Documents required to open a bank account

You need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Most banks also ask for a second form of ID or a utility bill to verify your identity. The exact list varies by bank and account type, but these three items cover nearly every account opening in the United States.

Bring originals, not copies. Banks scan or photograph your documents during the account opening process. Some banks now let you upload photos of your documents online if you're opening an account remotely, but they will still verify the originals match what you submitted.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid government photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN are the core documents every bank requires.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 to 90 days.
  • If you don't have a Social Security number, an ITIN from the IRS works for most banks, though some have restrictions.
  • Banks verify your identity against ChexSystems or Early Warning Services to check for fraud history and unpaid overdrafts at other banks.
  • Bring originals to the branch or upload clear photos if opening online; banks will not accept photocopies or screenshots.

Acceptable forms of government-issued photo ID

A driver's license or state ID card is the standard. A passport, passport card, or military ID also work. Some banks accept tribal IDs or foreign passports if you're not a U.S. citizen. The ID must not be expired, though banks sometimes make exceptions for IDs expired within the last year—call ahead if yours is close.

If you don't have a photo ID, some banks will accept a combination of other documents: a birth certificate plus a utility bill plus a credit card, for example. This is less common and takes longer, so it's worth getting a state ID first if you're planning to open an account soon. Your state's DMV can issue a non-driver ID card for a small fee.

Proof of address: what counts and how recent it needs to be

A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) is the most common proof. A lease or mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail (tax return, Social Security statement, voter registration card) also work. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 to 90 days. Banks vary on the exact window, so ask when you call or visit.

If you've recently moved and don't have a bill in your new name yet, bring a lease signed by you and your landlord, or a mortgage statement. If you live with family and have no document in your name, a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the utility bill, stating that you live there, can work at some banks—but call first to confirm they accept it.

If you're homeless or living in a shelter, some banks waive the address requirement or accept a shelter address. Others refer you to a community bank or credit union that specializes in unbanked populations. Call the bank's customer service line before you visit to ask what they can do.

Social Security number, ITIN, and alternatives

Your Social Security number (SSN) is what most banks use to verify your identity and check your banking history. If you don't have an SSN, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) issued by the IRS works at most banks. You can apply for an ITIN through the IRS even if you're not authorized to work in the U.S.; it's used for tax purposes and banking.

Some banks, particularly larger national chains, will not open an account without an SSN or ITIN. Credit unions and community banks are more flexible and may open an account using only your name, address, and ID, though they may limit what you can do with the account until you provide a tax ID. If you're in this situation, call ahead and ask which local banks or credit unions work with people without an SSN.

What banks check: ChexSystems and Early Warning Services

When you provide your Social Security number, the bank runs a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services (or both). These are banking history databases that track overdrafts, fraud, and closed accounts. If you've been reported to ChexSystems for unpaid overdrafts or fraud at another bank, you may be denied an account at a bank that uses that service.

You have the right to see what ChexSystems and Early Warning Services have on file about you. You can request a free report from ChexSystems at chexsystems.com or by calling 1-800-428-9623. Early Warning Services reports are available at ewsverify.com. If there's an error, you can dispute it directly with the service. This process takes 30 to 60 days.

If you're denied because of ChexSystems or Early Warning, the bank must tell you which service they used. Some banks offer second-chance accounts for people with banking history issues; these accounts have higher fees and lower limits but let you rebuild your banking record.

Opening an account online versus in person

Online account opening requires you to upload photos of your ID and proof of address. Take clear photos in good lighting, with all four corners of the document visible and text readable. Some banks also ask you to take a selfie to verify you're the person in the ID photo. The bank will review your documents within one to three business days.

In-person account opening is faster—you walk out with a debit card the same day in most cases. The bank scans your documents on the spot and verifies your identity immediately. If you're opening an account online and the bank has questions about your documents, they'll email you to ask for clarification or additional information.

Joint accounts and accounts for minors

If you're opening a joint account, both account holders must provide ID, proof of address, and a Social Security number or ITIN. The bank will run a background check on both people. You both need to be present in person or both sign documents if opening online, depending on the bank's policy.

For a minor (under 18), a parent or legal guardian must open the account with them. You'll need the minor's birth certificate or Social Security card, the parent's ID and proof of address, and both Social Security numbers. Some banks require the minor to be present in person; others let the parent open the account alone and add the minor later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account with an expired ID?

Most banks require a current, valid ID. However, some accept IDs expired within the last 12 months. Call the bank before you visit. If your ID is older than that, get a replacement from your state's DMV or passport office first—it's faster than trying to negotiate an exception.

What if I don't have proof of address?

A lease, mortgage statement, or notarized letter from someone whose name is on a utility bill can work. Some banks waive the requirement if you're homeless or newly arrived. Call the bank's customer service line and explain your situation; they'll tell you what documents they can accept.

Will opening an account hurt my credit score?

No. Banks check ChexSystems and Early Warning Services, not your credit report. Opening a bank account does not affect your credit score. However, if you overdraft and don't pay it back, the bank may report you to ChexSystems, which can make it harder to open accounts elsewhere.

Can someone else open an account on my behalf?

No. You must be present in person or sign documents electronically yourself. The bank needs to verify your identity directly. A parent or guardian can open an account for a minor, but not for an adult.

What happens if the bank finds an error in my documents?

The bank will contact you by phone or email and ask for clarification or a corrected document. This usually takes a few days. If the error is serious (for example, the name on your ID doesn't match the name you provided), the bank may deny the account. You can reapply once you've corrected the issue.