Bring a government ID and proof of address to open a Chase checking account in person

Chase requires two pieces of identification to open a checking account: a valid government-issued photo ID and a document proving your current address. The photo ID can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The address proof must show your name and current street address—a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from another bank all work. Both documents must be current; Chase will not accept expired IDs.

If you open the account online instead of in a branch, you will need the same documents but will photograph or upload them through Chase's app or website. The process is faster online, but you cannot complete it without being able to verify your identity digitally. If you do not have a government ID, you will need to open the account in person at a branch and bring additional documents—ask the branch what they accept before you go.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) as well. Chase needs this to run a background check and report the account to the IRS. If you do not have either, some Chase branches can still open an account, but the process takes longer and requires additional paperwork; call your local branch first to confirm they can do this.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid government photo ID and a document showing your current address are the core requirements; Chase will not open an account without both.
  • Your Social Security number or ITIN is required so Chase can report the account to the IRS and run a background check.
  • Opening online is faster than in person, but you must be able to photograph or upload your documents through Chase's app or website.
  • If you do not have a government ID, call your local Chase branch before visiting to confirm they can open an account with alternative documents.

What counts as proof of address

Chase accepts a narrow list of address documents. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement from another financial institution all work. The document must show your full name and current street address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. A post office box does not count as a current address for Chase's purposes.

If you recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your new name, bring whatever you have—a signed lease, a move confirmation from your utility company, or a letter from your landlord stating your move-in date. Chase branches have some discretion here, and staff can contact your utility company or landlord to verify the address if the document is not yet in your name. Calling ahead to ask what the branch will accept saves a wasted trip.

Government IDs Chase will and will not accept

Chase accepts a U.S. driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. The ID must be current and not expired. If your ID is expired but was issued recently enough that you have not yet renewed it, some branches may accept it; ask before you go. Tribal IDs, school IDs, and work IDs do not count as government photo identification for this purpose.

If you do not have a government photo ID, you have two options. You can apply for a state ID card at your local DMV—this is faster than a passport and costs less—and return to Chase once you have it. Or you can visit a Chase branch in person and ask whether they will open an account using alternative documents such as a passport card, a consular ID, or a combination of other identity documents. Not all branches handle this the same way, so call first.

Opening an account online versus in person

Opening online through Chase's website or mobile app takes about 10 minutes and you can do it from home. You will photograph your ID and address proof using your phone or computer, enter your personal information, and choose your account type. Chase verifies your documents instantly in most cases, and your account opens the same day. You can begin using a debit card and mobile banking right away, though the physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Opening in person at a Chase branch takes longer—usually 20 to 30 minutes—but a banker can answer questions and help you choose the right account type. In-person opening is necessary if you do not have a government photo ID or if you want to deposit cash or a check on the day you open the account. Some people also prefer in-person opening because they can ask about overdraft protection, linked savings accounts, or other features while they are there.

What to bring if you are opening a joint account

If you are opening a joint checking account, both account holders must provide a government photo ID and proof of address. Both people must be present in person at the branch; Chase does not allow one person to open a joint account on behalf of another. Both account holders must also provide their Social Security number or ITIN.

If one account holder does not have a government photo ID, that person should still come to the branch with whatever identity documents they have. The banker can then determine whether the branch can proceed or whether the person needs to obtain a government ID first. Calling ahead saves time if either account holder has an unusual situation.

What happens after you bring your documents

Once Chase verifies your documents, you will choose an account type—Chase offers several checking accounts with different features and minimum balance requirements. You will set up online banking access and choose a debit card design if you are opening in person. Chase will also ask whether you want overdraft protection, which links your checking account to a savings account or credit line so that overdrafts are covered automatically.

Your account opens immediately, and you can use mobile banking and online bill pay right away. If you opened in person, you can deposit cash or checks that day. Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you opened online, you can request a temporary digital card through the app to use for online purchases while you wait for the physical card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase checking account without a Social Security number?

Yes, if you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, call your local Chase branch to ask whether they can open an account for you. Some branches can, but the process requires additional steps and documents.

What if my address proof is older than 60 days?

Chase prefers documents dated within 60 days, but branches have some flexibility. Bring what you have and explain the situation—a banker can contact your utility company or landlord to verify your current address if needed. Calling ahead to ask what the branch will accept is faster than showing up unprepared.

Do I need to bring a checkbook or deposit to open the account?

No. You do not need to bring a checkbook, and there is no minimum deposit required to open most Chase checking accounts. You can deposit money after the account is open, either in person at a branch, through an ATM, or by mobile deposit.

Can someone open a Chase account for me if I cannot go to the branch?

No, Chase requires the account holder to be present in person or to open the account themselves online. A parent or guardian cannot open an account on behalf of an adult. If you are a minor, a parent or guardian must be present with you at the branch.

What if my ID or address proof is damaged or hard to read?

Bring it anyway, along with any other documents you have. If the ID is damaged but still readable, Chase will likely accept it. If the document is unclear, a banker can contact the issuing agency to verify the information. Having a backup document—like a second utility bill or a lease—helps if the first one does not scan or photograph clearly.