The documents banks ask for when you open an account

Most banks want two things: proof of who you are, and proof of where you live. A driver's license or passport covers identity. For address, they accept a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail. Some banks will open an account with just an ID if you bring it in person, but many now require the address document too, especially if you're opening online.

The exact list varies by bank and by whether you're opening in a branch or online. A few banks have stripped their requirements down to almost nothing—some credit unions will open an account with just a phone number and a video call. Others, especially larger national banks, ask for more. Call the bank's customer service line or check their website before you go in; they'll tell you exactly what they need.

If you don't have standard ID or a lease in your name, there are workarounds. Some banks accept a state ID card, passport card, or tribal ID. For address, some take a bank statement from another account, a tax return, or a letter from a government agency. A few will even accept a letter from a shelter or social service provider if you're unhoused. The bank's website usually lists alternatives under "What if I don't have" or "Alternative documents"—look there first.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement).
  • Online accounts often require both documents before you can finish, while in-person accounts at some banks may open with just an ID.
  • If you don't have a standard lease or utility bill, banks accept tax returns, bank statements, government mail, and sometimes letters from shelters or social services.
  • Call the bank before you visit or apply online to confirm which documents they accept, because requirements differ between institutions.
  • If you have no ID at all, some credit unions and community banks will work with you using alternative verification like a video call or a reference from someone with an account.

Photo ID options that banks accept

A driver's license is the most common choice because it has your photo, signature, and address all in one. A U.S. passport or passport card works just as well. A state ID card (the non-driver version) is accepted at nearly every bank. Some banks also take a tribal ID, military ID, or foreign passport, though you may need to call ahead to confirm.

If you don't have any of these, the path gets narrower but not closed. Some credit unions and community banks will open an account using a combination of documents—for example, a Social Security card plus a birth certificate plus a utility bill. A few will do a video call with you and verify your identity that way. This is less common at large national banks, so start with smaller local institutions if you're in this situation.

Address proof documents that work

A utility bill in your name—electric, gas, water, or internet—is the fastest proof of address. It needs to be recent, usually from the last 60 days. A lease or rental agreement with your signature and the landlord's signature works if it shows your current address. A mortgage statement or property tax bill also works. Government mail addressed to you at that address counts: tax documents, voter registration cards, jury summons, or benefit statements.

If none of those are available, banks often accept a bank statement from another account you hold, a credit card statement, or a phone bill. Some take a tax return if it shows your address. A few accept a letter from a government agency, employer, or social service provider on official letterhead stating your address. The key is that the document needs to be recent (usually within 60 to 90 days) and show your name and current address clearly.

What to bring if you're opening an account in person

Bring your photo ID and your address proof document. That's the baseline. Bring your Social Security number written down or memorized—you'll need it on the application form. If you have a second form of ID or a second address document, bring it anyway; it speeds things up if the first one has any issue.

Bring a small amount of money to make your first deposit if the bank requires a minimum. Many banks have dropped minimum opening deposits, but some still require $25 to $100. Call ahead to know what that bank needs. If you're opening a joint account with someone else, both people need to be present with their own ID and address proof.

What to do if you're opening an account online

You'll upload photos of your ID and address proof through the bank's website or app. Take clear photos in good light—the bank's system needs to read the text and see your face on the ID. Make sure the entire document is in the frame and not blurry. Most banks let you retake photos if the first ones don't work.

You'll also type in your Social Security number, date of birth, and address. The bank verifies this information against credit bureaus and public records. This usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. Some banks will tell you immediately whether you're approved; others send an email within a day. If something doesn't match, the bank will contact you and ask for more information or a phone call to confirm your identity.

Special situations: no ID, no address, or recent name change

If you have no government ID at all, start with a credit union or community bank rather than a large national chain. Explain your situation when you call. Some will open an account using a combination of documents: a birth certificate, Social Security card, and a utility bill or letter from a social service provider. Others will do a video call where they verify your identity by asking security questions and looking at you on camera.

If you're unhoused or don't have a lease in your name, some banks accept a letter from a shelter, transitional housing program, or social service agency on official letterhead. The letter needs to state your name and the address where you're staying. A few banks will also accept a PO box or a care-of address at a trusted friend's or family member's house, though this is less common.

If you recently changed your name—through marriage, divorce, or legal change—bring both your old and new ID if you have them. If you only have the new ID, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. The bank needs to see the connection between your old name (which is in their records and credit bureaus) and your new name.

What happens after you submit your documents

The bank verifies your information against credit bureaus, public records, and sometimes the Social Security Administration. This is called identity verification and usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. The bank is checking that you are who you say you are and that you don't have a history of fraud or unpaid debts that would make you a risk.

If everything matches, you'll get approval and your account opens. You can start using it immediately if you opened online; if you opened in person, the teller will give you a debit card and checks or tell you when they'll arrive. If something doesn't match—your name is spelled differently, your address doesn't match records, or your Social Security number doesn't line up—the bank will call or email you to ask questions or request more documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account without a Social Security number?

Most banks require a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. If you have an ITIN but no SSN, bring that instead. Some credit unions may work with you if you have a passport and address proof but no SSN—call ahead to ask.

What if my address proof document is older than 60 days?

Most banks won't accept it. Call the bank and ask if they'll make an exception, or bring a second document that's more recent—a recent bank statement, credit card statement, or utility bill. If you can't get a recent document, explain your situation to the bank; some will work with you if you can show two older documents together.

Do I need to bring original documents or are copies okay?

For in-person accounts, bring the originals so the teller can see them and verify they're real. For online accounts, you upload photos, so originals aren't necessary. The bank's system will check the photo against databases to confirm it's a real document.

Can someone else open an account for me if I can't go to the bank?

No. Banks require the account holder to be present in person or to complete the online process themselves. This is a legal requirement to prevent fraud. If you can't visit a branch, open the account online instead.

What if the bank says my documents don't match their records?

Ask the bank what specifically doesn't match—your name spelling, address, or something else. Bring additional documents that show the correct information, or call the credit bureau to correct an error in their records. If the issue is recent, the bank may ask you to call back in a few days after records update.