The documents you need depend on the bank and the account type, but most require an ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number

Every bank has its own list, but the core set is almost always the same: a government-issued photo ID, something showing your current address, and your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Some banks add a second form of ID or ask for employment information. A few will let you open an account online with just your ID and SSN. Others require you to walk in with originals.

The reason banks ask for these things is federal law. The Bank Secrecy Act requires banks to verify who you are and where you live before they open an account. They also report large deposits to the government. This is not optional, and no bank will skip it, though the exact paperwork varies.

What you bring matters. A photocopy of your ID is usually not enough—most banks want to see the original. A utility bill works for address proof at most banks, but a lease, mortgage statement, or government mail also counts. If you do not have a Social Security number, an ITIN (issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but are not citizens) works at many banks, though some will not accept it.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring an original government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) to every bank account opening, whether in person or online.
  • Proof of address must be recent (usually within 30 days) and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address.
  • Your Social Security number is required by federal law; if you do not have one, ask the bank whether it accepts an ITIN before you go in.
  • Some banks ask for a second form of ID, employment information, or a minimum opening deposit; call ahead to know what to bring.
  • Online account openings usually need fewer documents but still require your ID number and proof of address, often uploaded as photos.

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

A driver's license or state ID card is the standard. A U.S. passport works. A passport card works. A military ID works. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe works at most banks. What does not work: a school ID, a work badge, a library card, or an expired ID. The ID must be current and show your photo, name, and date of birth.

If you do not have a driver's license or passport, a state ID card is the easiest to get. You apply at your state's DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles), bring proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of address. The cost varies by state—usually between $10 and $30—and processing takes one to three weeks. Some states offer expedited service for a higher fee.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, a passport from your home country works at most banks, though some will not accept it. Ask the bank before you apply. If you have a visa or green card, bring that too—it strengthens your application. If you have an ITIN but no passport, call the bank first; some will work with you, others will not.

Proof of address: documents that work

The bank needs to see that you actually live where you say you do. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) dated within the last 30 days is the most common proof. A lease or rental agreement works. A mortgage statement works. A property tax bill works. Government mail—a tax return, a notice from Social Security, a voter registration card, a court document—works. Some banks accept a bank statement from another bank.

The document must show your name and current address. If you just moved and the utility bill is still in the old address, bring a lease or a forwarding address confirmation from the post office. If you live with family and the bill is in their name, ask the bank whether it accepts a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, confirming you live there. Some banks will; others will not.

If you are homeless or living in a shelter, call the bank and ask what they accept. Some banks will take a letter from a shelter or social services agency on letterhead, signed and dated. Others will not. A few banks have programs specifically for people without a fixed address; asking directly is faster than guessing.

Social Security number or ITIN

Your Social Security number is a nine-digit identifier issued by the Social Security Administration. If you were born in the U.S. or have worked legally in the U.S., you have one. You do not need to bring the card itself—you just need to know the number. The bank will verify it against Social Security Administration records.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you may have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). The IRS issues ITINs to people who file taxes but are not may be able to access for a Social Security number—typically immigrants without work authorization. An ITIN is nine digits and looks like a Social Security number. Many banks accept it; some do not. Call the bank before you go in and ask whether they open accounts for people with an ITIN. If they say no, ask whether they know of banks in your area that do.

If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, you cannot open a bank account at a traditional bank. Some credit unions and community banks have different rules; call ahead. A few banks offer accounts for people without a Social Security number if you bring a passport and proof of address, but this is rare.

What to bring in person versus online

If you open an account in a branch, bring originals of everything: your ID, your proof of address, and be ready to write down your Social Security number or ITIN. The bank employee will look at the originals, make copies, and file them. The whole process takes 10 to 20 minutes.

If you open an account online, you will upload photos of your ID and proof of address. You will type in your Social Security number or ITIN. Some banks use video verification—you show your ID to a camera and answer questions to prove you are who you say you are. Others use a third-party verification service that checks your information against databases. The process takes 5 to 15 minutes, and you usually get approved or denied within a few hours or by the next business day.

Online opening is faster, but not all banks offer it. Smaller banks and credit unions often require you to come in. If the bank's website does not say you can open online, call and ask. If they say you must come in, ask whether you can start the process online and finish it in the branch—some banks let you do this.

Additional documents some banks ask for

A few banks ask for a second form of ID. This might be a passport if your first ID was a driver's license, or a utility bill if your first ID was a passport. They are trying to cross-check your identity. If the bank asks for a second ID and you do not have one, ask whether a notarized statement from someone who knows you will work instead. Some banks will accept it; others will not.

Some banks ask for proof of employment or income—a recent pay stub, a letter from your employer, or a tax return. This is more common if you are opening a business account or a high-yield savings account. If you are unemployed, retired, or self-employed, ask the bank what they need. Many will open an account without proof of income; others will not. If they will not, try a different bank or a credit union.

A few banks require a minimum opening deposit—often $25 to $100. This is less common than it used to be, but it still happens. The bank's website usually says whether there is a minimum. If it does not say, call and ask before you go in.

What happens if you do not have all the documents

If you are missing one piece, call the bank before you go in. Do not show up and hope they will work with you. Banks have strict rules, and a teller cannot bend them. If you do not have a photo ID, ask whether the bank will accept a combination of other documents—a passport card plus a utility bill, for example. If you do not have proof of address, ask whether a notarized letter or a lease will work. If you do not have a Social Security number, ask whether an ITIN is acceptable.

If the bank says no to everything you have, try a different bank or a credit union. Credit unions sometimes have more flexible rules, especially if you are a member of the community they serve. Community banks are also more likely to work with you if you are missing a standard document. Call three or four places before you give up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport card instead of a driver's license?

Yes. A passport card is a government-issued photo ID and works at every bank. It has your photo, name, and date of birth, which is all the bank needs. If you do not have a driver's license, a passport card is a good alternative.

What if my address on my ID is old?

Bring a separate proof of address document with your current address—a utility bill, lease, or recent government mail. The bank will use the ID to verify who you are and the other document to verify where you live now. You do not need to update your ID first.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. You just need to know your Social Security number. The bank will verify it against Social Security Administration records. Bringing the card is optional, but it does not hurt.

Can someone else open an account for me?

No. You must be present in person or online. The bank needs to verify your identity directly. A parent, spouse, or guardian cannot open an account in your name, though they can help you prepare your documents and go with you to the branch.

What if I do not have a current utility bill for proof of address?

A lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail (tax return, court document, voter registration card) all work. If none of those are available, ask the bank whether a notarized letter from someone whose name is on a utility bill will work—some banks accept this.