Yes, you can open a bank account with a passport, but the bank must verify it is valid and current
A passport works as a government-issued photo ID at most banks in the United States. Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity before opening an account, and a valid passport satisfies that requirement. However, not every bank accepts a passport alone — some want a second form of ID, and a few prefer a state ID or driver's license instead.
The passport must be current (not expired) and must have your photograph clearly visible. If your passport is damaged, water-stained, or the photo is no longer recognizable, the bank may ask for another form of ID. Banks use the passport to confirm your name, date of birth, and citizenship status, so they need to read it easily.
If you do not have a state ID or driver's license, a passport is often your strongest option. It carries more weight than other documents because it is issued by the federal government and is harder to forge than a state ID.
Key Takeaways
- A current, valid passport with a clear photo is accepted as primary ID at most banks in the United States.
- Some banks require a second form of ID even when you present a passport, so call ahead to confirm what the branch needs.
- Your passport must not be expired; banks will not accept an expired passport as proof of identity.
- If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, bring your passport plus a utility bill or lease in your name to prove your address.
What banks typically ask for when you bring a passport
When you walk into a branch with a passport, the bank will ask for proof of your current address. This is separate from identity verification. They need to know where you live now, and a passport does not show that — it shows where you lived when you renewed it, which may be years old.
Bring one of these documents with your name and current address on it: a recent utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank statement from another bank. The document should be dated within the last 60 to 90 days, though this varies by bank. Call the branch before you go and ask what they accept, because some banks are stricter than others.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The bank uses this to run a background check through ChexSystems, a banking history database. This check looks for unpaid overdrafts or fraud at other banks — it is not a credit check and does not affect your credit score.
Banks that specifically accept passports
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all accept passports as primary ID. Credit unions often do as well, though policies vary by institution. Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Chime accept passport uploads during the account-opening process, though they may ask you to verify your identity through video call or by uploading a second document.
If you are opening an account at a smaller regional bank or credit union, call first. Some branches have stricter rules than others, even within the same bank. A branch manager can tell you in one call whether a passport alone is enough or whether you need to bring a second form of ID.
If you are opening an account online, the bank will ask you to upload a photo of your passport. Make sure the photo is clear, well-lit, and shows all four corners of the document. If the upload fails, the bank will contact you and ask for a second document or a video verification call.
What to do if your passport is expired
An expired passport will not work. Banks treat an expired passport the same way they treat an expired driver's license — it is no longer valid proof of identity. If your passport expired, you have two options: renew it before opening the account, or bring a different form of ID.
Renewing a passport takes four to six weeks through the State Department if you apply in person at a passport acceptance facility, or up to 18 weeks if you mail it in. If you need the account urgently, it is faster to use a different ID. A state ID, driver's license, or tribal ID will work just as well and takes less time to obtain.
If you are in the middle of renewing your passport and have a receipt showing you applied, some banks will accept that receipt as temporary proof while you wait for the new passport to arrive. Ask the branch whether they will hold your application open while your passport is being renewed.
If you have a passport but no other ID
A passport is enough for identity verification at most banks. The bank does not need a driver's license or state ID if you have a valid passport. However, you still need to prove your address, so bring a utility bill, lease, or other document showing where you live now.
If you do not have any address documentation, some banks will accept a letter from your employer, a school enrollment letter, or a government benefit statement (like a Social Security statement) that shows your name and address. Call the branch and describe what documents you have; they can tell you whether any of them will work.
If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, tell the bank that upfront. Many banks have procedures for opening accounts without a traditional address. They may ask for a shelter address, a mail drop address, or a contact phone number instead. Policies vary, so call ahead rather than showing up unprepared.
Passports from other countries
A foreign passport works the same way as a U.S. passport — it is government-issued photo ID and banks accept it. However, the bank will also need to verify your immigration status. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card or a copy of your I-551 form. If you are on a visa, bring your visa documentation or I-94 arrival record.
Some banks ask for an ITIN instead of a Social Security number if you do not have one yet. An ITIN is a tax ID number issued by the IRS to people who are not U.S. citizens but need to file taxes or open a bank account. You can obtain an ITIN by filing Form W-7 with the IRS; it takes four to six weeks.
If you are in the country on a visa and do not yet have an ITIN or Social Security number, call the bank and ask what they need. Some banks will open an account with just your passport and visa, while others require an ITIN. Policies vary widely, so do not assume one bank's answer applies to another.
What happens after you open the account
Once the bank verifies your identity and address, you can open the account the same day. You will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Online banks send the card faster — sometimes within 3 to 5 days. You can usually start using your account online or through the mobile app before the card arrives.
The bank will place a hold on your account for the first 30 days if you are new to banking or if the ChexSystems check shows any red flags. This means you can deposit money, but you cannot withdraw it or write checks until the hold is lifted. This is a standard fraud prevention measure and does not mean anything is wrong with your account.
Keep your passport in a safe place after opening the account. You will not need to show it again unless you apply for a loan, a credit card, or another service that requires identity verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account with an expired passport?
No. Banks require a current, valid passport. If your passport is expired, renew it first or bring a different form of ID like a state ID or driver's license. Renewing a passport in person takes four to six weeks.
Do I need a Social Security number if I have a passport?
Yes. A passport proves who you are, but the bank also needs your Social Security number or ITIN to run a background check through ChexSystems. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can obtain an ITIN from the IRS by filing Form W-7.
What if the bank says they do not accept passports?
Some smaller banks prefer a state ID or driver's license. If the bank turns down your passport, ask what other forms of ID they accept. You can also try a different bank or a credit union in your area — most accept passports without issue.
Can I open an account online with just a passport photo?
Yes, most online banks let you upload a passport photo during account setup. Make sure the photo is clear and shows all four corners of the document. If the upload fails, the bank will ask for a second document or a video call to verify your identity.
Do I need to bring my passport to the bank every time I visit?
No. Once your account is open, you do not need your passport for routine banking. You only need it if you apply for new services like a credit card or loan that require identity verification.