Most banks will not accept an expired passport as your primary ID, but you have other options
An expired passport is no longer valid for identification purposes at a bank. Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity using current government-issued ID before opening an account. If your passport has expired, you will need to bring a different form of ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or other current document — or renew your passport first.
The specific ID requirements vary slightly by bank, but all of them follow the same federal rule: your ID must be current and government-issued. Some banks are stricter than others about what they accept, so calling ahead can save you a trip.
Key Takeaways
- Banks cannot accept an expired passport as your primary ID because federal law requires current identification to open an account.
- A driver's license, state ID card, or tribal ID are the most common alternatives and are accepted at virtually all banks.
- If you have no current ID at all, you can renew your passport, get a state ID, or ask your bank whether they accept secondary documents like utility bills or lease agreements alongside an expired passport.
- Passport renewal takes four to six weeks for standard processing and one to two weeks for expedited processing, depending on your location and whether you renew by mail or in person.
What ID banks actually accept
A driver's license or state ID card is what most banks prefer. These are current, government-issued, and have your photo and signature. If you have either one, bring it — you will not have any trouble.
Other forms of current government ID that banks accept include a tribal ID, military ID, or passport card (the wallet-sized version, which is different from a passport book). Some banks also accept a permanent resident card (green card) or employment authorization document (EAD).
If you have none of these, you have two paths: renew your passport, or ask your bank whether they have a secondary ID process. Some banks will open an account using an expired passport plus a second document — usually a utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your current address. Not all banks do this, so call first.
How to renew your passport quickly
If you decide to renew your passport before opening the account, you have two speed options. Standard renewal takes four to six weeks and costs the standard passport fee. Expedited renewal takes one to two weeks and costs an additional expedite fee (currently $60 for a passport book, though this varies by year).
You can renew by mail if your passport is not damaged and was issued when you were 16 or older. Mail renewal is slower but requires no appointment. You can also renew in person at a passport acceptance facility — a post office, library, or courthouse — which is faster and lets you choose expedited processing on the spot.
If you need your passport urgently, some passport agencies offer same-day or next-day service, but only at their physical locations in major cities, and only if you have proof of imminent travel or a life-or-death emergency. Call the State Department's passport line at 1-877-487-2778 to find the nearest agency and check whether they have same-day appointments available.
Getting a state ID if you do not have a driver's license
If you do not drive and do not have a state ID card, you can get one without a driver's license. A state ID card is issued by your state's DMV or equivalent agency and serves the same identification purpose as a driver's license — it has your photo, signature, and current address.
The process is similar to getting a driver's license: you visit your DMV, bring proof of identity (your expired passport works for this step), proof of address (utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). The cost varies by state but is usually $20 to $50. Processing takes one to two weeks in most states, though some offer same-day or next-day service.
A state ID is often faster to obtain than a renewed passport, so if you need to open a bank account soon, this may be your quickest route.
What happens if you show up with only an expired passport
If you walk into a bank with only an expired passport, the bank employee will tell you it cannot be used as your primary ID. They will ask whether you have another form of current government ID. If you do not, they will either ask you to come back with different ID or offer you the secondary document option (if your bank has one).
No bank will refuse to open an account with you permanently — they will simply ask you to return with acceptable ID. There is no penalty for trying with the wrong document.
Banks that may accept secondary documents
Some banks and credit unions are more flexible about secondary ID. Credit unions in particular sometimes allow an expired passport plus a utility bill or lease agreement. Online banks vary widely — some require a video call where you show your ID to a person, while others accept scans of secondary documents.
Before you make a trip or gather documents, call the specific bank where you want to open an account and ask: "I have an expired passport but no current government ID. Do you have a process for that?" This one call will tell you whether you need to renew your passport, get a state ID, or whether they can work with what you have.
Timeline comparison: which route is fastest
| Route | Time needed | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Get a state ID card | 1 to 2 weeks | $20 to $50 | People who do not drive and need ID quickly |
| Renew passport by mail | 4 to 6 weeks | $130 to $165 | People with time and no urgent travel plans |
| Renew passport in person (expedited) | 1 to 2 weeks | $190 to $225 | People who need a passport for travel and banking |
| Passport agency (same-day, if available) | Same day | $190 to $225 plus agency fee | People with imminent travel or emergency |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my expired passport to open an account if I bring another document like a utility bill?
Some banks will, but not all. Federal law requires current government ID as your primary form of identification. A few banks and credit unions will accept an expired passport plus a secondary document like a utility bill or lease, but you have to ask your specific bank first. Do not assume they will.
Does my passport card count as current ID if it is not expired?
Yes. A passport card is a valid, current government ID and banks accept it. It is smaller than a passport book and fits in your wallet, but it serves the same identification purpose.
What if I lost my passport and do not have any government ID?
Get a state ID card from your DMV. You can use a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship in place of a passport to obtain one, and it usually takes one to two weeks. This is faster than replacing a lost passport.
Can I open a bank account online with an expired passport?
Most online banks require you to verify your identity through a video call or by uploading a photo of your ID. An expired passport will not work for this. You will need current government ID or will need to renew your passport first.
Do I need to renew my passport just to open a bank account?
Not necessarily. If you do not drive, getting a state ID card is usually faster and cheaper than renewing a passport. If you already have a driver's license or state ID, use that instead. Only renew your passport if you need it for travel or if it is your only option.