Yes, but the bank will ask for something else instead
You can open a bank account without a driver's license or passport, but you cannot open one without any form of identification. Federal law requires banks to verify who you are before they let you deposit money. What changes is what counts as proof.
Most banks will accept a state ID card, tribal ID, military ID, or passport. If you do not have any of those, some banks will take a combination of documents instead: a birth certificate plus a utility bill, or a Social Security card plus a lease. A few banks and credit unions have programs specifically for people without traditional ID, though these are less common and may come with limits on how much you can deposit or transfer each month.
The bank's job is to follow federal anti-money-laundering rules, not to turn you away. If one bank says no, another one usually will say yes — but you need to know which documents to bring and which banks are most likely to work with you.
Key Takeaways
- Banks must verify your identity under federal law, so you need some form of ID, but it does not have to be a driver's license or passport.
- A state ID card, tribal ID, or military ID works at most banks; if you have none of those, bring a birth certificate and a utility bill or lease with your current address.
- Credit unions and community banks are often more flexible than large national banks when you have limited documentation.
- Some banks offer second-chance or basic accounts with lower deposit limits if you cannot provide traditional ID; ask about these programs by name.
- You will need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account, even if you have no ID.
What counts as ID at a bank
Banks use a tiered system. At the top are government-issued photo IDs: a state driver's license, state ID card, passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID. If you have one of these, almost every bank will open an account for you on the spot.
If you do not have a photo ID, banks will accept a combination of non-photo documents. The most common pairing is a birth certificate (to prove who you are) plus a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement (to prove where you live). Some banks will also take a Social Security card, school ID, library card, or insurance card as part of the combination, though these vary by bank.
The key rule: the bank needs to verify both your identity and your address. One document alone is almost never enough. Call the bank before you go in and ask what specific documents they will take. Do not assume that because one bank rejected a combination, another will too.
Banks and credit unions with programs for people without ID
Some institutions have created accounts for people who cannot produce traditional ID. These go by different names — "second-chance accounts," "basic accounts," or "ID-free accounts" — and the rules vary widely.
Credit unions are often more flexible than banks. Many will open an account with a birth certificate, an ITIN, and proof of address. Some credit unions also accept a letter from a social service agency, a homeless shelter, or a government office as proof of identity. Call your local credit union and ask if they have a program for people without a driver's license.
Community banks and smaller regional banks tend to have more discretion than national chains. They may be willing to verify you in person with a combination of documents a larger bank would reject. Ask to speak to a manager or account officer, not just a teller.
Online banks generally require a photo ID and will not open an account without one. They cannot verify you in person, so they rely entirely on document checks.
What you will need to bring
| If you have | Bring this | Also bring |
|---|---|---|
| State driver's license or state ID card | The ID itself | Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) |
| Passport or passport card | The passport | Proof of address |
| Military ID | The military ID | Proof of address |
| Tribal ID | The tribal ID | Proof of address |
| No photo ID | Birth certificate or passport card | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement showing your current address |
| No photo ID and no birth certificate | Social Security card or ITIN letter | Call ahead — you may need to work with a credit union or community bank |
Bring the originals, not copies. Banks will not accept photocopies or photos of documents. If a document is worn or hard to read, bring it anyway — the bank will decide whether it is usable.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have either, you cannot open a bank account. An ITIN is available from the IRS if you are not a U.S. citizen but have income to report; you can apply for one by mail using Form W-7.
What happens if a bank says no
If one bank rejects you, do not assume all banks will. Different banks have different policies, and a bank that turns you down may simply not have a program for your situation.
Try a credit union next. If your employer offers a credit union, start there — employer-sponsored credit unions sometimes have more flexible rules. If not, search for credit unions in your area using the CO-OP Network locator or Alliant Credit Union's locator tool.
If you have been rejected multiple times, ask the bank or credit union directly: "What documents would you need to open an account for me?" Sometimes a manager can approve a combination that a teller said was not possible. Be specific about what you have and what you do not have.
If you are unhoused or do not have a permanent address, some banks will accept a shelter address, a social service agency address, or a mail drop address as proof of residence. Ask the bank whether they will accept an address that is not a home or apartment.
Limits on second-chance and basic accounts
If you open a basic or second-chance account because you lack traditional ID, the account may come with restrictions. Common limits include a cap on daily withdrawals (often $500 to $1,000), a cap on monthly transfers (sometimes $2,000 to $5,000), or a requirement to maintain a minimum balance.
These limits are not permanent. After you have used the account responsibly for several months — usually three to six — you can ask the bank to remove them or upgrade you to a standard account. Some banks do this automatically; others require you to ask.
Ask about these limits before you open the account. If they are too restrictive for your needs, try another bank or credit union.
Getting an ID if you want one
If you want to get a state ID card or driver's license, you will need a birth certificate, proof of address, and proof of Social Security number. The cost varies by state, usually between $15 and $50. You can apply at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent office.
If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to four weeks by mail. Some states offer expedited service for a higher fee.
Getting an ID takes time, but it makes opening a bank account much simpler. If you plan to open an account soon and do not have an ID, it may be worth getting one first — unless you need the account immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account with just a Social Security card?
No. A Social Security card alone is not enough because it does not prove your address. You need a combination: a Social Security card plus a utility bill or lease, or a birth certificate plus proof of address. Call the bank first to ask what combination they will accept.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS if you have income to report. Apply using Form W-7, which you can mail to the IRS. Some banks will open an account with an ITIN instead of a Social Security number, but not all — call ahead to confirm.
Can I use a library card or school ID to open a bank account?
Not on its own. A library card or school ID might be accepted as part of a combination with other documents, depending on the bank. Always call ahead and ask what specific documents the bank will take.
Do online banks require a photo ID?
Yes. Online banks cannot verify you in person, so they require a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license or passport. If you do not have one, you will need to open an account at a physical bank or credit union branch instead.
What if I am unhoused and do not have a permanent address?
Some banks will accept a shelter address, a social service agency address, or a mail drop address as proof of residence. Call ahead and explain your situation. Credit unions are often more flexible with this than national banks.