You need a government ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN

Most banks require three things before they will open an account: a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), a document showing your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and either a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Some banks will also ask for your date of birth and employment information, though employment is not always required.

The exact documents vary by bank and by the type of account you are opening. A checking account usually needs less documentation than a savings account with a debit card. Online banks often have different requirements than brick-and-mortar branches. A few banks will open accounts without an SSN or ITIN if you have a passport and can verify your address, but most will not.

If you do not have a government ID yet, you will need to get one before you can open most accounts. Some credit unions and community banks are more flexible, but they are the exception. Plan for this step to take time — state ID offices have their own hours and processing times.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a government photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open an account at nearly every bank.
  • Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement — it must show your name and current address and usually be dated within 60 days.
  • If you do not have a government ID, you will need to obtain one before opening a bank account; most banks will not open accounts without one.
  • Online banks often ask for the same documents but may let you upload photos or verify information by phone instead of visiting a branch in person.
  • Some credit unions and community banks have looser requirements and may open accounts with a passport alone or without an SSN if you have other forms of ID.

Government-issued photo ID requirements

Your ID must be current and not expired. A driver's license is the most common form of ID banks accept. A U.S. passport, passport card, or state-issued ID card also work. A tribal ID is accepted at some banks but not all — call ahead if that is your only form of ID.

If your ID is expired, most banks will still accept it as long as it expired recently (within the last year or two). Some banks are stricter and will not accept any expired ID. A few will accept an expired ID if you bring a second form of ID with your photo on it, such as a work badge or school ID, though these are not standard requirements.

If you do not have a photo ID, you will need to get one before you can open an account. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or Secretary of State office issues driver's licenses and state ID cards. You can also apply for a U.S. passport through your local post office or passport acceptance facility. Both processes require proof of citizenship or legal residency and take several weeks.

Proof of address and what documents work

Banks need to confirm where you live. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days is the most straightforward proof. A lease agreement or rental agreement also works, even if it is older than 60 days, as long as it is still your current address. A recent bank or credit card statement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill will also work.

The document must show your full name and your current address. A piece of mail addressed to you at your current address is not enough by itself — it needs to be an official document. A phone bill, insurance statement, or government notice (like a tax form or voter registration card) can work if it shows your name and address.

If you recently moved and do not have a document dated after your move, bring your lease or rental agreement along with a utility bill from your old address. Some banks will accept this combination. If you live with someone else and the utilities are in their name, ask if you can bring a statement showing both names, or bring a lease that lists you as a resident.

Social Security number or ITIN

Banks are required by federal law to collect your Social Security number or ITIN for tax reporting and fraud prevention. If you have a Social Security number, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it (like a tax return or W-2). You do not need to bring the physical card — you can simply tell the bank your number and they will verify it.

If you do not have a Social Security number but are authorized to work in the United States, you can get an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) from the IRS. The process takes several weeks and requires Form W-7 plus proof of identity and residency. You can file by mail or in person at an IRS office or authorized acceptance agent.

If you do not have an SSN or ITIN and cannot get one, a very small number of banks and credit unions will open accounts without one. These are rare and usually require additional documentation, such as a passport and proof of legal residency. Call ahead to ask — do not assume a bank will do this.

What online banks ask for instead

Online banks typically ask for the same documents but let you provide them differently. Instead of visiting a branch, you upload photos of your ID and proof of address through their website or app. Some online banks will verify your identity by asking security questions based on your credit history or public records.

A few online banks use video verification: you take a photo of your ID and a selfie, and a person or automated system confirms that the ID matches your face. This can take a few minutes or up to 24 hours depending on the bank. Some online banks also verify your address by sending a code to your address by mail, which you then enter into the app — this adds a week or two to the process.

Online banks still require a Social Security number or ITIN. They will ask for it during the application process and verify it against IRS records. If you do not have one, most online banks will not open an account for you.

Additional information banks may request

Beyond the core three items, banks often ask for your date of birth, phone number, and email address. These are standard and required. Some banks ask whether you are employed and what your occupation is. This is optional information — you can decline to answer — but some banks use it to assess risk or to offer you products like payroll direct deposit.

If you are opening a joint account, the other person will need to bring the same documents: their own ID, proof of their address, and their Social Security number or ITIN. Both people usually need to be present in person, though some online banks allow one person to open the account and add the other person later.

If you are opening an account for a minor (someone under 18), a parent or guardian must be present and bring their own ID and proof of address. The minor may or may not need their own ID depending on the bank — some accept a school ID or birth certificate instead.

What to bring if you do not have standard documents

If you do not have a utility bill or lease, other documents can work as proof of address. A bank statement from another bank, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a government notice (voter registration, tax form, or court document) showing your name and address will work at most banks. An insurance statement (auto, home, or renters) also works.

If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, some banks and credit unions will open accounts using a shelter address, a mail forwarding service address, or a trusted contact's address (with their permission). Call ahead and explain your situation — do not assume you will be turned away. Community banks and credit unions are often more flexible than large national banks.

If you do not have a government photo ID and cannot get one quickly, bring multiple forms of ID that together show your identity and address. A school ID plus a utility bill, or a work badge plus a lease, may be accepted at some banks. Again, call ahead — requirements vary widely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?

Most banks will not open an account without an SSN or ITIN because federal law requires them to collect this information. A small number of credit unions and community banks may open accounts for people with a passport and proof of address, but these are rare. Contact your local credit union or community bank to ask — do not assume a national bank will do this.

What if my ID is expired?

Many banks will accept an expired ID if it expired recently, usually within one to two years. Some banks are stricter and will not accept any expired ID. Call the bank before you go in, or bring a second form of ID with your photo on it as backup, such as a work badge or school ID.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. You can simply tell the bank your Social Security number and they will verify it. You do not need to bring the physical card. If you do not know your number, you can look it up on a tax return, W-2, or other IRS document.

Can someone else open an account for me?

No. You must be present in person at a bank branch, or you must complete the application yourself online. Banks cannot open accounts for someone else without that person's consent and identity verification. If you are unable to visit a branch, use an online bank instead.

What if I just moved and do not have a new utility bill yet?

Bring your lease or rental agreement showing your new address, along with a utility bill or other document from your old address. Most banks will accept this combination. If you do not have a lease, ask your landlord for a signed letter confirming your address and move-in date.