What you need to know about ID requirements
Most banks in the United States require a government-issued photo ID to open an account. This is a federal requirement under the Bank Secrecy Act, which mandates that banks verify your identity before you deposit money. The most common forms are a driver's license, passport, or state ID card.
However, if you do not have a government-issued ID, you have options. Some banks will accept alternative documents, and some financial institutions have different rules than traditional banks. The path forward depends on what documents you do have and what type of account you need.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks require government-issued photo ID, but some accept a combination of documents like a birth certificate, Social Security card, and utility bill instead.
- Credit unions and online banks sometimes have more flexible ID policies than large national banks, though requirements still vary by institution.
- If you have no ID at all, you can get a state ID card from your DMV without a driver's license, which many banks will then accept.
- Bring multiple documents when you visit a bank in person—a birth certificate, utility bill, tax return, or lease can strengthen your case if your primary ID is missing.
- Some banks will open a basic savings account with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) if you are not a U.S. citizen and lack a Social Security number.
Banks that accept documents other than a photo ID
Some banks will open an account using a combination of documents instead of a single government-issued ID. You typically need to provide proof of identity (like a birth certificate or Social Security card) plus proof of address (like a utility bill, lease, or recent tax return). Call ahead to ask which documents the specific branch accepts, because policies vary between branches of the same bank.
Credit unions are often more flexible than large national banks. Many credit unions will work with you if you can show a birth certificate, Social Security card, and one piece of mail with your address on it. Some credit unions also waive certain requirements for members who have an existing relationship with the institution—for example, if a family member is already a member.
Online banks have different constraints than brick-and-mortar banks because they cannot verify your identity in person. Most require a government-issued ID or a Social Security number plus additional documents. A few online banks will open accounts using an ITIN instead of a Social Security number, which can help if you are not a U.S. citizen.
Getting a state ID card if you have no photo ID
If you have no government-issued ID at all, you can get a state ID card from your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) without getting a driver's license. A state ID card serves the same identity verification purpose as a driver's license and is accepted by banks. You will need to bring a birth certificate or passport and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease works).
The cost varies by state but typically ranges from $10 to $30. Processing time is usually same-day or within a few days if you go in person. Some states allow you to renew or replace an ID online or by mail, but a first-time ID card usually requires an in-person visit. Check your state's DMV website for the exact documents and fees required in your location.
What documents banks accept as alternatives
If a bank will not accept your primary ID, bring these documents with you:
- Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
- Social Security card
- Passport or passport card
- Utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement (proof of address)
- Recent tax return or W-2
- Insurance policy or insurance card
- School ID or employee ID (if current and includes a photo)
- ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) if you are not a U.S. citizen
Bring originals or certified copies when possible. Photocopies are usually not accepted for identity verification. If you have a combination of documents—for example, a birth certificate plus a utility bill plus a Social Security card—you have a stronger case than if you bring only one.
Opening an account in person versus online
Opening an account in person at a bank branch gives you the best chance of working around strict ID requirements. A bank employee can see you face-to-face, review multiple documents, and sometimes make exceptions. Bring everything you have: birth certificate, Social Security card, utility bills, lease, tax returns, anything with your name and address on it. Explain your situation clearly—many bank employees have seen this before and know what their branch can do.
Online banks have no flexibility because they cannot verify your identity in person. They require either a government-issued ID or a Social Security number plus additional documents uploaded as images. If you are trying to open an account online and do not have a photo ID, you will likely need to provide your Social Security number and a copy of a birth certificate or passport scanned and uploaded.
Using an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security number
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who are not U.S. citizens but need to file taxes or open a bank account. Some banks will open an account using an ITIN instead of a Social Security number. You will still need to provide identity verification—usually a passport or birth certificate—but the ITIN can substitute for a Social Security number.
To get an ITIN, you file Form W-7 with the IRS. You can file by mail or in person at an IRS office or an IRS-authorized acceptance agent. Processing typically takes four to six weeks by mail. Once you have an ITIN, bring it to the bank along with your passport or birth certificate and proof of address.
What happens if you cannot provide any documents
If you have no documents at all—no birth certificate, no Social Security card, no passport, nothing—you cannot open a bank account. Banks are required by law to verify your identity, and they have no legal way around this requirement. Your first step is to get a birth certificate from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to three weeks by mail.
Once you have a birth certificate, you can get a Social Security card (if you are a U.S. citizen) or an ITIN (if you are not). With a birth certificate and either of those, you can then open a bank account. If you are homeless or do not have a current address, some banks will accept a shelter address or a mail forwarding service address as proof of residence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account with just a birth certificate?
Most banks will not open an account with only a birth certificate. You typically need a birth certificate plus a Social Security card or ITIN, plus proof of your current address. Some credit unions may be more flexible, so call ahead and ask what combination of documents they accept.
Do online banks have different ID requirements than regular banks?
Yes. Online banks cannot verify your identity in person, so they usually require a government-issued photo ID or a Social Security number plus additional documents like a birth certificate or passport. They are generally stricter than brick-and-mortar banks because they have fewer ways to confirm who you are.
What if I lost my ID and do not have time to get a new one?
Go to a bank branch in person with your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address. Explain that your ID was lost. Many banks will open a basic savings account on the spot using these alternative documents while you wait for your replacement ID to arrive.
Can I open a bank account with an ITIN if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Some banks accept an ITIN as proof of tax identification. You will still need to provide identity verification, usually a passport or birth certificate, plus proof of your current address. Not all banks accept ITINs, so call ahead to confirm.
What if my address keeps changing—can I still open an account?
Yes. If you are homeless or moving frequently, bring a letter from a shelter, a mail forwarding service receipt, or a friend's address where you receive mail. Some banks will accept a shelter address or a P.O. box as proof of residence, though policies vary. Call the branch first to ask what they will accept.