You do not need a passport to open a bank account in the United States
A passport is not required. Banks need to verify your identity and confirm you are not on a government watchlist — a process called Know Your Customer (KYC) — but they accept many forms of ID to do this. A driver's license, state ID card, or tribal ID will work. If you do not have any of those, you can use a passport, but it is not the only option and not the default.
What matters is that your ID must be current (not expired) and issued by a government body. The bank will also ask for a second piece of information to confirm your address — usually a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement. Some banks will accept a second ID instead.
If you have no government-issued ID at all, some banks and credit unions will still open an account for you, though the process takes longer and may require additional steps like a video call with a banker or a letter from a social service agency confirming your identity.
Key Takeaways
- A driver's license or state ID card is the most common form of ID banks accept, and either one is easier to obtain than a passport.
- Banks also need proof of your address, usually a utility bill or lease, which you provide at the same time as your ID.
- If you have no government ID, some banks and credit unions will open an account for you, but you will need to provide additional documentation or verification.
- A passport works as ID if you have one, but it is not required and not faster than using a driver's license.
- Online banks follow the same rules as brick-and-mortar banks and will not let you skip the identity verification step.
What ID the bank will actually accept
Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity before opening an account. The acceptable forms of ID are:
- Driver's license (any state)
- State ID card (non-driver)
- Passport or passport card
- Tribal ID
- Military ID
- U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
The ID must not be expired. If your driver's license expired last month, the bank will not accept it. You will need to renew it first, or bring a different form of ID that is still valid.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, a valid passport from your country of origin is acceptable. You do not need a U.S. passport. Some banks may also ask for your visa or work permit if you are in the country on a temporary status.
Address verification and the second document
After you show your ID, the bank will ask for proof of your current address. This is separate from your ID and is required by the same federal rules. Acceptable documents include:
- Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) dated within the last 60 days
- Lease or rental agreement
- Mortgage statement
- Recent bank or credit card statement
- Government mail (tax return, court document, benefit letter)
- Insurance policy or statement
The document must show your name and current address. If you recently moved and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring the new one or a lease for your current place. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, ask them for a copy — the bank will accept it as long as your name and the address match your ID.
Some banks will accept a second government-issued ID instead of an address document if both IDs show the same address. This is less common but worth asking about if you do not have a utility bill or lease handy.
Opening an account if you have no government ID
If you do not have a driver's license, passport, or any other government-issued ID, you can still open a bank account, but the process is slower and varies by bank. Some credit unions and community banks are more flexible than large national banks.
You will typically need to provide alternative documentation, such as:
- A letter from a social service agency, homeless shelter, or government office confirming your identity and current address
- Two or more non-government documents that together establish your identity (such as a school ID, employee badge, and utility bill)
- A video call with a bank representative who can verify your identity in real time
Call the bank ahead of time and ask what they accept. Do not show up expecting to open an account without ID — you will waste a trip. Some banks will tell you over the phone whether they can work with your situation; others will ask you to come in or schedule a video appointment.
Online banks and the same ID rules
Online banks follow the same federal identity verification rules as traditional banks. You cannot skip the ID step by opening an account on your phone or computer. At some point in the process, you will need to upload a photo of your ID or verify your identity through a video call.
Online banks often make this easier by letting you photograph your ID with your phone and submit it immediately. Some use automated systems that read your ID and cross-check it against government databases in seconds. But the requirement itself does not change: you must provide a valid form of ID.
If an online bank claims you do not need ID, it is not a real bank. Scammers sometimes pose as banks to collect personal information. Real banks, whether online or in person, will always ask for ID before opening an account.
Getting a government ID if you do not have one
If you need an ID to open a bank account and do not have one, a driver's license or state ID card is usually faster and cheaper than getting a passport. You can get a state ID card at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) even if you do not drive. The cost varies by state but is typically between $15 and $50.
You will need to bring proof of identity (such as a birth certificate), proof of address (such as a utility bill), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). The DMV website for your state lists the exact documents needed. Most states let you make an appointment online to avoid waiting in line.
A passport takes longer — typically four to six weeks for a standard application — and costs more (around $130 for a passport book). Unless you need a passport for travel, getting a state ID card first is the faster route to opening a bank account.
What happens after you show your ID
Once you provide your ID and address proof, the bank runs a background check through a system called ChexSystems. This checks whether you have a history of fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or other banking problems at other banks. The check takes a few minutes.
If you pass the check, your account opens immediately or within one business day. If there is a problem — for example, you owe money to another bank or have an unresolved dispute — the bank will tell you and may deny the account or ask you to resolve the issue first.
You will also be asked whether you want overdraft protection and whether you want to sign up for online banking. These are optional. You can open a basic account with just a debit card and no online access if you prefer, though most people set up online banking on the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an expired passport to open a bank account?
No. The bank will not accept an expired passport, even if it is only expired by a few days. You will need to renew it first or bring a different form of ID that is still valid. A driver's license or state ID card is usually faster to renew than a passport.
Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account?
Most banks require a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have one, some banks and credit unions will open an account using your passport number instead, but this is rare. Call ahead to ask whether the bank can work with you.
What if I am not a U.S. citizen?
You can open a bank account with a valid passport from your country, a visa, or a work permit. You will also need proof of your U.S. address. Some banks ask for additional documentation from non-citizens, so call first to confirm what you need to bring.
Can someone else open a bank account for me if I do not have ID?
No. The person opening the account must be present and must show their own ID. A parent or guardian cannot open an account in your name without you there. If you are a minor, a parent or guardian can open a joint account with you, but you will both need to be present with ID.
Do I need a passport if I already have a driver's license?
No. A valid driver's license is all you need for ID. A passport is not required and will not speed up the process. Bring your driver's license and proof of address, and you are done.