Yes, but the bank will ask for something else instead

You can open a bank account without a government-issued ID, but every bank will require some form of identification to verify who you are. Federal law requires banks to confirm your identity before they let you deposit money—it is called Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance, and it applies to every institution.

The specific documents a bank will accept vary by institution and by what you are trying to do. A driver's license or passport is the easiest path, but if you do not have either, banks have alternatives. The catch is that not every bank offers the same alternatives, and some require you to come in person rather than apply online.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks can accept state ID cards, tribal IDs, passports, consular IDs, and military IDs in place of a driver's license.
  • Some banks will accept a combination of documents—such as a utility bill plus a Social Security card—if you have no photo ID at all.
  • Online banks are often stricter than brick-and-mortar banks and may require a government photo ID specifically.
  • If you have no ID documents, visiting a branch in person gives you the best chance because a banker can use additional verification methods.
  • Building credit history and opening an account now matters even if you have limited documents, because the process gets harder the longer you wait.

What counts as ID at most banks

A state ID card (non-driver) is accepted at nearly every bank and counts as a government-issued photo ID. You can get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles even if you do not drive. The process is simpler than getting a driver's license and costs less—typically $10 to $30 depending on your state.

A passport or passport card works at all banks. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can apply through the State Department's website or at a post office. Processing takes 6 to 8 weeks for a standard passport, though expedited service (2 to 3 weeks) costs extra.

A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized Native American tribe is accepted by most banks as a government photo ID. A military ID (active duty, reserve, or dependent) also works. A consular ID issued by a foreign government's embassy or consulate in the U.S. is accepted by some banks but not all—call ahead to confirm.

If you have none of these, some banks will accept a combination of non-photo documents. This usually means a utility bill or lease agreement (to prove your address) plus a Social Security card, tax return, or birth certificate. Not all banks offer this option, and those that do often require you to open the account in person at a branch.

Which banks are easiest to work with

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo require a photo ID to open an account online. In a branch, they may have more flexibility—ask the banker directly whether they can use alternative documents. Credit unions often have more lenient policies than national banks and may accept a combination of documents without a photo ID.

Online-only banks (Ally, Charles Schwab, Chime, Discover) are typically stricter because they cannot verify you in person. Most require a government photo ID and will not accept alternatives. If you are applying online and do not have photo ID, you will likely be rejected.

Some banks market themselves to people without traditional ID. Chime and LendingClub have historically been more flexible, though their requirements change. Second Chance Banking programs, offered by some regional banks and credit unions, are designed for people rebuilding credit or with limited documentation. Search "[your state] second chance banking" to find programs near you.

What to bring if you have no photo ID

If you are opening an account in person at a branch, bring as many of these as you have: Social Security card, birth certificate, tax return from the past two years, utility bill or lease agreement in your name, pay stub, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead. The more documents you bring, the easier it is for the banker to verify your identity without a photo ID.

Bring proof of your current address—a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days. Banks need this for compliance reasons and cannot open an account without it. If you are homeless or living with someone else, ask the banker what they can accept; some will take a letter from a shelter or a piece of mail addressed to you at a temporary address.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Banks use this to run a background check and to report your account to credit bureaus. If you do not have a Social Security number, you may still be able to open an account with an ITIN, but call the bank first to confirm.

Getting a state ID card if you have no driver's license

A state ID card is the fastest path to opening a bank account if you have no photo ID. You apply at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent office—in some states it is called the Secretary of State or Bureau of Motor Vehicles. You will need to bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

The cost ranges from $10 to $30 depending on your state. Processing is usually same-day or within a few days if you apply in person. Some states offer expedited online applications, though you still have to pick up the card at an office. Once you have the card, you can open a bank account at any bank that accepts state IDs—which is all of them.

Opening an account if you have an ITIN but no SSN

If you are not a U.S. citizen but have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), some banks will open an account for you. You will still need a photo ID (passport, consular ID, or state ID) and proof of address. Not all banks accept ITINs—call ahead or ask in person before you apply.

Credit unions are often more willing to work with ITIN holders than national banks. If you are rejected by a bank, try a local credit union or a bank that specifically serves immigrant communities. Some community banks and credit unions have bilingual staff and experience with non-citizen account holders.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, the bank will verify your information over the next few days. You may receive a letter or email asking you to confirm details or provide additional documents. Respond quickly—if you do not, the bank may freeze your account or close it.

Your account will be reported to ChexSystems, a banking history database. If you have had accounts closed for fraud or unpaid overdrafts in the past, this will show up and may make it harder to open accounts at other banks in the future. But opening an account now—even with limited documents—starts building a positive banking history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account with just a birth certificate and no other ID?

Not by itself. Banks need a photo ID or a combination of documents. A birth certificate alone does not prove who you are right now. Bring it along with a Social Security card, utility bill, and any other documents you have. In person at a branch gives you the best chance.

What if I lost my ID and do not have time to get a new one?

Visit a bank branch in person and explain the situation. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, utility bill, and any other proof of identity you have. Some banks will open an account on the spot with alternative documents while you are waiting for a replacement ID.

Do online banks ever accept accounts without photo ID?

Rarely. Most online banks require a government photo ID because they cannot verify you in person. If you do not have photo ID, your best option is to visit a brick-and-mortar bank or credit union branch instead.

How long does it take to get a state ID card?

Same-day if you apply in person at a DMV office. Some states offer online applications, but you still pick up the card at an office location. Processing usually takes a few days at most. Cost is typically $10 to $30.

Will opening a bank account without photo ID hurt my credit?

No. Opening an account does not affect your credit score. Banks check ChexSystems (a banking history database) but not your credit report. Having a bank account actually helps your credit over time because it shows financial stability to lenders.