What temporary IDs banks will accept
Yes, you can open a bank account with a temporary ID, but the bank has to accept it as valid government-issued identification. A temporary ID is usually a paper or plastic document issued by your state's DMV or equivalent agency while you wait for a permanent driver's license or state ID card. Most banks treat it the same way they treat a permanent ID — as long as it has your photo, signature, date of birth, and an expiration date that hasn't passed.
The catch is that not every bank has the same rules. Some large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo will take a temporary state ID without question. Regional banks and credit unions vary — some accept it, others ask for a second form of ID even though the temporary one is government-issued. Call the specific branch where you plan to open the account and ask whether they accept temporary state IDs before you go in.
A temporary ID from your state DMV is different from other temporary documents. A passport card, a temporary passport, or a temporary work visa are all government-issued and have photos, but banks treat them differently depending on their internal policy. If you don't have a state-issued temporary ID, ask the bank which documents they will take instead.
Key Takeaways
- A temporary state ID issued by your DMV counts as valid government photo ID for opening a bank account at most banks, as long as it hasn't expired.
- Large national banks usually accept temporary state IDs without requiring a second form of ID, but regional banks and credit unions may have stricter rules.
- Call your bank branch before you visit to confirm they accept temporary IDs, because policies vary by institution and sometimes by location.
- If your temporary ID has expired or you don't have one, bring a second form of ID (passport, work visa, or other government document) to improve your chances of opening an account.
What information the bank will need from your temporary ID
The bank's teller or account-opening representative will look for the same information on your temporary ID that they would check on a permanent one. They need your full legal name, date of birth, address, photo, signature, and the expiration date. The temporary ID must be current — if it has already expired, most banks will not accept it, even if you're waiting for the permanent card to arrive.
Bring the temporary ID itself, not a photocopy. Banks verify the document in person to check for signs of tampering and to confirm the photo matches your face. They will also run your name through the bank's fraud and sanctions screening system, which is the same process they use for any new account.
When a bank might ask for a second form of ID
Some banks have a policy that requires two forms of government-issued ID for any new account, even if one of them is a temporary state ID. This is more common at smaller regional banks and credit unions. If the bank asks for a second ID, acceptable options usually include a passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or work visa. A Social Security card, birth certificate, or utility bill does not count as government-issued photo ID for this purpose.
If you don't have a second government ID and the bank requires one, you have a few options. You can ask whether they will accept a non-photo government document (like a Social Security card) plus a photo ID from a non-government source (like a school ID or work badge). Some banks will, some won't. You can also ask whether they will waive the second ID requirement if you open the account with a small deposit and agree to limited transaction limits until you provide the second ID later. A few banks offer this, but it's not standard.
How long the account-opening process takes with a temporary ID
Opening an account with a temporary ID takes the same amount of time as opening one with a permanent ID — usually 15 to 30 minutes in person. The bank runs the same background checks and fraud screens regardless of which type of ID you use. There is no delay built into the process because your ID is temporary.
Once the account is open, you can use it immediately. You can deposit money, set up direct deposit, and make transfers the same day. If you order a debit card, it will arrive in the mail in 7 to 10 business days, just as it would for any new account. The temporary nature of your ID does not affect how the account functions or when you can access your money.
What happens when your temporary ID expires
Your bank account will not close or freeze when your temporary ID expires. The ID was only needed to open the account. Once the account exists, the bank has your information on file and you can continue using the account normally.
However, if you try to perform certain transactions after your temporary ID expires — such as opening a second account, applying for a credit card through the bank, or updating your address — the bank may ask you to provide a current form of ID. At that point, you should have received your permanent state ID. If you haven't, bring your new temporary ID (if you've renewed it) or another current government-issued photo ID.
Alternatives if the bank won't accept your temporary ID
If a bank turns you down because they don't accept temporary IDs or you don't have a second form of ID they require, you have other options. Credit unions often have more flexible ID policies than banks, especially if you're a member or live in their service area. Online banks like Chime, Ally, and LendingClub sometimes have different verification processes and may accept temporary IDs more readily, though you should confirm by contacting them first.
Another option is to wait for your permanent state ID to arrive before opening the account. If you applied for a replacement ID or a new ID, check your state's DMV website to see how long the process typically takes. Some states issue permanent IDs in 2 to 3 weeks; others take 6 to 8 weeks. If the wait is short, it may be simpler than hunting for a bank that accepts temporary IDs.
If you need a bank account urgently and can't find one that accepts your temporary ID, a prepaid card or money transfer service like MoneyGram or Western Union can hold funds temporarily, though these are not substitutes for a real bank account and come with higher fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a temporary ID have to be unexpired to open a bank account?
Yes. Most banks will not accept an expired temporary ID, even if you're waiting for your permanent ID to arrive. If your temporary ID has expired, bring a current government-issued photo ID instead, such as a passport or passport card. If you don't have one, contact your state's DMV to renew your temporary ID or expedite your permanent ID.
Can I open a bank account online with a temporary ID?
Some online banks allow you to upload a photo of your temporary ID during the account-opening process, but not all do. Online verification systems sometimes reject temporary IDs because the software doesn't recognize the format. Call the online bank's customer service line before you start the application to confirm they accept temporary state IDs. If they don't, you may need to open the account in person at a physical branch instead.
What if my temporary ID is from a different state than where I'm opening the account?
Banks accept government-issued ID from any state. Your temporary ID from your home state is valid even if you're opening the account in a different state. The bank will verify it through the same national systems they use for any state ID.
Do I need to bring anything else besides my temporary ID?
Bring your temporary ID and be ready to provide your Social Security number. The bank will use your SSN to run background checks and fraud screens. If the bank requires a second form of ID, bring that as well. Some banks also ask for proof of address (a utility bill or lease), though this is less common when you have a valid government ID with your current address on it.
Can I use a temporary ID to open a joint account?
Yes, but both account holders need to provide valid ID. If you're opening a joint account and one person has a temporary ID while the other has a permanent ID, both documents are acceptable as long as they meet the bank's requirements. The person with the temporary ID should follow the same steps as anyone else opening an account with that type of ID.