Yes, but the bank will verify both addresses
You can open a bank account with a different address than what appears on your ID, but the bank will ask about it and may require proof that you actually live where you say you do. Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity and address as part of anti-money-laundering compliance. If your mailing address differs from your ID address, most banks will accept this — they just need to document both.
The key is being upfront about the difference. Do not try to hide it or use an address you do not actually receive mail at. Banks run address verification checks, and if the address you provide does not match public records or fails their internal checks, they may deny the account or freeze it after opening.
Key Takeaways
- Banks will ask for both your ID address and your current mailing address during account opening, and you must provide accurate information for both.
- If you recently moved, bring your ID and a piece of mail showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, or government notice dated within the last 60 days usually works.
- If you use a PO box or mail forwarding service as your mailing address, tell the bank upfront; some banks accept these, others do not.
- Banks verify addresses against public records and their own databases, so using a false address will likely result in account denial or closure.
What counts as proof of your current address
If your ID shows an old address and you want the account opened at your new one, bring a document dated within the last 30 to 60 days that shows your name and current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a government notice (tax bill, voter registration, court document) all work. Some banks also accept a bank statement from another institution if it shows your current address.
The document does not have to be in your name alone — a utility bill with a spouse or roommate's name and your address is usually acceptable. What matters is that it is recent, shows a physical street address (not a PO box), and matches what you told the bank.
If you do not have a recent document, ask the bank what they will accept. Some will take a letter from your landlord or employer on letterhead confirming your address. Others may allow you to use a government-issued ID from your state or a passport if it has been updated, even if it is not your primary ID.
Using a PO box or mail forwarding address
Banks have different rules about PO boxes and mail forwarding services. Some accept them as a mailing address but still require a physical street address on file. Others will not open an account if you cannot provide a residential or business street address.
If you are using a mail forwarding service (like UPS Store or Amazon Hub), call the bank before you go in. Ask whether they accept that service's address as a mailing address. If they do, bring proof that you have an active account with that service. If they do not, you will need to provide a physical address — a friend's, family member's, or a temporary shelter address if you are unhoused.
A PO box alone is usually not enough for account opening, but you can often use it as your mailing address once the account is open. The bank will want a street address for the initial verification, then allow you to change the mailing address to a PO box afterward.
If your ID is from a different state
An out-of-state ID is not a problem. Banks open accounts for people who have moved across state lines all the time. Bring your out-of-state ID and a recent document showing your current address in your new state. The bank will verify both.
If you have not yet updated your ID to your new state, that is fine — you do not have to do that before opening a bank account. Just make sure the address proof you bring is dated recently and matches what you tell the bank.
What happens if the addresses do not match public records
Banks use third-party verification services to check whether the address you provide matches public records, utility company databases, and postal service records. If there is a mismatch, the bank may ask you to clarify or provide additional documentation.
This happens most often when you have recently moved and public records have not updated yet. If you just moved two weeks ago, the utility company may still show your old address. In this case, bring the lease or rental agreement for your new place — that is dated proof that you live there now, and it usually overrides the delay in public records.
If the bank cannot verify your address after you provide documents, they may deny the account. This is rare, but it can happen if the address you provide does not exist, if the documents you bring appear forged, or if there are other red flags in your application.
Updating your address after the account opens
Once your account is open, you can update your address online, by phone, or in person at a branch. Most banks allow you to change your mailing address immediately. Some may require you to wait a few days or verify the new address again if you are changing it to something very different from what you provided at opening.
If you move again after opening the account, update your address with the bank as soon as you can. Banks send statements, tax documents, and fraud alerts to the address on file. If mail goes to an old address, you might miss important notices about your account.
Special situations: homeless, in transition, or no fixed address
If you do not have a permanent address, you can still open a bank account. Use the address where you are currently staying — a shelter, a friend's house, a motel, or a temporary housing program. Be honest about it. Bring whatever proof you have: a shelter ID, a letter from the shelter on letterhead, or a recent piece of mail sent to that address.
Some banks are more flexible than others with temporary addresses. Credit unions and community banks are often more willing to work with people in transition than large national banks. If one bank turns you down, try another.
You can also use a trusted contact's address (with their permission) as your mailing address while you are in transition, as long as you tell the bank that it is not your residential address. Some banks will accept this; others will not. Ask first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to update my ID before opening a bank account?
No. You can open an account with an out-of-state or old ID as long as you bring proof of your current address. You do not have to update your ID first, though you may want to eventually for other purposes.
What if I do not have any documents showing my current address?
Ask the bank what alternatives they accept. Some will take a letter from your employer, landlord, or a government agency on official letterhead. Others may allow a recent bank statement from another bank. If you have none of these, ask whether the bank can verify your address by phone or through a third-party service instead.
Can I use someone else's address?
No. You must use an address where you actually receive mail or live. Using a false address is fraud and can result in account closure, legal action, and a report to law enforcement. Banks verify addresses, and false information will be caught.
How long does address verification take?
Most banks verify your address instantly or within a few minutes during the application process. If there is a mismatch, the bank may take a few hours or a day to review the documents you provided. In rare cases, it can take up to a week, but your account will usually open while verification is pending.
If I move again, do I have to close my account and open a new one?
No. You can update your address with your current bank at any time. There is no need to close the account or switch banks just because you moved.