The documents you'll need depend on the bank and the type of account, but most require proof of identity and proof of address

Every bank has its own document requirements, but they all want the same core things: proof that you are who you say you are, proof of where you live, and your Social Security number or tax ID. Some banks ask for more—proof of income, employment verification, or a reference from another bank. The fastest way to know exactly what your bank needs is to call their account-opening line or visit a branch with your ID in hand. They can tell you on the spot whether you need anything else.

The documents listed here are the ones most banks accept. A few banks are stricter or more lenient, and some have different rules for different account types. If you're opening an account online, the bank will usually tell you which documents to upload before you start. If you're going in person, bring originals or certified copies—banks rarely accept photos or scans of sensitive documents in branch.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) is required by every bank to prove your identity.
  • Proof of address must be recent—usually dated within the last 60 to 90 days—and can be a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement.
  • Your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is mandatory for tax reporting and fraud prevention.
  • Some banks ask for proof of income or employment, especially for accounts with higher deposit limits or overdraft protection.
  • If you don't have a traditional address, a bank statement, government mail, or a letter from a shelter or social service agency can serve as proof of residence.

Government-issued photo ID

A valid government-issued photo ID is the foundation of account opening. Banks use it to confirm your legal name, date of birth, and that you are a real person. The most common forms are a driver's license, state ID card, or U.S. passport. Some banks also accept a passport card, military ID, or tribal ID. The ID must be current—expired IDs are usually rejected, though some banks allow them if they expired recently.

If you don't have a driver's license or state ID, a U.S. passport works at every bank. If you don't have any of these, you may still open an account, but the process is slower. You'll likely need to provide additional documents—such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, or letter from a government agency—to prove your identity. Call the bank first to ask what they'll accept before you make a trip.

Proof of address

Banks must verify where you live for regulatory reasons and to prevent fraud. The document must show your name and current address, and most banks require it to be dated within the last 60 to 90 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, or mortgage statement all work. So do property tax statements, homeowner's insurance documents, and bank or credit card statements from another institution.

If you receive government mail at your address, that counts too—Social Security statements, tax documents, or letters from a government agency. If you don't have mail in your name, ask the utility company to send you a bill, or use a recent lease or rental agreement. Some banks accept a notarized letter from a landlord or property manager confirming your residence, though this is less common.

If you're homeless or living in temporary housing, bring what you have: a shelter letter, a letter from a social service agency, or a recent bank statement from another bank that shows your current address or a mailing address you use. Not all banks accept these, so call ahead. Some credit unions and community banks are more flexible than national chains.

Social Security number or tax ID

Banks must report account activity to the IRS and use your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to do so. You'll provide this number on the account application form—you don't need to bring a physical Social Security card, though some banks ask to see it. If you don't have an SSN, an ITIN (issued by the IRS to non-citizens who file taxes) works instead.

If you don't have either, you cannot open a standard bank account. Some banks offer "second chance" or "starter" accounts for people rebuilding credit or without an SSN, but these are rare and often come with higher fees. Your best option is to apply for an ITIN through the IRS if you're a non-citizen, or to contact your local Social Security office if you're a citizen and don't have an SSN yet.

Proof of income or employment (sometimes required)

Not all banks ask for this, but many do if you're opening an account with overdraft protection, a high deposit limit, or a premium checking account. Common proof-of-income documents include a recent pay stub (usually from the last 30 days), a letter from your employer on company letterhead, or a tax return from the past year. If you're self-employed, a business license, tax return, or profit-and-loss statement may work.

If you're retired, unemployed, or receive income from benefits, bring documentation of that instead: a Social Security statement, pension letter, unemployment benefits statement, or disability award letter. If the bank asks and you can't provide proof of income, ask whether it's required to open the account or only for certain features. Some banks will open a basic checking account without it but require it later if you want overdraft protection.

Additional documents for joint accounts or special situations

If you're opening a joint account, both account holders must bring their own ID and proof of address. Some banks require both people to be present in person; others allow one person to apply online and add the second person later. Ask the bank which approach they use before you both show up.

If you're opening an account for a minor, you'll need the child's birth certificate or Social Security card, your ID and proof of address, and proof that you have legal authority (usually a birth certificate showing you as the parent, or custody papers if you're a guardian). If you're opening an account as a power of attorney or on behalf of someone else, bring the legal document that grants you that authority.

If you're a non-citizen, bring your passport and, if you have one, your visa or green card. If you're applying for an ITIN, bring a letter from the IRS showing your application is pending. Some banks will open an account while your ITIN application is in process; others will wait until it's issued.

What to bring in person versus online

If you're opening an account in a branch, bring originals of everything. Banks will photocopy or scan documents on site. If you're opening online, the bank will ask you to upload photos or scans of your ID and proof of address. Make sure the images are clear—the bank will reject blurry photos or documents where key information is cut off. Some banks also ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions or confirming recent transactions on another account.

If the bank can't verify your documents online, they may ask you to visit a branch in person, mail in certified copies, or use a video call with a bank representative. This can add a week or more to the process, so if you're opening online and the upload fails, calling the bank to ask what they need next is faster than waiting for an email.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account with an expired ID?

Most banks reject expired IDs, but some allow them if they expired within the last year or two. Call the bank and ask before you go in. If your ID is expired and the bank won't accept it, you can apply for a replacement at your state's DMV or get a passport from the State Department—both take a few weeks.

What if I don't have proof of address in my name?

Bring what you have: a lease, utility bill, or bank statement from another account. If nothing is in your name, ask a utility company to send you a bill, use a notarized letter from your landlord, or bring a recent government letter (tax form, Social Security statement, or benefits award letter). Call the bank first to confirm they'll accept it.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. You only need to provide your Social Security number on the application form. The bank may ask to see the card to verify the number, but it's not required. If you don't have a card, you can still provide your number verbally or in writing.

Can someone else open an account for me?

No. You must be present in person or verify your identity online. If you're unable to visit a branch, most banks allow you to open an account online using your ID and proof of address. If you need someone to manage the account on your behalf, you can add them as an authorized user or power of attorney after the account is open.

What documents do I need if I'm opening a joint account?

Both account holders need to bring their own government-issued photo ID and proof of address. Some banks require both people to be present; others allow one person to open the account online and add the second person later. Ask the bank which method they use before you apply.