What Documents You Need to Open a Bank Account

The documents banks actually ask for

Most banks need two things to open an account: proof of who you are and proof of where you live. The first is almost always a government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The second is usually a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and current address on it. Some banks will accept a bank statement from another institution instead.

Beyond those two, requirements shift depending on the bank, the type of account, and whether you already have a relationship with them. A checking account at a large national bank typically needs less documentation than a business account or a savings account with special features. If you're opening an account online rather than in person, the bank may ask for additional verification—sometimes a photo of your ID, sometimes a video call.

The bank will also run a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which are consumer reporting agencies that track banking history. This is not something you provide documents for; the bank does it on their own. If you've had accounts closed for fraud or unpaid overdrafts, this check may flag you, and the bank may decline to open the account.

Key Takeaways

• You will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement).
• Banks run a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services automatically; you do not provide documents for this, but a history of fraud or unpaid overdrafts may result in denial.
• Online account openings often require a photo of your ID and sometimes a video call to verify your identity.
• Business accounts, joint accounts, and accounts for minors require additional documents such as an EIN, Social Security numbers for all owners, or parental consent.
• If you do not have a traditional address, some banks accept mail forwarding addresses or letters from shelters; call ahead to confirm what they will take.

Proof of identity: what counts

A government-issued photo ID is the standard. In the United States, this means a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. Some banks also accept a passport card, military ID, or tribal ID. The ID must not be expired, though banks vary on how recently it expired—some accept IDs expired within the last year, others require current IDs only. Ask the bank before you go in.

If you do not have a photo ID, the path gets harder. Some banks will accept a combination of documents instead: a Social Security card plus a birth certificate plus a utility bill, for example. Others will not. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large national banks on this point. If you are in this situation, call the bank or credit union first and ask what non-photo alternatives they accept.

The ID must match the name you are using to open the account. If you have recently changed your name, bring both your old ID and a document showing the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The bank will need to see both to confirm the connection.

Proof of address: documents that work

A recent utility bill is the most common proof of address. "Recent" usually means within the last 60 days, though some banks accept up to 90 days. The bill must show your name and your current street address. Electric, gas, water, internet, and phone bills all count. Cell phone bills typically do not, because they often show a billing address that is not your home address.

A lease or mortgage statement works just as well. If you rent, bring a signed lease with your name and current address. If you own, bring a recent mortgage statement. Both must be current—usually within the last 60 days.

A bank statement from another bank or credit union also counts as proof of address. It must show your name and address and be recent. Some banks will accept a government document with your address on it, such as a voter registration card or vehicle registration, though these are less common as primary proof.

If you do not have a permanent address, options narrow but do not close entirely. Some banks accept a letter from a shelter, transitional housing program, or social services agency on their letterhead, stating your name and that you are currently residing there. A few banks accept a mail forwarding address from the post office. Call ahead—do not assume the bank will take these, but do not assume they will not either.

Special documents for joint accounts

If you are opening an account with another person, the bank needs proof of identity and address for both of you. Each person brings their own government ID and proof of address. The bank will run a background check on both account holders.

Some banks also require that both people be present in person to sign the account agreement. Others allow one person to open the account and add the second person later, though this varies. Ask the bank whether both owners must be present or whether one can open it and authorize the other afterward.

Documents for business accounts

A business account requires more paperwork than a personal account. You will need proof of your identity as before, but you will also need documents that prove the business exists and that you have authority to open an account on its behalf.

For a sole proprietorship, bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of address. Some banks also ask for a business license or a DBA (doing business as) certificate if you are operating under a name other than your own.

For an LLC or corporation, bring the articles of organization or incorporation, a business license, and an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS. The bank will also ask for a resolution or authorization document showing that you are authorized to open the account. This is usually a board resolution for a corporation or a member authorization for an LLC. If you do not have this document, the bank can sometimes provide a template for you to sign.

For a partnership, bring the partnership agreement, proof of identity for all partners, and an EIN. Some banks require all partners to be present; others do not.

Documents for accounts for minors

If you are opening an account for a child under 18, the bank needs proof of the child's identity and Social Security number, plus proof of the parent's or guardian's identity and address. Some banks accept a birth certificate as proof of the child's identity; others require a Social Security card or a state ID.

The parent or guardian must be present to sign the account agreement. Some banks allow the account to be in the child's name alone with the parent as a custodian; others require the parent's name on the account as well. Ask the bank which structure they use.

What happens after you submit documents

Once you hand over your documents, the bank makes copies and runs the background check. This usually takes a few minutes in person or a few hours online. If everything clears, the account opens the same day or within one business day.

If the background check flags something—a history of fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or a match to a name on a sanctions list—the bank may deny the account or ask for more information. If this happens, you have the right to ask why. The bank must tell you whether the denial came from the background check or from another reason. If it came from ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, you can contact those agencies directly to see what they have on file and dispute inaccuracies.

Once the account is open, keep your documents safe. You may need them later if the bank asks you to verify your identity again, which can happen if you have not used the account in a long time or if there is suspicious activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account with an expired ID?

It depends on the bank. Some accept IDs expired within the last year; others require a current ID only. Call the bank before you go in. If your ID is expired and the bank will not take it, you can renew it at your state's DMV or apply for a passport at a post office or passport acceptance facility.

What if I do not have a permanent address?

Some banks accept a letter from a shelter or social services agency on their letterhead, or a mail forwarding address from the post office. Call the bank first to ask what they will take. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large national banks on this point.

Do I need to bring original documents or can I bring copies?

Bring originals. The bank needs to see the original to verify it is real and to make a copy for their records. Do not send originals by mail unless the bank specifically asks you to.

What if my name on my ID does not match the name I want to use for the account?

Bring both your old ID and a document showing the name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The bank will need to see both to confirm the connection and will likely update their records to show both names.

How long does it take to open an account after I submit my documents?

In person, usually the same day. Online, usually within one business day. The bank runs a background check, which takes a few minutes to a few hours. If the check flags something, the bank may contact you for more information, which can add a few days.