The core documents every bank will ask for

You will need a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address. That is the minimum. Most banks will not open an account without both, and they will ask for them before you hand over any money.

The photo ID can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. It has to be current — expired IDs are usually rejected, though some banks will accept them if they expired within the last year. If you do not have a photo ID, you can get a state ID card from your local Department of Motor Vehicles; the process takes a few weeks and costs between $10 and $30 depending on your state.

Proof of address means a document showing your name and where you live right now. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement all work. The document has to be dated within the last 60 days — banks use this to confirm you actually live where you say you do. If you are homeless or living with someone else, some banks will accept a letter from a shelter, a social services agency, or the person whose address you are using, but call ahead to ask what they will take.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a government-issued photo ID and a document showing your current address dated within the last 60 days.
  • If you do not have a photo ID, you can get a state ID card from your local Department of Motor Vehicles for $10 to $30.
  • Some banks will ask for a Social Security number or tax ID, and will not open an account without one — call before you go in.
  • If you have been reported to ChexSystems or Early Warning Services for past banking problems, you may need to bring documentation of those issues or find a bank that does not use those systems.
  • Bring originals, not copies — banks will not accept photocopies of your ID or address proof.

When a bank asks for your Social Security number

Most banks will ask for your Social Security number (SSN) during the account opening process. They use it to run a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, two companies that track banking history and fraud. If you have never had a bank account or have a clean history, this check takes a few minutes and you move forward.

If you do not have a Social Security number — because you are not a U.S. citizen or have not yet been issued one — some banks will open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Not all banks do this, so call ahead and ask. If the bank you want to use requires an SSN and you do not have one, you will need to find a different bank or credit union.

If you have a Social Security number but have had banking problems in the past — overdrafts you did not pay back, fraud, or accounts closed by the bank — you may show up in ChexSystems or Early Warning Services. The bank will tell you if that is the case. Some banks will still open an account for you; others will not. If you are turned down, ask which system flagged you and request a copy of your report. You can dispute errors on those reports, and some banks specialize in accounts for people with ChexSystems records.

Documents for specific account types

A basic checking or savings account requires only ID and address proof. But if you are opening a joint account with someone else, you will both need to bring ID and address proof, and you will both need to be present — most banks will not let one person open a joint account on behalf of another.

If you are opening an account as a minor (under 18), a parent or legal guardian must be present and bring their own ID and address proof. Some banks have a minimum age for account holders — often 13 or 16 — so call ahead if you are very young. A few banks offer teen accounts that require parental consent but let the minor manage the account independently once it is open.

If you are opening a business account, the requirements are different and depend on your business structure. A sole proprietorship usually needs your personal ID, address proof, and an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, or your Social Security number. An LLC or corporation needs the business formation documents from your state, the EIN, and the personal ID of the person signing the paperwork. Bring the originals or certified copies.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Bring originals of everything. Banks will not accept photocopies of your ID or address proof — they need to see the real document so they can verify it is genuine. If you are worried about handing over your original documents, ask the bank if they can scan them while you wait, or if they will return them to you immediately after verification. Most do.

Do not bring your Social Security card itself. You do not need to hand it over, and doing so creates an unnecessary risk if the card is lost or stolen. Just tell the bank your number — they will write it down or enter it into their system. The same goes for your passport if you are using it as ID: hand it over for verification, but take it back before you leave.

Bring a small amount of money to make your first deposit if the bank requires one. Some banks have no minimum opening deposit; others require $25 to $100. Call ahead to ask, or check the bank's website. If you do not have cash, many banks will let you make your first deposit by transfer from another account or by mobile check deposit once the account is open.

If you have been denied an account before

If a bank has turned you down in the past, the reason is usually one of three things: ChexSystems or Early Warning Services flagged you for past banking problems; you could not provide the required ID or address proof; or the bank suspected fraud or identity theft.

If you were denied because of ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, you have the right to request a copy of your report from both companies for free. Go to chexsystems.com or earlywarning.com and follow the instructions to dispute any errors. If the information is correct, you can still open an account — look for banks or credit unions that market accounts for people with ChexSystems records, or try a smaller local bank that may not use those systems.

If you were denied because you could not provide ID or address proof, the solution is to get those documents. A state ID card takes a few weeks; a utility bill in your name takes a phone call to set up. Once you have both, try again at the same bank or a different one.

If you were denied because of suspected fraud or identity theft, ask the bank for details about what triggered the concern. If someone has stolen your identity, you will need to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov and get a police report. Bring those documents when you try to open an account again — they show you are aware of the theft and have taken steps to address it.

What happens after you hand over your documents

The bank will scan or photocopy your ID and address proof, run the background check, and verify your information. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes if you are in the branch. If you are opening the account online, the bank may ask you to upload photos of your documents or verify your identity through a video call with a representative.

Once everything checks out, the bank will give you a temporary debit card (or order one to be mailed to you), a checkbook if you requested one, and your account number. You can start using the account right away, though some banks hold the first deposit for a day or two while they verify the funds.

Keep the paperwork the bank gives you — your account agreement, fee schedule, and any receipts. You will need these if there is ever a dispute about what you were told when you opened the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account without a photo ID?

Most banks will not open an account without a government-issued photo ID. If you do not have one, get a state ID card from your local Department of Motor Vehicles — it costs $10 to $30 and takes a few weeks. A few credit unions or online banks may have different rules, so call ahead to ask.

What if my address proof is older than 60 days?

Banks typically reject address proof older than 60 days because they want to confirm you currently live where you say you do. If your only document is older, call the bank and ask if they will accept it anyway, or get a new one — a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement all work and are usually free or cheap to obtain.

Do I have to give the bank my Social Security number?

Most banks require a Social Security number to open an account. If you do not have one, ask the bank if they will accept an ITIN instead — some will, but not all. If the bank you want requires an SSN and you do not have one, you will need to find a different bank or credit union.

Can someone else open a bank account for me?

No. You must be present and bring your own ID and address proof. If you are a minor, a parent or legal guardian must be present with their own documents, but you still need to be there. If you are unable to go to the bank in person, some banks offer online account opening with video verification.

What if I lost my documents and cannot find them?

You can get replacements. A new state ID card takes a few weeks from your local DMV. A new utility bill or lease can be requested from your utility company or landlord. A bank statement from another bank can be printed online. Start with whichever is fastest, then go open your account.