The core documents every bank will ask for

Every bank requires proof of identity and proof of address before they open an account. The identity document is almost always a government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The address document can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement showing your name and current address. Some banks accept a government benefits statement or tax return if it's dated within the last 60 days.

Beyond those two, banks vary. Many ask for a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to report interest income to the IRS. Some require a phone number and email address. A few ask whether you've had a bank account closed for cause — meaning overdraft abuse or fraud — and may check ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history. If you're opening a business account, the requirements are different and more extensive.

The specific documents a bank accepts depend on the bank itself. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and regional banks each maintain their own lists. Credit unions often accept fewer forms of ID than national banks do. Online banks like Ally and Charles Schwab have streamlined the process but still require the same core pieces.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government-issued photo ID and a document showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • Most banks require your Social Security number or ITIN to report interest to the IRS, though some banks serve people without either.
  • Banks may check ChexSystems to see if you've had an account closed for overdrafts or fraud, which can delay or block approval.
  • Online banks typically ask for the same documents as brick-and-mortar banks but verify them through digital upload rather than in person.
  • Business accounts require additional documents such as an EIN, business license, and articles of incorporation or partnership agreement.

Acceptable forms of government-issued ID

A driver's license is the most common form of ID banks accept. It has your photo, signature, and address, which covers multiple requirements at once. A state ID card — issued by your state's DMV when you don't have a driver's license — works just as well. A U.S. passport or passport card also works, though the address on it may be outdated if you've moved since renewal.

A tribal ID, military ID, or permanent resident card (green card) is accepted by most banks, though you may need to call ahead to confirm. A foreign passport with a U.S. visa is sometimes accepted but not always — banks vary on this. If you don't have any of these, ask the bank what alternative IDs they accept before you visit or apply online. Some banks will accept a combination of documents, such as a school ID plus a birth certificate, though this is less common.

Address verification documents that banks accept

A utility bill in your name — electric, gas, water, or internet — is the fastest way to prove your address. It needs to be recent, usually dated within the last 60 days. A lease or mortgage statement works the same way. A bank statement from another bank also counts, as long as it shows your name and address and is dated recently.

A government benefits statement — such as a Social Security statement or unemployment notice — can serve as address proof if it's current. A tax return or W-2 from the most recent tax year works too. Some banks accept a phone bill, insurance statement, or vehicle registration. A few accept a letter from a government agency, employer, or landlord on official letterhead confirming your address, though you'll need to ask first.

What banks do not accept: a credit card statement, a pay stub alone (though some banks accept it paired with another document), a screenshot or email, or a document with a handwritten address. If you're homeless or living with someone else, tell the bank — many have procedures for this, such as accepting mail from a shelter or a letter from your host.

Social Security number and tax ID requirements

Banks report interest earned on savings accounts to the IRS using your Social Security number. If you have a Social Security number, the bank will ask for it. If you don't have one but are a U.S. resident, you may have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS. An ITIN works in place of a Social Security number for tax reporting purposes.

If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, some banks will still open an account for you, but they cannot report interest to the IRS. This is rare — most national banks require one or the other. Credit unions and community banks are more likely to work with people without a Social Security number. Online banks almost always require a Social Security number or ITIN. If you're in this situation, call the bank directly and ask whether they have an alternative process.

What happens if you don't have standard documents

If you don't have a driver's license or passport, bring whatever government-issued photo ID you have — a tribal ID, military ID, or state ID card. If you don't have any photo ID, ask the bank what they accept. Some will take a combination of documents, such as a birth certificate plus a school ID plus a recent bill. Others will turn you away and refer you to a credit union or community bank that has more flexible rules.

If you can't prove your address — because you're unhoused, staying temporarily with family, or your mail goes to a PO box — tell the bank upfront. Some accept a shelter address, a letter from a social service agency, or a statement from someone who can vouch for where you live. A few accept a PO box address for mail but require you to provide a physical address separately. The process varies by bank, so call ahead rather than showing up unprepared.

If you've had an account closed for overdraft abuse or fraud, ChexSystems will flag this. Some banks will still open an account for you; others will not. If you're denied, ask the bank whether you can reapply after a waiting period, or look for banks that specialize in second-chance accounts. These typically charge higher fees but don't check ChexSystems or check it less strictly.

Documents needed for business accounts

A business account requires everything a personal account does — your personal ID and address proof — plus documents about the business itself. For a sole proprietorship, you'll need your Social Security number and possibly a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate if you operate under a name other than your own. For an LLC or corporation, you'll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, articles of incorporation or organization, and a business license from your city or county.

For a partnership, bring articles of partnership and the Social Security numbers of all partners. For a nonprofit, bring your 501(c)(3) information letter from the IRS and bylaws. Some banks also ask for a business plan, proof of business address, or a resolution from the board authorizing the account. The exact list depends on the bank and the business structure. Call the bank's business banking department before you apply — they can tell you exactly what to bring.

Online account opening and digital document upload

Online banks ask for the same documents as in-person banks but verify them through your phone or computer. You'll photograph or scan your ID and address proof and upload them to the bank's website or app. The bank's system reads the document automatically and checks it against your application. This usually takes a few minutes, though some banks manually review documents and may take a day or two.

If the upload fails — because the photo is blurry, the document is expired, or the name doesn't match your application — the bank will email you and ask you to resubmit. Some online banks offer video verification, where you hold your ID up to your camera and a representative confirms it's you. This can speed up approval if the document upload is unclear.

Online banks are stricter about document requirements than some in-person banks because they can't ask follow-up questions face-to-face. If your address proof is dated just outside their window, or your ID is expired, they may reject it outright rather than making an exception. Read the bank's document requirements before you upload — most list them on their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired ID to open a bank account?

Most banks will not accept an expired ID, even if it's only a few months past expiration. Some banks make exceptions if the ID is recently expired and you can provide another form of identification. Call the bank first — don't waste time getting a new ID if they'll accept the expired one with a second document.

What if my address on my ID doesn't match my current address?

Bring your ID and a separate address proof document showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. The bank will use the ID for identity verification and the other document to confirm where you live now. You don't need to update your ID first.

Do I need to bring original documents or can I bring copies?

In-person banks usually want to see the original so they can verify it's real. Online banks accept digital photos or scans. If you're applying in person and only have a copy, call the bank first — some will accept a copy if you also bring the original later, or if you sign a statement saying the copy is accurate.

Can someone else open an account on my behalf?

No. Banks require the person whose name is on the account to be present in person or to verify their identity online. A parent or guardian can open an account for a minor, but the minor's ID and address proof are still required. You cannot open an account for an adult who is not present.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

Some banks will open an account without a Social Security number if you have an ITIN. If you have neither, credit unions and community banks are more likely to work with you than national banks. Call ahead to ask — don't assume you'll be turned away without checking first.