Bring a government-issued ID and proof of address
Most banks require two things before they will open a checking account: a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address. The ID confirms who you are. The address proof confirms where you live. You do not need both to be on the same document.
A valid driver's license, passport, or state ID card counts as government-issued photo ID. If you have a passport, bring it — banks accept it everywhere. If you do not have a photo ID yet, you will need to get one before opening an account. Some banks will not proceed without it, and those that do will charge higher fees or restrict what you can do with the account.
For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address on it. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days, though this varies by bank. If you just moved and do not have a recent bill yet, a lease or rental agreement works even if it is older.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and a recent document showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- Address proof usually must be dated within the last 60 days, though some banks accept older lease agreements if you recently moved.
- If you do not have a photo ID, you will need to obtain one before most banks will open an account for you.
- Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) so the bank can verify your identity and meet federal reporting rules.
- Some banks ask for additional documents if you have a history of fraud or unpaid accounts, or if you are opening an account for a minor or business.
Your Social Security number or ITIN
Banks are required by federal law to collect your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) when you open an account. This is not optional. The bank uses this number to verify your identity, report interest you earn, and check whether you have unpaid debts or fraud flags in the banking system.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN instead. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security number but need to file taxes or conduct financial business in the United States. Bring the document that shows your number — your Social Security card, tax return, or IRS letter.
If you have lost your Social Security card, you do not need to replace it before opening an account. You can tell the bank your number from memory, and the bank will verify it through federal databases. However, if you cannot remember your number, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration to look it up before you go to the bank.
What to bring if you have had banking problems
If you have unpaid overdrafts, closed accounts with a negative balance, or a history of fraud, the bank may ask for additional documents. Some banks use a system called ChexSystems that tracks banking problems across institutions. If you appear in that system, the bank may deny your account or ask you to explain what happened.
If the bank asks for an explanation, bring documentation that shows you have resolved the problem — a letter from your previous bank saying the overdraft was paid, a court document showing a fraud case was dismissed, or a settlement agreement. Be honest about what happened. Some banks specialize in accounts for people with banking history problems and will open an account without extra scrutiny.
Documents for a joint account
If you are opening a joint account with another person, both account holders must come to the bank or provide their own documents. Each person needs to bring their own government-issued photo ID, proof of address, and Social Security number or ITIN. The bank will not accept one person's documents on behalf of another.
Some banks allow one person to start the account online and the other to sign documents later, but both people must still provide their own identification and address proof. If the other person cannot come in person, ask the bank whether they can mail or email the documents, or whether they need to sign in front of a notary.
Documents for accounts opened online
If you are opening an account through a bank's website or mobile app, you will still need the same documents, but you will provide them differently. Most online banks ask you to photograph or scan your government-issued ID and upload it through their app. You will type in your address and Social Security number directly into the form.
For address proof, some online banks skip the document requirement if you provide your address and the bank can verify it through a third-party database. Others ask you to upload a utility bill or lease. Check the bank's website before you start — it will tell you exactly what it needs and in what format.
If the bank cannot verify your identity through its online system, it may ask you to come into a branch in person, mail documents to the bank, or have a video call with a bank employee. This usually happens if your name does not match records exactly, or if you are opening an account for the first time with that bank.
Special documents for minors and businesses
If you are opening an account for a minor, the parent or legal guardian must bring their own ID and proof of address, plus the minor's birth certificate or Social Security card. Some banks require both the parent and the minor to be present. Others allow the parent to open the account alone and add the minor's name later.
If you are opening a business checking account, you will need your Social Security number or ITIN, a government-issued ID, and proof of address — the same as a personal account. You will also need to bring your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or your Social Security number as the business tax ID, depending on your business structure. Bring a copy of your business license, articles of incorporation, or partnership agreement if the bank asks for it.
What you do not need to bring
You do not need to bring a credit card, debit card, or existing bank account information. You do not need to bring pay stubs or tax returns unless the bank specifically asks for them. You do not need to bring cash to make a deposit on the spot, though many people do — you can fund the account later through a transfer or deposit.
You do not need to have a job or income to open a checking account. You do not need a minimum credit score. You do not need to have used a bank before. If a bank tells you that you need any of these things, that bank is either mistaken or using them as an excuse to deny you an account for another reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my address proof is older than 60 days?
Call the bank before you go in and ask whether they will accept an older document. Many banks will take a lease agreement even if it is a year old, because it shows your legal residence. If you have a recent piece of mail from the government, that usually works regardless of the date.
Can I open an account if I do not have a photo ID?
Most banks will not open an account without a photo ID. You will need to get a state ID card or driver's license first. Some credit unions or online banks may have different rules — call ahead to ask. If you cannot get a photo ID, a bank employee can tell you what your options are.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card itself, or just the number?
You do not need to bring the card. You can tell the bank your number, and they will verify it through federal databases. If you have the card, bringing it can speed things up, but it is not required.
What if I am opening an account but I do not live in the United States?
You will need a valid passport and proof of your address in the country where you live. Some U.S. banks will not open accounts for people living outside the country. Others will, but may ask for additional documents or charge higher fees. Call the bank first to ask whether they serve people in your location.
Can someone else bring my documents if I cannot go to the bank?
No. You must provide your own identification and sign the account agreement yourself. If you cannot go in person, ask whether the bank offers online account opening or whether you can mail documents and sign electronically. Some banks will not open an account any other way.