The documents banks require to open an account

Most banks require a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address. The photo ID is almost always a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. For proof of address, banks accept a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address on it—usually dated within the last 60 to 90 days.

Some banks also ask for a second form of ID if your photo ID is expired or if you don't have one. A Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is required by federal law; banks must report it to the IRS. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can still open an account with an ITIN, which you obtain from the IRS if you're not a U.S. citizen but earn income here.

The exact documents vary slightly by bank and by the type of account you're opening. A basic checking account typically needs less documentation than a savings account with investment features. Online banks sometimes accept fewer documents because they verify your identity through your credit report or other digital records.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your current address dated within 60 to 90 days.
  • Banks are required by federal law to collect your Social Security number or ITIN; you cannot open an account without one of these.
  • If your photo ID is expired or you don't have one, bring a second form of ID such as a passport, military ID, or tribal ID.
  • Online banks may verify your identity differently and might accept fewer physical documents than brick-and-mortar branches.
  • Bring originals, not copies—banks will not accept photocopies of your ID or address proof.

Photo ID options and what banks accept

A driver's license is the most common form of ID banks accept. It has your photo, signature, and current address printed on it, which covers multiple requirements at once. If you don't drive or your license is expired, a state ID card works just as well—most states issue these through the same department that issues driver's licenses.

A U.S. passport is accepted at every bank and never expires for identification purposes (though it may expire for travel). Passport cards are also acceptable. If you're not a U.S. citizen, a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa works at most banks, though some banks may ask for additional documentation like an I-94 arrival/departure record or employment authorization document (EAD).

Military ID, tribal ID, and permanent resident cards (green cards) are also accepted by most banks as primary photo ID. If your ID is expired, bring a second form of ID—a Social Security card, birth certificate, or voter registration card—to show you are who you say you are, even though these don't have photos.

Proof of address: what documents work

A utility bill in your name is the fastest proof of address. Electric, gas, water, internet, or phone bills all work. The bill must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 to 90 days—banks vary on how recent they require it to be, so call ahead if your most recent bill is older than three months.

A lease or mortgage statement also works and often doesn't have the same strict date requirement as utility bills. If you're renting, bring a signed lease with your name and current address. If you own, a recent mortgage statement or property tax bill serves the same purpose.

Government mail counts as proof of address at most banks. This includes tax returns, Social Security statements, voter registration cards, or mail from your state or local government. A bank statement from another bank also works, though it's circular—you're proving you have an address by showing you already have an account somewhere else.

If you don't have any of these documents, some banks will accept a letter from your landlord, employer, or a government agency on letterhead confirming your address. Call the bank first to ask what they'll accept; policies vary widely.

Social Security number and ITIN requirements

Federal law requires banks to collect either a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) before opening any account. The bank must report this number to the IRS and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). You cannot open a bank account without providing one of these numbers.

If you're a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you have a Social Security number. If you're not a U.S. citizen but you work or earn income in the United States, you can obtain an ITIN from the IRS. 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 while your ITIN application is pending if you show them the receipt from the IRS, though not all will.

If you don't have a Social Security number or ITIN and you're not may be able to access for one, some banks offer accounts for non-residents or undocumented immigrants, but these are rare and often come with higher fees or lower account limits. Call banks in your area to ask whether they offer this option.

What happens if you don't have standard ID

If you don't have a driver's license or passport, you can still open an account. Bring any government-issued photo ID—a state ID card, military ID, tribal ID, or passport card. If none of these are available, some banks will accept a combination of non-photo IDs: a birth certificate plus a voter registration card, or a Social Security card plus a utility bill in your name.

Banks are more flexible with non-photo ID if you can provide multiple documents that together prove who you are and where you live. However, this requires calling the bank ahead of time to confirm they'll accept your specific combination of documents. Showing up without confirmation risks wasting a trip.

If you've lost all your ID and can't replace it quickly, some banks will hold your application while you obtain a new ID. Others will turn you away. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large national banks on this point, so if a bank rejects you, try a local credit union.

What to bring in person versus online

If you're opening an account at a bank branch in person, bring originals of all documents—your photo ID and proof of address. Banks will not accept photocopies. They may scan or photograph your documents for their records, but you must show the originals.

Online banks verify your identity differently. Many use a process called knowledge-based authentication, where they ask you questions about your credit history or past addresses that only you would know. Others pull your credit report to verify your identity. Some online banks still require you to upload photos of your ID and address proof, which you can do from your phone or computer.

A few online banks offer video verification, where you hold your ID up to your camera and a representative confirms it matches your face. This is becoming more common as banks move away from requiring you to visit a branch or mail in documents.

Opening an account for someone else or as a minor

If you're opening an account for a minor, you'll need the child's birth certificate or Social Security card to prove their identity, plus your own photo ID and proof of address. Most banks require a parent or legal guardian to be present and to sign the account paperwork. Some banks allow minors to have their own account starting at age 13 or 16; others require the parent to be a joint owner until the child reaches 18.

If you're opening an account as a joint account with another adult, both people must bring photo ID and proof of address. Both must be present at the branch, or if it's an online bank, both must verify their identity through the bank's digital process.

If you have power of attorney for someone else and want to open an account on their behalf, bring the power of attorney document along with both your ID and the other person's ID. Not all banks allow this, so call ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired ID to open a bank account?

Most banks will not accept an expired photo ID as your primary form of identification. However, you can bring an expired ID plus a second form of ID—such as a passport, military ID, or non-photo ID like a birth certificate—to show you are who you say you are. Call the bank first to confirm they'll accept this combination.

What if my address on my ID doesn't match my current address?

Bring your ID plus a separate proof of current address, such as a utility bill or lease. The bank will use the proof of address document to verify where you live now. You don't need to update your ID before opening the account.

Do I need to bring my original Social Security card?

No. You only need to tell the bank your Social Security number or ITIN. You don't need to show the card itself. If you don't know your number, you can call the Social Security Administration or check your tax return or W-2 form.

Can I open a bank account without a photo ID?

Most banks require a photo ID. However, if you don't have one, some banks will accept a combination of non-photo documents such as a birth certificate, voter registration card, and utility bill. Call ahead to ask what the bank will accept before you visit.

What if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

You can open a bank account with a valid passport and visa, or with a permanent resident card. You'll need an ITIN instead of a Social Security number. Some banks ask for additional documents like an I-94 or employment authorization document. Call the bank to confirm what they need before you visit.