What you need to know about opening an account without an ID card

Most banks will not open a checking or savings account without a government-issued ID. The requirement comes from federal law: banks must verify your identity under the Bank Secrecy Act, and a photo ID is the standard way they do that. However, some banks and credit unions have workarounds if you do not have a driver's license, passport, or state ID card.

Your options depend on what you have instead of an ID card, which bank you approach, and whether you are willing to accept limits on your account. A few banks will accept alternative documents. Others will open an account but restrict it until you provide an ID later. Some credit unions are more flexible than national banks. The fastest path is to call ahead and ask what documents a specific branch will accept, rather than showing up unprepared.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal law requires banks to verify your identity, so you will need some form of government-issued photo ID or an acceptable alternative document.
  • Some banks accept a combination of documents—such as a birth certificate plus a utility bill—instead of a single photo ID.
  • Credit unions often have more flexibility than large national banks and may accept different proof of identity.
  • If you cannot provide an ID, ask the bank whether they will open a restricted account that you can upgrade once you obtain proper identification.
  • Getting a state ID card or passport takes time but removes the barrier to opening an account at any bank.

What counts as acceptable ID at most banks

A government-issued photo ID is what banks prefer. This includes a driver's license, state ID card, passport, passport card, or military ID. If you have any of these, you can open an account at nearly any bank without complications.

If you do not have a photo ID, some banks will accept a combination of non-photo documents. Common alternatives include a birth certificate, Social Security card, and a utility bill or lease showing your current address. The bank will verify your name, date of birth, and address across these documents. Not all banks accept this combination, so you need to ask first.

A few banks also accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number. An ITIN is issued by the IRS and counts as proof of identity for banking purposes at some institutions.

Which banks and credit unions are more flexible

Credit unions tend to be more flexible than national banks. Many credit unions will open an account with a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address. Some will even open an account with just a birth certificate if you are a member or a family member of a member. Call your local credit union and ask what documents they accept—policies vary by institution.

Among national banks, Chime, LendingClub, and some regional banks have reported accepting alternative documents, but their policies change and vary by branch. Online banks sometimes have different requirements than brick-and-mortar branches. The safest approach is to contact the specific bank or branch where you want to open an account and ask what they will accept in place of a photo ID.

Community banks and smaller regional banks are sometimes more willing to work with customers who lack standard ID. If you have a relationship with a local bank—or if a family member banks there—ask whether they can help you open an account with alternative documents.

Opening a restricted account while you get an ID

Some banks will open what is called a restricted account or limited account if you cannot provide an ID immediately. The account functions normally for basic deposits and withdrawals, but the bank may place limits on how much you can transfer, how many transactions you can make, or what services you can use. These restrictions usually lift once you provide a government-issued ID.

Ask the bank directly: "Can you open a restricted account for me now, and I will bring my ID when I get it?" Some banks will say yes; others will refuse. If they agree, get the terms in writing so you know exactly what is limited and when the restrictions will be removed.

This option buys you time if you are in the process of getting a state ID or passport. It also lets you start using the account for direct deposit or bill payments while you wait for your ID to arrive.

How to get a government-issued ID if you do not have one

A state ID card is the fastest option if you do not drive. You apply at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. You will need a birth certificate, proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number. The cost varies by state, usually between $10 and $30. Processing time is typically one to two weeks if you apply in person, longer if you mail the application.

A U.S. passport or passport card takes longer but works at any bank nationwide and internationally. You apply at a post office, courthouse, or passport acceptance facility. You need a birth certificate, proof of citizenship, proof of identity (which can be a state ID, driver's license, or other document), and proof of address. A passport book takes four to six weeks in routine processing, or one to two weeks if you pay for expedited service. A passport card is faster and costs less but is smaller and only works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

If you have lost your birth certificate, you can order a replacement from your state's vital records office. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $15 to $30. Once you have a birth certificate, getting a state ID is straightforward.

What to bring to the bank if you have no photo ID

Before you go to the bank, gather these documents:

  • Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
  • Social Security card
  • Proof of current address: utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days
  • A second form of ID if you have one: library card, school ID, employee ID, or insurance card (these usually do not have your photo but show your name and sometimes your address)

Call the bank branch before you visit and tell them what documents you have. Ask whether they will open an account with those specific documents. This prevents a wasted trip. Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies—banks will not accept copies of a birth certificate or Social Security card.

If the bank says they cannot open an account without a photo ID, ask whether they have a restricted account option or whether they can refer you to another branch or institution that might be more flexible.

What happens if you open an account and later provide ID

If you opened a restricted account or an account with alternative documents, the bank will ask you to provide a photo ID eventually. Some banks set a deadline—30, 60, or 90 days. Others ask you to bring it the next time you visit. Once you provide the ID, any restrictions are lifted and your account functions normally.

If you do not provide an ID by the deadline, the bank may freeze your account or close it. They are required by law to verify your identity within a reasonable time, so do not ignore requests for ID. If you are in the process of getting an ID, tell the bank and ask whether they will extend the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account with just a birth certificate?

Some credit unions and a few banks will open an account with a birth certificate plus a Social Security card and proof of address. National banks almost always require a photo ID. Call ahead to ask whether the specific bank or credit union you want to use will accept a birth certificate alone.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) issued by the IRS. Some banks accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number. You will still need a birth certificate or passport and proof of address. Credit unions and smaller banks are more likely to work with you if you have an ITIN.

How long does it take to get a state ID card?

If you apply in person at your state's DMV, a state ID card usually takes one to two weeks. If you mail the application, it may take three to four weeks. Expedited options are sometimes available for an extra fee. Check your state's DMV website for current processing times.

Can I use a passport card instead of a driver's license to open a bank account?

Yes. A passport card is a valid government-issued photo ID and works at any bank. It takes longer to obtain than a state ID card—usually four to six weeks in routine processing—but it is smaller and less expensive than a full passport book.

What if my bank closes my account because I did not provide an ID?

If your account is closed, the bank must return any money in it to you. They will typically mail a check to your address on file. If you had direct deposit set up, contact your employer or the source of the deposit to update your banking information. Once you have a photo ID, you can open an account at another bank without the same restrictions.