The core documents every bank requires

To open a checking or savings account at a bank, 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 will ask for all three before they open the account. The photo ID proves you are who you say you are. The address proof shows where you live right now. Your Social Security number or ITIN goes into the bank's system so they can report interest you earn and comply with federal anti-money-laundering rules.

Bring the originals, not copies. Banks will look at the ID in person and verify the address document matches what you tell them. If you are opening an account online, you may be able to upload images of these documents instead, but the bank will still need to see them before your account is fully active.

Key Takeaways

  • A government-issued photo ID, proof of current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN are the three documents every bank requires.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days — the exact timeframe varies by bank.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, an ITIN from the IRS works instead and is available to non-citizens who file taxes.
  • Some banks ask for additional documents if you are opening a business account, a joint account, or if you have had banking problems in the past.

What counts as proof of address

Banks accept several types of documents to prove where you live. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name works. So does a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a government letter addressed to you at your current address. Most banks want the document to be dated within the last 60 days, though some accept up to 90 days. Check with your bank before you go in, because the timeframe can vary.

If you do not have any of these, some banks will accept a bank statement from another bank, a credit card statement, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead that includes your address. A few banks will accept a cell phone bill or insurance statement. The key is that the document must show your name and current address and must be recent enough that the bank believes you still live there.

Acceptable forms of photo ID

A driver's license or state ID card is the most common form of ID banks accept. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID also work. If you are not a U.S. citizen, a foreign passport with a U.S. visa, a permanent resident card (green card), or a work visa can serve as your photo ID. Some banks also accept a tribal ID or a state-issued ID for non-drivers.

The ID must not be expired, though banks vary on how much time past expiration they will tolerate — some accept IDs expired less than a year ago, others require current IDs only. Ask the bank before you arrive if you have an ID that is close to or past its expiration date. If your ID is expired and the bank will not accept it, you will need to renew it through your state's DMV or the issuing authority before you can open the account.

Social Security number or ITIN

Your Social Security number is a nine-digit identifier the bank uses to report interest income to the IRS and to check your banking history. If you do not have a Social Security number because you are not a U.S. citizen, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who file U.S. tax returns but do not have a Social Security number. You apply for an ITIN through the IRS using Form W-7, and it takes several weeks to arrive.

Some banks will open an account without a Social Security number or ITIN if you are a non-citizen, but they may charge higher fees or limit your account features. A few banks require one or the other before they will open any account at all. If you are unsure whether you need an ITIN, contact the bank directly — they can tell you whether your situation qualifies for an exception.

Additional documents for joint accounts

If you are opening a joint account with another person, both account holders must provide their own photo ID, proof of address, and Social Security number or ITIN. The bank will verify both people's identities before opening the account. If one person cannot come in person, some banks allow the second person to sign paperwork on their behalf, but the absent person will still need to provide their documents — usually by mail or upload — before the account is active.

Some banks require both account holders to sign the signature card in person, even if one person is opening the account online. Call ahead to find out whether your bank requires both signatures and whether you can mail or upload documents for the second person if they cannot visit a branch.

Documents for business accounts

Opening a business checking account requires more documentation than a personal account. You will need your personal photo ID and Social Security number, plus your business's Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. You will also need to bring a copy of your business license, articles of incorporation or organization (depending on your business structure), and sometimes a recent business tax return or profit-and-loss statement.

If your business is a sole proprietorship, you may only need your personal ID and Social Security number, since the business and you are legally the same entity. If your business is an LLC, corporation, or partnership, the bank will want to see proof of the business structure and may ask for a resolution from the business authorizing you to open the account. Ask your bank for a complete list of business documents before you apply, because requirements vary widely by bank and by business type.

What happens if you do not have these documents

If you do not have a photo ID, you can apply for one through your state's DMV or your country's consulate if you are a non-citizen. This process takes time — usually two to four weeks for a state ID and longer for a passport. If you do not have proof of address, you can ask a utility company, landlord, or employer to provide a letter on their letterhead, or you can wait for a recent bill or statement to arrive in the mail.

If you do not have a Social Security number and are not ready to apply for an ITIN, some banks will open an account with just your passport or visa and your address, though they may flag your account for additional review. A few banks specialize in accounts for non-citizens and immigrants and may have different document requirements. If a mainstream bank turns you down, search for community banks or credit unions in your area — they sometimes have more flexible policies for people without a Social Security number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account with just a passport?

A passport alone is usually not enough — most banks also require proof of your current address and your Social Security number or ITIN. If you are a non-citizen with a passport and visa, some banks will accept that as your photo ID, but you will still need the other two documents. A few banks that serve immigrants may have different rules, so call ahead.

What if my address proof is older than 60 days?

Many banks will reject documents older than 60 days because they cannot be sure you still live there. However, some banks accept up to 90 days. Call your bank and ask what their timeframe is. If your document is too old, ask your utility company or landlord for a new statement, or wait for a recent bill to arrive in the mail.

Do I need to bring original documents or can I send copies?

Banks require originals or certified copies for in-person visits so they can verify the documents are real. If you are opening an account online, you can upload images of your documents, but the bank will still need to see the originals before your account is fully active — usually through a video call or by mailing them in.

What if I have a name change or my ID does not match my address proof?

Bring both documents and explain the name change to the bank — for example, if you recently married or changed your name legally. Bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. The bank will note this in your file and open the account. If your address proof is under an old name, a recent utility bill or lease in your new name will work instead.

Can someone open a bank account for me if I cannot go in person?

No, banks require you to verify your identity yourself, usually in person or through a video call. You cannot authorize someone else to open an account in your name. However, many banks now offer online account opening with video verification, so you do not have to visit a branch.