What banks accept instead of a government ID

You can open a bank account without a driver's license or passport, but the bank will ask for alternative identification to meet federal anti-money-laundering rules. Most banks accept a combination of documents that prove who you are and where you live — you do not need a single government-issued photo ID.

The documents that work vary by bank. Common alternatives include a state ID card (non-driver), tribal ID, military ID, school ID paired with a utility bill, birth certificate with a recent utility bill or lease, or a passport card. Some banks also accept a Social Security card plus proof of address. Call the specific bank branch before you go in, because policies differ between institutions and sometimes between branches of the same bank.

Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity and address before opening an account. This is called Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance. The bank needs to confirm you are who you say you are and that you actually live at the address you provide. Without a government ID, you will need to show multiple documents that together prove both facts.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks will open an account using a state ID card, tribal ID, military ID, or passport card instead of a driver's license.
  • If you have none of those, bring a birth certificate plus a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing your current address.
  • School IDs and work IDs usually do not work alone, but some banks accept them paired with proof of address.
  • Call your bank before visiting to confirm which documents they accept, because rules vary between institutions.
  • Online banks have different document requirements than brick-and-mortar branches, so check the specific bank's website first.

State ID cards and other non-driver government IDs

A state ID card is the easiest path if you do not have a driver's license. Most states issue them through the same DMV office that issues licenses, and they cost between $10 and $30. The card has your photo, name, date of birth, and address — everything a bank needs to verify your identity. Banks treat state ID cards the same way they treat driver's licenses for account opening.

Other government-issued IDs that banks accept include tribal IDs (issued by federally recognized tribes), military IDs (active duty, reserve, or veteran), and passport cards (the wallet-sized version of a passport). Each of these has your photo and is issued by a government body, so banks recognize them as valid identification.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, a passport from your home country may work, but call ahead. Some banks accept foreign passports; others do not. A U.S. passport or passport card is always accepted if you have one.

Birth certificate plus proof of address

If you do not have a government photo ID at all, bring your birth certificate and a recent document showing your current address. The birth certificate proves who you are (name and date of birth). The address document proves where you live. Together, they satisfy the bank's identity verification requirement.

Documents that count as proof of address include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement or rental contract, a mortgage statement, a recent bank statement, a government benefits letter, or a property tax bill. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 to 90 days — banks vary on how recent they require it to be. Call ahead to ask how old the document can be.

Bring the original birth certificate or a certified copy. A photocopy alone usually will not work. If you do not have a certified copy, you can order one from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. This takes one to three weeks and costs $10 to $30, depending on the state.

What to bring to the bank in person

Bring the documents you have chosen, your Social Security number (or ITIN if you are not a U.S. citizen), and information about how you plan to use the account. The bank will ask questions like whether you want a checking account, savings account, or both; whether you want a debit card; and how you plan to deposit money (direct deposit, mobile check deposit, in-person deposits).

Bring a small amount of money to make an initial deposit. Most banks require a minimum opening deposit, which ranges from $0 to $300 depending on the account type and bank. Some banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit. Ask about this when you call to confirm which documents they accept.

Bring a phone number where the bank can reach you and an email address if you want online access to your account. The bank will set up your account during your visit and may issue a debit card on the spot or mail it to you within five to ten business days.

Online banks and their document requirements

Online banks have different verification processes than branches you visit in person. Many online banks use third-party verification services that check your identity against databases using information you provide — your name, date of birth, address, and Social Security number. They do not always require you to upload documents.

Some online banks do ask you to upload a photo of your ID, but they may accept the same alternatives as brick-and-mortar banks: state ID, tribal ID, military ID, or passport. A few online banks will open an account using only your Social Security number and address if you pass their database verification. Others require at least one document.

Check the specific online bank's website before you start the process. Look for a section called "How to verify your identity" or "What documents do I need." If the website does not say, use the chat or email support to ask. Online banks vary widely, and what one accepts another may not.

Second-chance banking and accounts for people without ID

Second-chance banking programs exist specifically for people who have had trouble with banks in the past or who lack traditional identification. Credit unions and community banks are more likely to offer these accounts than large national banks. They may accept fewer documents or have more flexible verification processes.

Some credit unions will open an account with just a birth certificate and proof of address, without requiring a government ID at all. Others ask for a Social Security number but are willing to work with members who do not have photo identification. Call local credit unions in your area and ask whether they offer second-chance accounts or have flexible ID requirements.

Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) also serve people who have been shut out of traditional banking. These are nonprofit lenders and banks that work with low-income communities. They often have more flexible document requirements and may be willing to open an account with documentation you already have.

What happens if you cannot get any ID documents

If you do not have a birth certificate and cannot get one quickly, some banks will accept an affidavit of identity — a sworn statement you sign in front of a notary public saying who you are. This is rare, but it is worth asking about. A notary public can be found at most banks, UPS stores, or libraries, and the service costs $5 to $15.

If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, some banks will accept mail sent to a shelter, a trusted friend's address, or a PO box as proof of address. Call ahead and explain your situation. Banks are required to work with people in difficult circumstances, though not all staff members know this.

If you are an immigrant without a Social Security number, you may be able to use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Some banks accept ITINs for account opening. Others require a Social Security number. Ask the bank directly whether they work with ITINs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account with just a school ID or work ID?

A school ID or work ID alone usually will not work because they are not government-issued. However, some banks will accept a school or work ID paired with proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease. Call your bank to ask whether they accept this combination before you visit.

How long does it take to open an account without a government ID?

If you bring all the documents the bank needs, you can open an account in 15 to 30 minutes during your visit. The account is usually active the same day. A debit card may be issued on the spot or mailed within five to ten business days. Online accounts may take one to three business days to activate.

What if the bank says they cannot open an account for me?

Ask to speak with a manager and explain what documents you do have. If that bank refuses, try a credit union or community bank in your area — they often have more flexible policies. You can also contact a CDFI or second-chance banking program, which specialize in working with people in your situation.

Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account?

Most banks require a Social Security number or ITIN. Some banks will open an account without one if you pass their identity verification through a third-party database check, but this is uncommon. If you do not have a Social Security number, ask the bank whether they accept an ITIN or whether they have any accounts that do not require either.

Can I open an account online if I do not have an ID?

Some online banks use database verification and do not require you to upload documents. Others require at least one form of ID. Check the specific bank's website or contact their support team to find out what they accept. Online banks are often more flexible than branches, but policies vary widely.