What counts as ID when you have a permit instead of a license

A permit can work to open a checking account, but which permits the bank will take depends on what kind of permit you have and what state issued it. Most banks will accept a driver's permit (the document you get while learning to drive before you pass your test) as long as it has your photo, signature, and date of birth. Some banks also take state ID permits, construction permits, or professional licenses if they include a photo and signature. The catch is that each bank sets its own rules, so you need to call ahead or visit in person to confirm.

Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity before opening an account. That verification has to come from a government-issued document with a photo. A permit counts as government-issued if a state or federal agency produced it. A work permit, business permit, or parking permit does not, because those are issued by employers or municipalities and do not contain the security features banks look for.

Key Takeaways

  • A driver's permit with a photo and signature usually works at most banks, but you should call your bank first to confirm they accept it.
  • State ID permits and professional licenses with photos are often accepted, but acceptance varies by bank and by state.
  • Work permits, business permits, and parking permits do not count as valid ID for opening a checking account because they lack security features.
  • Bring a second form of ID if you have one—a Social Security card, birth certificate, or utility bill—because some banks ask for two documents even if one is a permit.
  • If your permit is expired, most banks will still take it as long as the photo is still recognizable and the document is not damaged.

Which permits banks typically accept

A driver's permit (also called a learner's permit) is the most commonly accepted permit. It has your photo, signature, and date of birth printed on it, which is what banks need. Most major banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and regional banks—will take a valid driver's permit. Some smaller banks or credit unions may have stricter rules, so it is worth asking.

A state ID permit is also usually accepted. This is different from a driver's license and is issued by your state's DMV or equivalent agency. It serves the same purpose as a driver's license for identification but does not authorize you to drive. Banks treat it the same way they treat a license.

Professional permits and licenses—such as a real estate license, nursing license, or contractor's license—may be accepted if they have a photo and signature. Call your bank to ask. Some banks will take them; others will not. If your bank declines, you can bring a second form of ID to strengthen your application.

What to bring along with your permit

Bring your permit and at least one other document that shows your name and address. This second document does not have to have a photo. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement all work. If you do not have an address yet (you are moving, homeless, or living with someone else), bring a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or the person whose address you are using, stating that you live there.

You will also need your Social Security number. Have it memorized or written down. The bank will use it to run a background check and to report the account to the IRS. If you do not have a Social Security number, some banks will open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but this is less common. Call ahead to ask.

If your permit is expired, bring it anyway. Banks will usually accept an expired permit as long as the photo is still clear and the document is not torn or water-damaged. The expiration date matters less than whether the bank can still identify you from the photo.

How to confirm your bank will take your permit

Call your bank's main customer service line and ask: "I have a [driver's permit / state ID permit / professional license], and I want to open a checking account. Will you take this as my ID?" Be specific about what permit you have. Do not assume all branches of the same bank have the same policy—some branches are stricter than others, especially if they are in a high-fraud area.

If you are opening an account online, the bank's website usually lists what forms of ID it accepts. Look for a section called "ID requirements" or "opening an account." If the website does not list permits, call before you start the process. Online account opening can be faster, but if your permit is not in the system, the bank may freeze your application and ask you to visit a branch in person.

If your bank declines your permit, ask what other documents they will take. Some banks will open an account with two non-photo documents (like a birth certificate and utility bill) instead of one photo ID. Others will let you bring a permit plus a passport, even if the passport is expired. The rules vary, so it is worth asking what your specific bank will accept.

Opening an account in person versus online

Opening an account in person at a branch is usually easier if you have a permit instead of a standard license. A teller can look at your permit, compare it to your face, and make a judgment call on the spot. They can also ask follow-up questions if something seems off. If you are nervous about whether your permit will be accepted, going to a branch removes the guesswork.

Opening online is faster, but the system may reject your permit automatically. Online verification relies on software that scans your document and checks it against a database. Some permits—especially driver's permits from certain states—do not scan cleanly or do not match the database format. If the system rejects you, you will have to call the bank or visit a branch anyway, so you lose the speed advantage.

If you choose to open online and your permit is rejected, do not apply again immediately. Wait a day or two, then call the bank to ask what went wrong. Sometimes the rejection is temporary (the system was down, the scan was blurry) and a second attempt will work. Other times the bank will tell you to come in person.

What happens if your permit expires before you finish opening the account

If your permit expires while your account is being processed, tell the bank right away. Most banks will still open your account as long as the permit was valid when you submitted it. The bank's system records the date you applied, not the date your permit expires. Once the account is open, you do not need to update your ID unless the bank asks you to.

If your permit expires and the bank has not finished processing your application, the bank may ask you to renew your permit and resubmit it. This is rare, but it can happen if the application is stuck in a queue for more than a few weeks. To avoid this, renew your permit before you apply for the account if you know it is about to expire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account with just a driver's permit and no other ID?

Most banks will open an account with just a driver's permit if it has your photo, signature, and date of birth. However, some banks ask for a second document showing your address, such as a utility bill or lease. Call your bank first to find out what it requires.

What if my permit is from another state?

Banks accept permits from any U.S. state. The state that issued it does not matter. As long as it has a photo and signature and is government-issued, most banks will take it. Some banks may take longer to verify an out-of-state permit, but they will still accept it.

Can I use a work permit to open a checking account?

No. A work permit is issued by an employer or government agency for employment purposes, not for identification. It does not have the security features banks need to verify your identity. You will need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's permit or state ID instead.

What if I lost my permit and only have a copy?

A photocopy of your permit will not work. Banks need the original document so they can check for security features and verify it is real. If you lost your permit, get a replacement from your state's DMV before you open the account. A replacement usually takes one to two weeks.

Do I need a permit if I already have a passport?

No. A passport is a government-issued photo ID and is actually stronger than a permit for opening a checking account. If you have a valid passport, use that instead. You will not need a permit.