will enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address. Then the bank will ask you to upload photos of your passport and your second ID. Take clear photos of both sides of each document — the bank's system needs to read the text.
After you upload the photos, the bank runs them through verification software. This usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. Some banks send you a text or email to confirm that the documents were accepted. Others ask you to answer security questions or verify your identity through a third-party service like Experian or Equifax.
Once your identity is confirmed, the bank will open your account and assign you an account number. You can start using your account right away, though you may not be able to deposit checks or transfer money until your debit card arrives, which takes 7 to 10 business days.
If the bank rejects your passport
Banks rarely reject a valid passport, but it can happen if the passport is expired, damaged, or if the name on the passport does not match the name you gave the bank. If the bank says your passport is not acceptable, ask why. The answer will tell you what to do next.
If your passport is expired, you can still use it as an ID for opening a bank account — an expired passport is still a government-issued photo ID. However, some banks have their own rules and may not accept it. If that happens, bring a state ID card or driver's license instead.
If the name on your passport does not match the name you gave the bank, you will need to explain the difference. This happens when someone has changed their name, gotten married, or made a legal name change. Bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. The bank will keep a copy on file.
If your passport is damaged or the photo is unclear, the bank may ask for a second form of ID instead. This is rare, but it can happen if the bank's verification software cannot read the text or match your face to the photo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a checking account with just my passport and no other ID?
Most banks will not let you. They require a second form of identification — either another photo ID or a document showing your address. Some online banks are more flexible and may accept a passport plus a utility bill or phone number verification. Call your bank to ask what they need before you visit or apply online.
Does my passport have to be current, or can it be expired?
An expired passport is still a valid government-issued photo ID and most banks will accept it. However, some banks have their own policies and may not. If your bank rejects an expired passport, bring a state ID card or driver's license instead. You can renew your passport at any time if you need a current one for other reasons.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can still open a checking account, but the process is more complicated. Bring your passport, a second form of ID, and proof of your address. Tell the bank you do not have a Social Security number. The bank will issue you an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or ask you to provide one if you already have it. This takes longer and may require additional documents.
How long does it take to open an account with a passport?
In person, it usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Online, it takes a few minutes to upload your documents, then a few hours to a few days for the bank to verify them. Once your identity is confirmed, your account opens immediately, though your debit card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive.
Can I use my passport to open an account if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. A foreign passport is a valid government-issued photo ID. You will also need a second form of ID and proof of your address. Some banks ask for an ITIN or visa number to verify your immigration status. Call your bank to ask what documents they need for non-citizens.