Yes, but most banks want more than one form of ID
A driver's license alone is usually not enough to open a bank account. Most banks require at least two forms of identification, and they want one to be a government-issued photo ID—your driver's license qualifies—plus a second document that proves your address or identity. The second document might be a utility bill, lease, passport, state ID card, or Social Security card.
Some online banks and smaller credit unions are more flexible and may open an account with just a driver's license, especially if you link a debit card or existing bank account during signup. But this is the exception, not the rule. If you walk into a branch with only your license, you will likely be turned away or asked to come back with additional paperwork.
The reason banks ask for two forms of ID is federal law. The Bank Secrecy Act requires banks to verify your identity before opening an account. A single document is not considered sufficient verification under these rules, even if it is government-issued.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks require two forms of identification: a government photo ID (like your driver's license) plus a second document proving your address or identity.
- Online banks and some credit unions may accept just a driver's license if you complete verification steps during the signup process.
- A utility bill, lease agreement, passport, or Social Security card typically works as your second form of ID.
- If you do not have a second document, ask the bank whether they accept alternative verification methods like a video call with a representative.
What counts as a second form of ID
Banks vary in what they will accept, but these documents are widely recognized as proof of identity or address. A utility bill in your name (electric, gas, water, or internet) is one of the most common choices because it shows both your name and current address. A lease or rental agreement works the same way. A passport counts as a government-issued photo ID on its own, so if you have one, you may not need a second document at all.
A Social Security card, state ID card, or military ID also work, though some banks treat these differently depending on whether they show your address. A bank statement from another financial institution can sometimes substitute for an address document, though this is less common. A few banks will accept a credit card statement or insurance policy if nothing else is available.
The safest approach is to bring two of these items with you: your driver's license plus one address document (utility bill or lease) and one identity document (Social Security card, passport, or state ID). That covers most combinations banks ask for.
Online banks and the driver's license-only route
Online banks have more flexibility because they verify your identity through digital means rather than in person. Some will open an account using just your driver's license if you complete additional steps: answering security questions based on your credit history, linking an existing bank account, or taking a photo of yourself holding your ID. These steps satisfy the federal verification requirement without requiring a second physical document.
Banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and some others have reported opening accounts this way, though policies change and vary by state. If you are considering an online bank, check their specific requirements before you start the application. The application will tell you exactly what documents or verification methods they need.
Credit unions, especially smaller ones, sometimes have looser requirements than national banks. If you are a member of a credit union or have a family member who is, ask whether they will open an account for you with just a driver's license. Some credit unions will, particularly if you are opening a savings account rather than a checking account.
What to do if you do not have a second document
If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or other address document, you have several options. Ask the bank whether they accept alternative verification: some will conduct a video call with you to confirm your identity, or they will verify your address through a third-party service that checks public records. This is more common at online banks than at branches.
You can also obtain a second document relatively quickly. A utility bill takes one to two billing cycles to arrive in your name, but if you have just moved, you can ask the utility company to send a letter confirming your address. Some banks accept these letters. A state ID card (not a driver's license) can be obtained from your DMV in a few days to a few weeks, depending on your state. A passport takes longer but is valid nationwide and internationally.
If you have a Social Security card, bring it even if you do not have an address document. Combined with your driver's license, it satisfies the identity requirement at many banks, and they may then accept a lease or other proof of address you can obtain later.
What happens during the account-opening process
When you open an account in person, the bank employee will ask to see your documents, write down the information (or scan them), and ask you to sign paperwork. They will also ask for your Social Security number, which they use to check your banking history and run a background check. This check does not affect your credit score. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Online, you will upload photos of your documents or answer questions about them. The bank's system will verify the information automatically or send it to a person who reviews it. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few business days. Some online banks give you a temporary account number immediately so you can start using the account while verification is still in progress.
Bring your documents in good condition. If your driver's license is damaged, expired, or hard to read, the bank may ask for a second photo ID instead. Most banks will accept an expired driver's license as long as it is still readable, but do not assume—call ahead if yours is very old.
Banks that are stricter about ID requirements
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically enforce the two-document rule strictly. They are less likely to make exceptions or accept alternative verification methods. If you walk into a branch with only a driver's license, expect to be asked to return with a second document.
Banks that specialize in serving people with limited credit history or no prior banking relationship sometimes have more flexible policies. Community banks and credit unions also vary widely—some are stricter than national banks, others are more lenient. The only way to know is to call or visit and ask what they need.
If you have been denied an account at one bank, do not assume all banks will deny you. Try a different bank or a credit union in your area. You can also ask the bank that turned you away what specific documents they need, and then return once you have them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account with an expired driver's license?
Most banks will accept an expired driver's license as long as it is still readable and shows your photo clearly. However, some banks prefer a valid ID. Call the bank before you go in, or bring a second form of ID just in case. An expired passport or state ID card may also work if your driver's license is too old.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can still open a bank account, but the process is more complicated. You will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a passport, and you should call the bank ahead of time to confirm they work with non-citizens. Some banks require additional documentation or in-person verification for accounts opened without a Social Security number.
Do I need to bring original documents or can I show digital copies?
In person, you must bring the original documents. Online, you upload photos or scans. Some banks will accept a photo of your ID taken on your phone, while others require you to upload a file. Check the bank's website or call to see what format they need before you start the application.
Can a family member open an account for me if I do not have ID?
No. The person whose name is on the account must be present (in person or online) and must provide their own identification. A family member can help you gather documents or explain the process, but they cannot open an account in your name without your presence and consent.
How long does it take to open an account once I have all my documents?
In person, usually 15 to 30 minutes. Online, it can be instant to a few business days depending on the bank's verification process. Some online banks give you access to your account immediately while they finish verifying your documents in the background.