The documents you'll need to bring
Most banks require two forms of identification to open a checking or savings account: one government-issued photo ID and one document that proves your address. The photo ID is almost always a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The address document is typically a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government letter with your name and current address on it.
Some banks accept a Social Security number instead of an address document if you can't produce one. Others will let you use a second photo ID—like a passport plus a state ID—if you don't have an address proof ready. Call the bank branch or check their website before you go in, because requirements vary by institution and sometimes by which state you're opening the account in.
If you're opening an account online, you'll upload images of these documents or answer security questions instead of showing them in person. The bank's website will tell you exactly what format they accept (PDF, JPG, etc.) and the file size limits.
Key Takeaways
- You need one government photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and one document proving your current address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement).
- A Social Security number can sometimes replace the address document if you don't have a recent bill or lease.
- Online account openings use uploaded images or security questions instead of in-person ID checks.
- Requirements vary by bank and state, so confirm what your specific bank accepts before visiting a branch.
- If you don't have a standard photo ID, ask the bank whether they accept alternative documents like a passport card or tribal ID.
What counts as government-issued photo ID
A driver's license is the most common choice, but banks also accept U.S. passports, passport cards, state ID cards, military ID, and tribal identification cards. Some banks will take a permanent resident card (green card) if that's your only photo ID. A few accept Enhanced Driver's Licenses, which have a radio frequency chip and are issued in some states.
The ID must not be expired. Banks check the expiration date on the document itself. If your driver's license expired last month, most banks will turn it down, even if your state still considers it valid for driving. Renew it before you open the account, or bring a passport instead.
If you don't have a driver's license or passport, go to your state's DMV office or your country's passport agency and get a state ID card or passport card. These are cheaper and faster than a full passport and work just as well for opening a bank account.
What counts as proof of address
A utility bill in your name—electric, gas, water, or internet—is the easiest proof. It needs to show your current address and be dated within the last 60 to 90 days, depending on the bank. A lease or rental agreement with your signature and the landlord's signature works too, as long as it's current and shows your address clearly.
Mortgage statements, property tax bills, and insurance documents (home or renter's) also work at most banks. Some banks accept bank statements from another bank, though this is less common. A few will take a government letter—like a tax return, voter registration card, or benefits statement—if it has your name and address printed on it.
What doesn't work: a credit card bill, a cell phone bill, or a letter you printed yourself. Banks want documents issued by a third party (utility company, landlord, government agency, or insurance company) that prove you live where you say you do.
If you don't have standard documents
If you're homeless or living with family and have no lease or utility bill in your name, tell the bank. Many have a process for this. Some will accept a letter from a shelter, a social services agency, or a government office stating your current address. Others will let you use a P.O. box or a care-of address (c/o someone else's address) if you can prove you receive mail there.
If you have no photo ID at all, start at your state's DMV. You can get a state ID card without a driver's license. You'll need to bring documents that prove your identity (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) and your address (same documents as above). The DMV can usually issue a state ID in one visit, though some states mail it to you.
If you're not a U.S. citizen and don't have a green card or visa, some banks will still open an account if you have a valid passport and an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Ask the bank directly whether they work with non-citizens, because policies differ widely.
What happens after you show your ID
The bank will verify your identity by checking your documents against their system and sometimes against a third-party database. They'll also run a ChexSystems check—a report that tracks your banking history, including closed accounts, unpaid fees, and fraud. If you've had problems at another bank, it may show up here.
The bank will ask for your Social Security number if you haven't already given it. They use this to run a background check and to report interest and account activity to the IRS. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN instead, though not all banks accept this.
Once the bank approves you, they'll give you a temporary debit card (sometimes printed on the spot, sometimes mailed) and online banking access. Your account is usually live within a few minutes for online openings or by the end of the business day for in-person visits.
Bringing documents online vs. in person
If you're opening an account at a branch, bring the originals. The teller will look at them, verify the expiration dates, and sometimes make a photocopy for the bank's file. You leave with your originals.
If you're opening online, you'll take photos or scans of both sides of your ID and your address document. Make sure the images are clear, well-lit, and show all four corners of the document. The bank's website will tell you the exact file size and format they need. If your upload fails, try a different format (JPG instead of PDF) or a different browser.
Some banks offer a hybrid option: you start online, upload your documents, and then visit a branch to verify your identity in person before the account is fully activated. This is less common but happens at some larger banks.
What to do if the bank rejects your documents
If a bank says your ID is expired, renew it before trying again. If they say your address document is too old, get a new utility bill, lease, or statement. These are the only two reasons a bank will reject standard documents.
If a bank rejects you because of a ChexSystems report, ask them to tell you what's on the report. You have the right to see it and to dispute inaccurate information. You can also contact ChexSystems directly to request a copy of your report and file a dispute if something is wrong. This can take 30 days to resolve.
If you've been rejected by multiple banks, try a credit union or a community bank instead of a large national chain. They sometimes have more flexible policies and may work with you even if you have a negative ChexSystems report. Some also offer second-chance checking accounts specifically for people who've had banking problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account with just a passport?
A passport alone is not enough—you need both a photo ID and proof of address. A passport counts as the photo ID, but you still need a utility bill, lease, or other address document. If you don't have an address document, ask the bank whether they'll accept a Social Security number or a letter from a government agency instead.
What if my address on my ID doesn't match my current address?
Bring both your ID and a separate document showing your current address. The bank will use the address document to update your file. You don't need to renew your ID first—the bank just needs proof that you live where you say you do now.
Do I need an original document or is a photocopy okay?
For in-person openings, bring originals. The bank will look at them and may photocopy them for their records. For online openings, send clear photos or scans of both sides of each document. A photocopy you made yourself won't work for online applications.
Can someone else open an account for me if I can't go to the bank?
No. You must be present and show your own ID. Some banks let you open an account entirely online without visiting a branch, which may be easier if you can't get to a physical location. Check whether your bank offers online account opening.
What if I lost my ID and don't have time to get a new one?
You'll need to get a replacement ID before opening a bank account. Visit your state's DMV or your country's passport agency. Expedited processing is usually available for an extra fee and can get you a state ID or passport card within a few days.