The Documents Banks Actually Ask For
Most banks require two things to open an account: proof of who you are and proof of where you live. The specific documents vary by bank and account type, but the pattern is consistent. You will bring a government-issued ID to verify your identity, and a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement to verify your address. Some banks also ask for a Social Security number or tax ID, which they use to report account activity to the IRS and check your banking history.
The reason banks ask for these documents is not arbitrary. Federal law requires banks to verify customer identity as part of anti-money-laundering compliance. This is called Know Your Customer (KYC) verification. When you hand over these documents, the bank checks them against government databases and its own records to confirm you are who you say you are and that you live where you claim to live.
If you are opening an account online or by mail, you may be asked to upload photos of your documents instead of showing originals in person. Some banks will also accept a video call where you hold up your ID to the camera. The process takes a few minutes, and the bank typically confirms your identity within one business day.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) to prove your identity at any bank.
- A recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement showing your current address is required by most banks to verify where you live.
- Your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is usually required so the bank can report account activity to the IRS.
- If you do not have a traditional address, a bank statement, government mail, or a letter from a shelter or social service agency can sometimes substitute for a utility bill.
- Online and mobile banks often accept photos or video verification of documents instead of in-person presentation.
Proof of Identity: What Banks Accept
A government-issued photo ID is the standard. This means a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or passport card. Some banks also accept a military ID or tribal ID. The ID must not be expired, though banks vary on how long past expiration they will tolerate—some accept IDs expired within the last year, others do not. Call the bank before you go in if your ID is expired.
If you do not have a driver's license or passport, a state ID card is the easiest alternative. You can get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles even if you do not drive. The process usually takes a few weeks and costs between $10 and $30 depending on your state. If you are in a hurry, some banks will accept a passport card, which is smaller and faster to obtain than a full passport.
Passports and passport cards are issued by the U.S. State Department. A passport card costs around $130 and takes four to six weeks to arrive by mail, or you can pay extra for expedited processing. If you already have a passport, you do not need anything else for identity verification—a passport alone is sufficient.
Proof of Address: Documents That Work
Banks need to see that you actually live where you say you do. A utility bill is the most common proof. This can be an electric, gas, water, internet, or phone bill. It must show your name and current address, and it should be dated within the last 60 to 90 days—banks vary on how recent they require it to be. If you have a recent bill, bring it.
A lease agreement or mortgage statement also works. These documents show your name, address, and the fact that you have a legal right to live there. A lease must be signed and current (not expired). A mortgage statement should be recent—within the last three months. If you own your home outright and have no mortgage, a property tax bill or homeowner's insurance statement will do.
If you rent month-to-month and do not have a formal lease, or if you live with family and are not on the lease, you have other options. A government-issued mail addressed to you at your current address works—this can be a tax return, voter registration card, or letter from a government agency. Some banks also accept a bank or credit card statement from another financial institution, as long as it shows your name and address and is recent.
If you are unhoused or do not have a permanent address, tell the bank. Many banks will accept a letter from a homeless shelter, transitional housing program, or social service agency on official letterhead stating that you reside there. Some will also accept mail from a trusted person—a family member, employer, or social worker—who can vouch for your address. Call ahead to ask what the bank will accept in your situation.
Tax ID and Social Security Number
Banks are required by federal law to collect a Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) when you open an account. They use this number to report account activity to the IRS and to check your banking history through ChexSystems, a database that tracks account closures and fraud. If you have a Social Security number, bring it or be ready to recite it.
If you do not have a Social Security number but are a U.S. resident, you may have an ITIN. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who need to file taxes but do not have a Social Security number—typically immigrants without work authorization. If you have an ITIN, bring it or have it ready. The bank will ask for the number itself, not a physical card.
If you do not have either an SSN or ITIN, some banks will still open an account, but they will ask additional questions about your immigration status and residency. The rules vary by bank and by state. Call the bank's customer service line before you visit to ask whether they can open an account without an SSN or ITIN, and what documents they will need instead.
Documents for Joint Accounts and Minors
If you are opening a joint account with another person, both account holders must provide proof of identity and address. Each person brings their own government-issued ID and address verification. The bank will verify both people before the account is opened.
If you are opening an account for a minor (someone under 18), the rules depend on the bank and the type of account. Some banks allow minors to have their own accounts with a parent or guardian as a co-owner. Others require the parent or guardian to be the primary account holder. In either case, the minor will need to provide a birth certificate or passport, and the parent or guardian will provide their own ID and address proof. Call the bank to ask what they require for a minor's account before you visit.
What to Bring: A Checklist
| Document Type | What It Proves | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Government-issued photo ID | Your identity | Driver's license, state ID card, passport, passport card, military ID |
| Address verification | Where you live | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, government mail |
| Tax ID | Your Social Security number or ITIN | Social Security card (optional to bring; you can recite the number), ITIN documentation |
| For minors | Age and identity | Birth certificate, passport, school ID |
Before you go to the bank, call or check the bank's website to confirm what documents they need. Requirements can vary between branches and between account types. If you are opening an account online, the bank will tell you exactly which documents to photograph or upload. Bring originals if you are going in person; banks do not usually accept photocopies of ID.
What Happens If You Do Not Have These Documents
If you do not have a government-issued ID, you will need to get one before most banks will open an account for you. The fastest option is usually a state ID card from your local Department of Motor Vehicles. If you cannot get to the DMV, some banks will work with you on a case-by-case basis—call and explain your situation. A few online banks or credit unions may have different rules, so it is worth asking.
If you do not have proof of address, the bank has more flexibility. As described above, government mail, bank statements, letters from employers or social agencies, and even mail from a trusted person can work. If you have none of these, ask the bank what alternative documents they will accept. Some will open an account with just an ID and a phone number, then send you a statement by mail to verify your address later.
If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, call the bank before you visit. Some banks will open an account without one, though they may ask more questions or limit what you can do with the account. Others will not. Knowing this in advance saves you a wasted trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account with an expired ID?
Some banks will accept an ID expired within the last year; others will not. Call the bank before you visit. If your ID is expired, getting a new one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles is usually faster than waiting for a passport.
What if I do not have a utility bill or lease?
Government mail (tax return, voter card, agency letter), bank statements from another bank, property tax bills, and letters from employers or social agencies all work. If you are unhoused, a letter from a shelter or social service agency on official letterhead is usually accepted. Call the bank to ask what they will take in your situation.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card?
No. You can recite your Social Security number or ITIN to the bank employee. The card itself is not required. If you do not have a number, tell the bank when you call to ask whether they can open an account without one.
Can someone else open a bank account for me?
No. You must be present (in person or by video) to open an account. The bank needs to verify your identity directly. A parent or guardian can open an account for a minor, but the minor's identity must still be verified.
How long does it take to open an account once I have my documents?
In person, it usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Online, the bank typically confirms your identity within one business day and the account is ready to use. Some banks send a debit card by mail, which takes three to seven business days to arrive.