You need at least one form of government-issued ID to open a checking account at most banks and credit unions

Nearly every bank and credit union will ask for a government-issued ID before they open an account for you. The most common forms are a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some banks will also accept a military ID or tribal ID. The reason is straightforward: federal law requires banks to verify your identity as part of anti-money-laundering rules, and a government ID is the standard way they do that.

If you don't have a government-issued ID, you have options, but they take more work. Some banks will use alternative documents, and some credit unions have different rules. The key is calling ahead to ask what your specific bank will accept before you show up.

Key Takeaways

  • A driver's license, passport, or state ID card is what most banks expect, and you'll need to bring the physical card, not a photo or copy.
  • If you don't have a government ID, call your bank first to ask what documents they will accept instead—policies vary widely.
  • Some banks will use a combination of documents like a utility bill, lease, or Social Security card if you have no government ID.
  • Credit unions sometimes have more flexible rules than large banks, especially if you're a member of a may have access to group.
  • If you're opening an account online, you may need to verify your ID through a video call or by uploading photos of your documents.

What counts as government-issued ID

A government-issued ID is a photo ID issued by a federal, state, or local government agency. A driver's license from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles is the most common. A U.S. passport works everywhere. A state ID card (issued by the DMV if you don't drive) is accepted by most banks. Military ID, tribal ID, and some state-issued professional licenses also count.

The bank needs to see the physical card. They will check the photo, the expiration date, and the name on the ID to make sure it matches what you're telling them. An expired ID may still work—many banks will accept it as long as the photo is still recognizable—but call ahead to confirm. A photocopy, screenshot, or photo on your phone usually will not be enough for an in-person account opening, though online banks sometimes have different rules.

Opening an account without a government ID

If you don't have a government-issued ID, your options depend on the bank. Some large national banks will not open an account for you without one. Others will use a combination of documents to verify who you are. Credit unions are often more flexible, especially if you meet their membership requirements.

Documents that some banks will accept instead of or alongside a government ID include a utility bill in your name, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement from another bank, a Social Security card, a birth certificate, or a letter from a government agency. The bank will typically ask for two or three of these to build a picture of who you are. Call the bank's customer service line and describe what documents you have. They can tell you whether it's enough before you make a trip to a branch.

If you're a member of a credit union—or can join one through your employer, school, or community—ask whether they have a different process. Some credit unions will open an account with just a Social Security number and a utility bill, or they may waive the ID requirement for members of their group.

Online account opening and ID verification

Online banks and some traditional banks that let you open accounts on their website have their own ID verification process. You typically cannot just upload a photo of your ID and be done. Instead, you may need to take a video call with a bank representative who watches you hold up your ID, or you may need to use a third-party verification service that takes photos of your ID and your face and compares them.

Some online banks use software that reads your ID automatically—you photograph the front and back of your card, and the system extracts your name, address, and ID number. Others ask you to answer security questions based on your credit history or public records. If you don't have a government ID, many online banks will not open an account for you at all, because they have no way to verify you in person. Call or check the bank's website before you start the process.

What happens if your ID is expired or from another country

An expired U.S. government ID usually works. Banks care that the photo is still recognizable and that the ID was issued by a government agency, not that it's currently valid. However, some banks have strict policies and will not accept an expired ID. Call ahead and ask.

A passport or ID from another country is trickier. U.S. banks are required to verify that you are who you say you are, and they have less experience with foreign documents. Some large banks will accept a foreign passport if you also have a U.S. visa or green card. Others will not. A few banks specialize in accounts for immigrants and non-citizens and may have more flexible rules. If you have a foreign ID, call multiple banks in your area and ask what they need. You may also want to contact a credit union that serves immigrants or a community bank, as they sometimes have different policies than national chains.

Getting a government ID if you don't have one

If you need a government-issued ID to open a bank account and don't have one, you can get a state ID card from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. You do not need a driver's license. A state ID card costs money—usually between $10 and $30 depending on your state—and requires proof of your identity (like a birth certificate) and proof of your address (like a utility bill or lease). The process takes a few days to a few weeks depending on your state.

If you have a passport, that's the fastest route. A U.S. passport costs more (around $130 for a book) but works at any bank and is useful for travel. If you're in a hurry and don't have time to get an ID before you need a bank account, ask the bank whether they will open an account with alternative documents while you're waiting for your ID to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a school ID or work ID instead of a government ID?

No. School IDs and work IDs are not government-issued, so banks will not accept them as your primary ID. However, some banks will use a school or work ID as one of several documents to verify your identity if you also bring other papers like a utility bill or Social Security card. Call your bank first to ask what combination they will accept.

What if I'm opening an account for someone else, like a child or elderly parent?

If you're opening a joint account or an account for someone else, that person usually needs to be present with their own ID, or the bank needs to verify them separately. Some banks allow a parent or guardian to open an account for a minor with just the parent's ID, but rules vary. Ask the bank what they need before you come in.

Do I need an ID if I'm opening an account online?

Yes. Online banks still need to verify your identity under federal law. Most will ask you to upload photos of your ID or complete a video verification. If you don't have a government ID, many online banks cannot open an account for you because they have no way to verify you in person. Check the bank's website or call to ask what they need.

What if my name on my ID doesn't match the name I want to use for the account?

The name on your account must match the name on your ID. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you need to update your ID first. If your ID has a nickname or shortened version of your name, the bank may or may not accept it—call and ask. Do not try to open an account under a different name than what appears on your ID.

Can I open a bank account if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, but you need an ID that the bank will accept. A foreign passport works at some banks, especially if you also have a U.S. visa or green card. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can sometimes substitute for a Social Security number. Some banks specialize in accounts for non-citizens. Call ahead to ask what documents the bank needs, or contact a community bank or credit union that serves immigrants.