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

Every bank will ask for at least one form of government-issued photo ID to confirm who you are. Most also want proof that you live where you say you do. Beyond that, requirements shift: some banks ask for a Social Security number or tax ID, others want your employment information, and a few will ask about your citizenship status. The fastest way to know exactly what your bank wants is to call their customer service line or visit a branch in person — they can tell you in five minutes whether you have what you need or whether you are missing something.

If you do not have a photo ID, do not have a current address, or do not have a Social Security number, you still have options. Some banks will work with alternative documents, and some credit unions have different rules. The sections below cover what each document is for and what to do if you do not have one.

Key Takeaways

  • A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) is required by every bank to open an account.
  • Proof of address — usually a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement — is required by most banks and must show your current street address.
  • A Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is required by most banks for tax reporting, but some banks will open accounts without one.
  • If you lack a photo ID or proof of address, credit unions and online banks often have more flexible options than traditional banks.
  • Bring originals or certified copies to a branch; do not rely on photos or digital copies unless the bank explicitly says they will accept them.

Government-issued photo ID: what counts and what does not

A government-issued photo ID is a document with your photograph, your name, and an expiration date, issued by a federal, state, or local government agency. A driver's license, state ID card, or U.S. passport all work. A military ID works. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe works. A passport card works. An expired ID is usually acceptable as long as it is not more than a few years past expiration — call the bank to ask.

A school ID, work badge, library card, or credit card does not count, even if it has your photo. A birth certificate does not count. A Social Security card does not count. If you do not have a photo ID, you can get a state ID card from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency — you do not need a driver's license. The process usually takes a few weeks and costs between $10 and $30, depending on your state.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a U.S. passport, a foreign passport works. Some banks will also accept a visa, an employment authorization document (EAD), or a permanent resident card (green card) in place of a photo ID. Ask the bank before you go in.

Proof of address: recent documents that show where you live

A proof of address is a recent document that shows your name and your current street address. The document must usually be dated within the last 30 to 90 days — banks vary on this. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone) works. A lease or rental agreement works. A mortgage statement works. A bank or credit card statement works. A government letter (tax return, voter registration, or benefits notice) works. An insurance policy works.

A PO box address does not work — the bank needs a street address. A document with only your name and no address does not work. A document with an address but no name does not work. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them saying you live there, plus the bill. Some banks will accept this; others will not. Call ahead to ask.

If you do not have a recent document in your name, you have a few options. You can ask a utility company to send you a paper bill instead of an email, which usually takes one or two billing cycles. You can ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your address and move-in date. You can open a mail account at a UPS Store or similar service and use that address temporarily, though many banks now reject PO boxes and mailbox services. Some banks will accept a lease or a notarized letter from a family member instead of a utility bill — ask first.

Social Security number or tax ID

Most banks require a Social Security number (SSN) or a tax identification number to open an account. They use this for tax reporting and to check your banking history. If you have a Social Security number, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it (a tax return, a W-2, or a benefits letter).

If you do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS. An ITIN is a nine-digit number for people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security number but need to file taxes or open a bank account. You apply for an ITIN by filing Form W-7 with the IRS; the process takes four to six weeks. Some banks will open an account with an ITIN instead of an SSN.

A small number of banks will open an account without an SSN or ITIN if you have a photo ID and proof of address. These are usually smaller banks or credit unions. If you need an account and do not have an SSN or ITIN yet, call banks in your area and ask which ones will work with you. Online banks are less likely to have this flexibility than brick-and-mortar banks.

Employment information and income verification

Some banks ask for your employer's name and your job title. This is optional at most banks — you can leave it blank or say you are unemployed. A few banks ask for proof of income, usually a recent pay stub or a tax return. This is more common at banks that offer loans or credit products alongside checking accounts.

If a bank asks for income verification and you do not have a pay stub, you can bring a tax return from the last year, a letter from your employer on company letterhead, or a benefits statement if you receive unemployment, disability, or Social Security. If you are self-employed, a tax return or a bank statement showing regular deposits works. If you do not have any of these, ask the bank whether income verification is required or optional — many will open a basic checking account without it.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Bring originals or certified copies of your documents. Do not bring photocopies unless the bank tells you in advance that photocopies are acceptable. Some banks will scan your documents on the spot; others will ask you to leave them. Ask whether you will get them back the same day.

Do not bring more documents than the bank asks for. Bringing extra documents does not speed up the process and can confuse things. If the bank asks for a photo ID and proof of address, bring exactly those two things. If they ask for a Social Security number, bring your Social Security card or a document showing it — do not bring your entire tax file.

If you are opening an account online, the bank will tell you how to submit documents — usually by uploading a photo or a scan. Make sure the image is clear, shows the entire document, and is in focus. If the bank cannot read it, they will ask you to resubmit.

If you do not have standard documents

If you do not have a photo ID, start by getting a state ID card from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. This is the fastest path and works at every bank. If you cannot get to the DMV, some credit unions will open an account with alternative documents like a passport, a tribal ID, or a letter from a social service agency confirming your identity.

If you do not have proof of address, ask your landlord or a family member for a signed letter. Some banks will accept this. If that does not work, you can ask a utility company to issue a paper bill in your name, which usually takes one or two billing cycles. Online banks sometimes have more flexible address requirements than traditional banks — worth checking if a local bank turns you down.

If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, apply for an ITIN through the IRS using Form W-7. This takes four to six weeks. In the meantime, call credit unions and smaller banks in your area — some will open an account without an SSN or ITIN if you have a photo ID and proof of address. Online banks are less likely to have this flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account with an expired ID?

Most banks will accept an expired photo ID as long as it expired within the last few years and is still recognizable. Call the bank first to confirm. If your ID expired more than five years ago, get a new one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you go in.

What if my address on my ID does not match my current address?

Bring both your ID and a proof of address document showing your current address. The bank will use the ID to confirm who you are and the proof of address to confirm where you live now. You do not need to update your ID first.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I just tell them the number?

Most banks will accept the number if you know it, but bringing your Social Security card or a document showing it (like a tax return or W-2) is faster and reduces errors. If you do not have the card, bring a document that shows the number.

Can I open an account without a proof of address if I just moved?

If you moved recently and do not have a utility bill or lease in your new address yet, bring a signed letter from your landlord or a family member confirming your address and move-in date. Some banks will accept this. If not, ask whether you can provide proof of address later — some banks will open the account and let you add it within 30 days.

What if I do not have any of these documents?

Start by getting a state ID card from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles — this is the one document every bank requires. While you wait for that, contact credit unions in your area; some have more flexible requirements. If you need an account urgently, ask whether the bank will open a temporary account with just a photo ID and let you add proof of address later.