You can open a bank account without a photo ID, but the process is slower and requires more paperwork
Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity before opening an account. A photo ID makes that verification instant. Without one, you will need to provide other documents that prove who you are and that you live where you say you do — and the bank will take longer to confirm those documents are real.
The specific documents a bank will accept varies by institution and by state. Some banks have a formal process for non-photo ID verification; others will turn you away. Your best move is to call the bank directly and ask what documents they accept before you go in. If the bank you want won't work with you, credit unions and online banks often have more flexible options.
Key Takeaways
- Banks can open accounts without photo ID but will ask for documents like a birth certificate, Social Security card, utility bill, or lease agreement instead.
- The verification process takes longer without photo ID — expect several business days to a week for the bank to confirm your documents are genuine.
- Some banks have no non-photo ID pathway and will refuse to open an account; calling ahead saves you a trip.
- Credit unions and online banks are more likely than large national banks to have established procedures for opening accounts without photo ID.
- You will still need to provide a Social Security number or ITIN, and the bank will still run background checks through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services.
Documents banks accept instead of photo ID
A birth certificate (original or certified copy) is the most common substitute. It proves your legal name and date of birth. The bank will verify it with the state vital records office, which takes a few business days.
A Social Security card or letter from the Social Security Administration showing your number and name is almost always required. This is how the bank confirms your identity against government records. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, which the IRS issues to non-citizens who file taxes.
For proof of address, banks accept a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail (tax notice, voter registration card, benefit statement) dated within the last 60 days. Some banks will accept a bank statement from another institution. Online banks may skip the address requirement if you provide a phone number and email they can verify.
A few banks will accept a state ID card without a photo — some states issue these — or a passport card (which has your name and number but no photo). Ask the bank whether they accept these before you apply.
How the verification process works without photo ID
When you hand over documents instead of a photo ID, the bank scans or photographs them and sends them to a verification service or to their back-office team. That team checks the documents against public records: they call the vital records office to confirm your birth certificate is real, cross-reference your name and Social Security number against Social Security Administration records, and verify the utility bill or lease with the company or landlord.
This process is manual and slower than scanning a driver's license. Most banks take 3 to 7 business days. Some take up to two weeks. During that time, your account may be opened but restricted — you can deposit money but not withdraw it, or you cannot use online banking yet. The bank will email or call you when verification is complete.
The bank will also run a ChexSystems check (a banking history report) and may check Early Warning Services. These are instant. If you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags from another bank, this is where the bank will find out, and they may deny the account regardless of your documents.
Which banks are most likely to work with you
Credit unions are often more flexible than national banks. They are member-owned and have more discretion in their verification rules. Call your local credit union and ask whether they have a process for non-photo ID accounts. Many do.
Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have streamlined verification processes and sometimes accept alternatives to photo ID. However, some online banks require a photo ID for video verification during signup. Check their website or call before you start the application.
Community banks and regional banks are more likely than large national chains to have flexibility. They know their customers and may be willing to verify you in person with documents.
Large national banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank) typically require a photo ID and have little flexibility. Some branches may refuse to open an account without one. If you need an account at a specific bank, call the branch directly and ask whether they can work with you.
What to bring when you go in person
Bring originals or certified copies of your documents — photocopies are usually not accepted. Bring your birth certificate, Social Security card or ITIN letter, and proof of address. Bring two forms of address proof if possible, in case one is rejected.
Bring your phone number and email address. The bank will use these to contact you during verification. If you have moved recently, bring documents showing both your old and new address, or be ready to explain the move to the banker.
If you are opening an account in person at a branch, ask the banker upfront whether they can open the account without photo ID. If they say no, ask whether they can transfer you to someone who can, or whether you can apply online instead. Do not leave documents with a banker who says they cannot help you — take them back and try another branch or bank.
Online applications without photo ID
Some online banks allow you to upload document images instead of taking a photo of your ID. The process is the same: you photograph your birth certificate and address proof, upload them, and wait for verification. This usually takes the same 3 to 7 days as in-person verification.
Other online banks require you to verify your identity through a video call with an agent. During the call, you show your documents to the camera and the agent confirms they match your face and voice. This is faster — sometimes instant — but requires you to have a working camera and microphone.
Read the bank's signup page carefully to see which method they use. If they require a photo ID or video verification and you cannot provide either, that bank will not work for you.
What to do if banks keep refusing you
If multiple banks have turned you down, the problem may be a ChexSystems flag. Ask the bank why they denied you. If they say it is because of ChexSystems, you can request your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com and dispute any errors. Clearing a false report can take 30 days.
If you have legitimate unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags, some banks specialize in second-chance accounts. These accounts come with lower limits and higher fees, but they will open for you. Search for "second chance bank account" plus your state to find options.
If you cannot get a traditional bank account, a prepaid debit card does not require a bank account or photo ID — you can buy one at a drugstore or online. It is not a bank account, so you do not earn interest and you pay fees, but it lets you receive direct deposit and make purchases. A money services business (check cashing store, money transfer service) can also help you cash checks and send money, though fees are higher than a bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open an account without photo ID?
Most banks take 3 to 7 business days to verify your documents. Some take up to two weeks. During verification, your account may be open but restricted — you might not be able to withdraw money or use online banking yet. The bank will contact you when verification is complete.
Do I need a Social Security number to open an account without photo ID?
Yes, or an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security number. The bank uses this to verify your identity against government records and to run background checks. If you do not have either, you cannot open a traditional bank account.
Can I use a passport without a photo to open an account?
A passport card (which has your name and number but no photo) may be accepted by some banks as an alternative to photo ID. A full passport book has a photo, so it counts as photo ID. Call the bank and ask what they accept before you apply.
What if I have a ChexSystems flag and no photo ID?
The ChexSystems flag will prevent you from opening an account at most banks, regardless of what documents you bring. Request your report at chexsystems.com, dispute any errors, and wait 30 days for corrections. If the flag is legitimate, look for a second-chance bank account or use a prepaid debit card instead.
Can I open a joint account without photo ID?
Both account holders must provide identity verification. If one person has photo ID and the other does not, the bank will verify the second person using documents. Both people will need to be present or sign documents authorizing the account opening.