What Documents You Need to Open a Bank Account

The documents banks actually require

Most banks need two things to open an account: proof of identity and proof of address. A driver's license or passport covers identity. For address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail—something dated within the last 60 days with your name and current address on it. Some banks accept a bank statement from another institution instead.

If you don't have a driver's license, a state ID card, passport, or passport card works. A few banks accept a tribal ID or military ID. The point is that the bank needs to verify who you are and confirm you live where you say you do. That's it for a basic checking or savings account.

Bring the originals, not copies. The bank employee will look at them, sometimes scan them, and hand them back. You walk out with your documents and your new account number.

Key Takeaways

• You need one photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID) and one proof of address dated within the last 60 days (utility bill, lease, or government mail).
• Bring originals, not copies—the bank will return them to you after verifying.
• If you have no photo ID, some banks will work with you using alternative documents, but call ahead to ask what they accept.
• If you're opening an account for a minor, bring the child's birth certificate and the parent or guardian's ID and proof of address.
• Joint accounts require both account holders to bring their own ID and proof of address.

What counts as proof of address

The bank is looking for something recent with your name and street address printed on it. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) is the most common. A lease or mortgage statement works. Property tax bill, homeowner's insurance bill, or a statement from your employer showing your address all count.

Government mail is acceptable—a tax return, voter registration card, or letter from a government agency. Some banks accept bank statements from another bank. A few accept cell phone bills or credit card statements, though this varies by bank.

The document must be dated within the last 60 days at most banks, though some allow up to 90 days. If you just moved and your utility bill hasn't caught up yet, ask the bank what they'll take. Many will accept a lease or rental agreement even if it's older, as long as it's your current address.

When you don't have standard documents

If you have no driver's license or state ID, bring a passport or passport card. If you have none of those, some banks accept a military ID, tribal ID, or consular ID card. A few banks will work with you using a combination of documents—for example, a Social Security card plus a birth certificate plus a recent piece of mail with your name on it. This varies widely, so call the bank first and ask what they need.

If you're unhoused or living in temporary housing, bring whatever proof of address you have: a shelter letter with your name and the shelter's address, a letter from a social services agency, or mail addressed to you at that location. Some banks accept a PO box address for mail but not as your residential address for account opening. Ask before you go in.

If you're a non-citizen with a valid visa or work permit, bring your passport and visa or employment authorization document (EAD). Some banks require an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. Others accept both. Call ahead to confirm what the bank takes.

Documents for joint accounts

Both account holders must be present and bring their own ID and proof of address. The bank will verify both people separately. If one account holder cannot come in, some banks allow the other to open the account alone and add the second person later, but this varies. Call and ask whether the bank can do this before you go.

For a joint account with a spouse, bring both IDs and both proofs of address. For a joint account with an adult child or another family member, same thing—each person brings their own documents. The bank will not accept one person bringing documents for both.

Documents for accounts for minors

A parent or legal guardian must open the account. Bring the child's birth certificate and Social Security card (or ITIN). Bring the parent's or guardian's photo ID and proof of address. Some banks also ask for the child's Social Security card to be present, though they may not require it if the parent has the number memorized and can provide it.

The account will be in the child's name but under the parent's or guardian's control until the child reaches the age of majority (usually 18). At that point, the child can take over the account or the parent can transfer it. Different banks have different policies on when a young person can start managing their own account online or at the branch.

What to bring beyond the minimum

Bring your Social Security number or ITIN. Have it memorized or written down. The bank will ask for it even if you don't have the card with you. If you're opening a business account, bring your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security number, depending on your business structure, plus business registration documents.

Bring a list of any other banks where you have accounts. The bank will ask about this to check for fraud and to report to ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history. You don't need documents for this—just the names of the banks and approximate account opening dates if you remember them.

If you want to deposit money into the account on the day you open it, bring a check or cash. Some banks offer a small bonus for opening an account with a minimum deposit—ask whether this account qualifies and what the minimum is.

What happens after you hand over your documents

The bank employee will look at your ID to confirm your name and photo match your face. They'll look at your proof of address to confirm it's current and has your name on it. They'll ask you questions about the account type you want, whether you want online banking, and whether you want a debit card. They'll run a ChexSystems check, which takes a few minutes.

If everything checks out, they'll open the account, give you your account number, and usually issue a temporary debit card on the spot or mail one to you within a few business days. They'll return your original documents to you. You'll sign some disclosures about fees and terms. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

If the ChexSystems check flags something—usually a closed account with an unpaid overdraft at another bank—the bank may deny you or ask you to resolve the issue first. If your proof of address is too old or doesn't match your ID, they'll ask you to bring something else. Bring a second document if this happens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account with just a passport and no proof of address?

No. Banks require both identity and address verification. A passport alone covers identity but not address. You need a second document showing your current street address dated within the last 60 days. If you don't have a utility bill or lease, ask the bank what else they accept—some take government mail, bank statements, or employer letters.

What if my proof of address has a different name on it than my ID?

Bring both documents and explain the difference—for example, if you recently married and changed your name, or if the utility bill is in a roommate's name but you have a lease in your name. The bank may ask for additional documentation to confirm the address is yours. A lease or rental agreement in your name is usually enough to resolve this.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. Bring your Social Security number written down or memorized. The bank will ask for the number but does not need to see the card itself. If you have an ITIN instead, bring that number the same way.

Can someone else open a bank account for me if I can't go to the bank?

No. You must be present with your own ID and proof of address. The bank needs to verify your identity in person. The only exception is for minors, where a parent or guardian can open an account on the child's behalf, but the adult must bring the child's birth certificate and their own documents.

What if I have an eviction notice or outstanding debt—will the bank still open an account?

An eviction notice or debt does not automatically disqualify you. The bank checks ChexSystems, which tracks banking history—closed accounts with unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or other banking issues. If you have a history of unpaid overdrafts at another bank, the bank may deny you or ask you to resolve it first. An eviction or civil debt outside of banking usually does not show up on ChexSystems.