Yes, you can open a bank account with a permit, but the bank must accept it as a valid ID
A permit—whether a driver's permit, work permit, or other government-issued ID—can work as proof of identity at most banks, but not all banks treat it the same way. Some banks will open an account for you with a permit alone. Others require a photo ID that shows your full name, date of birth, and current address, which a permit may or may not have. A few banks have stricter rules and will only accept a state ID, passport, or military ID.
The type of permit matters. A driver's permit (the learner's permit you get before a full license) usually has your photo, name, and date of birth, so most banks accept it. A work permit or employment authorization document (EAD) may not have all the information banks need, and you may have to bring a second document. A state ID permit or identification permit is often treated the same as a state ID and is widely accepted.
Before you go to the bank, call ahead or check the bank's website to confirm what forms of ID they accept. This saves you a trip if your permit does not meet their requirements.
Key Takeaways
- A driver's permit with your photo and date of birth is accepted by most banks as valid ID to open an account.
- Work permits and employment authorization documents may require a second form of ID, such as a passport or consulate document.
- Some banks have stricter ID rules and will only accept a state ID, passport, or military ID—call ahead to confirm.
- Bring your permit plus proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or government mail, even if the bank does not ask for it.
- If a bank turns you down, credit unions and online banks often have more flexible ID rules.
What information the bank needs from your permit
Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity before opening an account. They use the Customer Identification Program (CIP), which means they need to confirm your name, date of birth, address, and sometimes your tax ID number. Your permit must show enough of this information for the bank to match it against other records.
A driver's permit usually has your photo, full name, date of birth, and address, so it meets the bank's basic requirements. A work permit or EAD may only have your name and photo, which is not enough by itself. In that case, the bank will ask for a second document—often a passport, consulate ID, or tax return—to fill in the missing pieces.
Write down what is on your permit before you go to the bank. If it is missing your current address or date of birth, bring a second document that has that information. This speeds up the process and prevents the bank from turning you down.
Banks that accept permits and those that do not
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo generally accept driver's permits as valid ID. However, their exact rules vary by branch and by state. Some branches may ask for a second form of ID even if the permit has all the required information.
Credit unions are often more flexible with ID requirements than large banks. Many credit unions will open an account with a permit plus proof of address, and some do not require a photo ID at all if you bring other documents. Call your local credit union to ask what they accept.
Online banks like Chime, Ally, and SoFi have different rules. Some accept permits; others do not. Because they cannot see your ID in person, they may require a video call or additional documents. Check the bank's website or call their customer service line before you start the account-opening process.
If a bank or credit union turns you down, ask why. If it is because your permit does not have your current address, bring a utility bill or lease. If it is because they only accept certain types of ID, ask whether a passport, consulate document, or tax ID card would work instead.
Bringing proof of your current address
Even if your permit has your address on it, bring a second document that shows your current address. Banks often require this as part of the CIP process, and it protects you if your permit address is outdated or if the bank's system cannot read it clearly.
Acceptable address documents include a recent utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a government tax return, or a piece of mail from a government agency. The document should be dated within the last 60 to 90 days. If you do not have one, ask the bank what they accept—some will take a bank statement or a letter from your employer.
If you are homeless or do not have a fixed address, tell the bank. Many banks have a process for opening accounts without a traditional address. You may be able to use a shelter address, a mail forwarding service, or a trusted contact's address with a letter explaining your situation.
What to bring to the bank
Bring your permit, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or tax ID number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or passport. Have these items ready before you walk in:
- Your permit (driver's permit, work permit, state ID permit, or other government-issued ID with your photo)
- Proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within 60 to 90 days)
- Your Social Security number, ITIN, or passport
- A phone number and email address where the bank can reach you
- Information about how much money you plan to deposit (the bank may ask)
If you have a second form of ID—such as a passport, consulate document, or work authorization card—bring it too. It does not hurt to have it, and it can speed up the process if the bank needs to verify additional information.
If the bank says no to your permit
If a bank turns you down because they do not accept your permit, you have options. Ask the bank what forms of ID they do accept. If they only accept a state ID or passport, you may be able to get one through your state's DMV or your country's consulate.
Try a different bank or credit union. Credit unions in your area may have looser ID rules, especially if you are a member or if you have a family member who is. Online banks sometimes accept permits when brick-and-mortar banks do not, though you may need to complete a video verification call.
If you have a work permit or employment authorization document, bring your passport or consulate ID as a second form of ID. Most banks will open an account if you have two forms of government-issued ID, even if one of them is a permit.
If you are still having trouble, contact your state's banking regulator or a local nonprofit that helps people open bank accounts. Many nonprofits offer free guidance on which banks in your area accept permits and what documents you need to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account with just a driver's permit and no other ID?
Most banks will open an account with a driver's permit plus proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. A few banks require a second form of ID no matter what. Call the bank first to confirm their rules.
What if my permit has an old address on it?
Bring a recent document that shows your current address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 to 90 days. The bank will use that document instead of the address on your permit.
Can I open an account with a work permit or employment authorization document?
Yes, but most banks will also ask for a second form of ID, such as a passport, consulate document, or state ID. A work permit usually does not have all the information the bank needs to verify your identity on its own.
Do online banks accept permits?
Some do, but not all. Online banks have different rules because they cannot see your ID in person. Check the bank's website or call customer service to ask what forms of ID they accept before you start the account-opening process.
What if the bank asks for my Social Security number but I do not have one?
Bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or passport instead. If you do not have either, ask the bank whether they have a process for opening accounts without a Social Security number or ITIN.