You can open a bank account without a government ID, but the bank will ask for something else to verify who you are
Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity before opening an account. A driver's license or passport makes this fast, but they are not the only documents that work. If you do not have a government ID, you can use a combination of other documents — a passport card, state ID, tribal ID, consular ID, or even documents that prove your address and identity together, like a utility bill paired with a birth certificate.
The catch is that different banks accept different combinations, and the process takes longer without a standard ID. Some banks will open an account in one visit; others will open it provisionally and ask you to bring more documents later. A few banks specialize in serving people without traditional IDs, which can save you time and frustration.
Key Takeaways
- Banks must verify your identity but do not require a driver's license or passport — they will accept other government-issued IDs or combinations of documents that prove who you are.
- A state ID, tribal ID, passport card, or consular ID will work at most banks if you have one of these instead of a driver's license.
- Without any government ID, you can combine documents like a birth certificate, utility bill, lease, or tax return to prove your identity and address.
- Some banks open accounts on the spot with alternative documents; others open provisionally and require you to return with additional proof within 30 days.
- Online banks and credit unions sometimes have more flexible document requirements than large national banks.
What documents banks will accept instead of a driver's license
If you have a government-issued ID other than a driver's license, most banks will treat it the same way. A state ID card (the non-driver version issued by your state's DMV) works at virtually every bank. A U.S. passport or passport card also works everywhere. Tribal IDs issued by federally recognized tribes are accepted by most banks. Consular IDs — identification cards issued by a foreign country's embassy or consulate in the U.S. — are accepted by many banks, though not all.
Military ID, including a military dependent ID, works at most banks. If you are under 18, some banks will accept a school ID paired with a parent or guardian's ID. The key is that the document must be government-issued and must show your photo and date of birth, or at minimum your name and date of birth.
Opening an account with no government ID at all
If you have no government-issued ID of any kind, you will need to show the bank documents that together prove your identity and your address. Banks typically want at least two documents, and they should be recent (usually issued or updated within the last 12 months).
Documents that prove identity include a birth certificate, Social Security card, or tax return with your name and Social Security number. Documents that prove your current address include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement. Some banks will accept a combination like a birth certificate plus a utility bill. Others want a birth certificate plus a lease plus a tax return. Call the bank before you go in and ask exactly which documents they need.
The process is slower this way. Many banks will open a provisional account on the spot but will freeze it or close it if you do not bring additional documents within 30 days. Some banks will not open the account at all until you have submitted everything in person or by mail.
Banks and credit unions with more flexible requirements
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have strict document requirements and usually want a government ID. But smaller banks and credit unions often have more flexibility. Credit unions in particular may accept alternative documents more readily, especially if you are a member of the community they serve or if you have an existing relationship with someone at the credit union.
Online banks like Chime, LendingClub, and Varo have been known to work with customers who lack traditional IDs, though their requirements change. Some online banks use third-party verification services that can confirm your identity through other means, like your Social Security number and address history. Call or chat with the bank's customer service before you start the application to confirm they can work with your documents.
Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and banks that focus on underbanked populations often have the most flexible policies. These are real banks, not check-cashing services, and they are insured by the FDIC just like any other bank. Your local community action agency or nonprofit can point you toward banks in your area that work with people without standard IDs.
What happens if the bank cannot verify your identity
If you cannot provide the documents the bank needs, they will not open the account. They cannot open it and then ask you to verify later — federal law requires verification before the account is active. If you are in this situation, your options are to find a different bank with more flexible requirements, to get a government ID (which takes time), or to use a prepaid card or check-cashing service in the meantime.
Getting a state ID card is often faster and cheaper than getting a driver's license. You can apply at your state's DMV with a birth certificate and proof of address. The cost varies by state but is usually under $30, and many states waive the fee for people with low income. If you are a citizen of another country, a consular ID from your country's embassy or consulate may be easier to obtain than a U.S. government ID.
Online applications and in-person verification
Some banks let you start an application online but require you to come in person to verify your identity. Others let you upload photos of your documents through their app or website. If you are applying online, the bank will tell you during the application which documents they need and whether you can upload them or must bring them in.
If you upload documents, make sure the photos are clear, well-lit, and show the entire document. The bank's system will often reject blurry photos automatically. If your document is rejected, you will get a message telling you to resubmit. If you are unsure whether a document will work, call the bank's customer service line before you upload it.
Bringing a co-signer or authorized representative
Some banks will let you open an account with help from someone else if you cannot provide the documents yourself. This person is usually called a co-signer or authorized representative. They must bring their own government ID and may need to sign paperwork saying they are helping you open the account. Not all banks offer this option, so ask before you go in.
A co-signer is different from a joint account holder. A co-signer may help you open the account but does not have access to it. A joint account holder has full access and can withdraw money. Make sure you understand which one the bank is offering before you agree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account with just a Social Security card?
A Social Security card alone is not enough because it does not prove your address. You will need to pair it with a document that shows where you live, like a utility bill or lease. Some banks will accept this combination; others will want a third document like a birth certificate.
What if I have an expired government ID?
Most banks will not accept an expired ID because they cannot verify that the photo still matches you. However, an expired ID is better than no ID — you can use it as one of your identity documents and pair it with a current document like a utility bill or lease to prove your address.
Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account?
Most banks require a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have either, some banks will open an account using your passport number instead. Call ahead to ask whether the bank you want to use can do this.
Can I open a bank account if I am homeless?
Yes, but you will need to provide a document that shows your name and an address, even if it is not your current address. This could be a mail forwarding address, a shelter address, a relative's address where you receive mail, or even a previous address from a recent document. Ask the bank what address they need on the documents you bring.
How long does it take to open an account without a standard ID?
If you have alternative documents the bank accepts, you can open an account in one visit, usually in 15 to 30 minutes. If the bank opens a provisional account, you have 30 days to bring additional documents. If the bank cannot verify your identity at all, they will tell you on the spot and you will need to try a different bank.