What you can do without a government ID
Most online banks will not open an account for you without a government-issued ID because federal law requires them to verify your identity. However, some banks and financial institutions have workarounds: they may accept a passport, tribal ID, military ID, or state ID card instead of a driver's license. A few online banks will let you start with a secondary ID—like a Social Security card, birth certificate, or utility bill—and then mail in a photo ID later, though this is rare and depends on the bank.
The legal requirement is called Know Your Customer (KYC), and it applies to every bank that takes deposits. There is no way around it entirely. What varies is which documents a specific bank will accept and whether they will let you complete the process in stages.
If you have no government ID at all, your options narrow significantly. You would need to either get an ID first or find a bank that accepts alternative verification methods—and those banks are uncommon.
Key Takeaways
- Federal law requires banks to verify your identity, so you cannot open an account with zero ID documents, but some banks accept alternatives to a driver's license.
- A passport, military ID, tribal ID, or state ID card will work at most online banks that do not accept driver's licenses.
- A few online banks will let you upload a secondary document first and mail in a photo ID within 30 days, though this option is limited.
- If you have no government ID, you will need to get one before opening an online account, or look for a credit union or community bank that offers in-person verification.
Which documents online banks actually accept
The most common path is a driver's license or state ID card. Nearly every online bank accepts these. If you do not have a driver's license, a passport works at most major banks—Ally, Charles Schwab, Discover, and others list it as an acceptable alternative. A military ID or tribal ID also works at many banks, though you should confirm with the specific bank before you start the process.
Secondary documents—Social Security cards, birth certificates, utility bills, or lease agreements—are not enough on their own. Banks use these to verify your address or cross-check your name, but they do not satisfy the identity verification requirement. Some banks will accept a secondary document as a temporary step while you mail in a photo ID, but this is not standard practice and you should call the bank directly to ask.
If you have a passport but no state ID, start there. If you have neither, you will need to get a government ID before you can open an online account.
How to get a government ID if you do not have one
A state ID card is the fastest route if you do not drive. You go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent—some states call it the Secretary of State's office), bring proof of residency and your Social Security number, and pay a fee. The cost varies by state, typically between $15 and $50. You will get a physical card in the mail within one to three weeks.
A passport takes longer but works at every bank. You apply through the U.S. State Department website or at a passport acceptance facility (post offices, libraries, and some courthouses accept applications). You need a birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and a photo ID—which creates a catch-22 if you have neither. If that is your situation, you can get a state ID first, then use it to apply for a passport.
If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present for a state ID or passport application. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, some states allow you to use a shelter address or a trusted contact's address as your residency proof—call your state DMV to confirm what they accept.
Online banks that may accept alternatives or delayed verification
Most major online banks (Ally, Charles Schwab, Discover, Marcus by Goldman Sachs) require a photo ID upfront and do not offer workarounds. However, some smaller online banks and credit unions are more flexible. Chime, for example, has accepted secondary documents in some cases, though their policy changes and you should contact them directly. Some community banks and credit unions allow you to open an account in person with alternative documents, then move it online later.
The problem is that flexibility varies month to month and bank to bank. A bank that accepted a utility bill last year might not accept it now. Before you spend time gathering documents, call the bank's customer service line and ask exactly which documents they will accept. Do not rely on their website alone—policies on their site are often outdated.
If you are in a rush, a credit union in your area may be faster than an online bank. Credit unions often have more discretion in verification and may let you open an account with a secondary ID if you come in person.
What happens if you try to open an account without ID
If you submit an application without a valid government ID, the bank will either reject it outright or flag it for manual review. If it goes to manual review, someone at the bank will contact you and ask for the missing ID. You cannot proceed without it. The application will stay open for a set period—usually 30 days—and then close if you do not provide the ID.
Lying about your identity or submitting a fake ID is a federal crime. Banks run your information against government databases, and discrepancies trigger fraud alerts. Do not attempt this.
If you are worried about privacy or surveillance, understand that the KYC requirement is federal law, not a bank's choice. Every bank must do this. Using a fake name or someone else's ID will not protect your privacy—it will result in criminal charges and a permanently closed account.
In-person alternatives if online does not work
If you cannot open an online account, a local bank or credit union may accept alternative documents in person. Bring whatever ID you have—a passport, military ID, tribal ID, state ID, or even a school ID plus a secondary document like a utility bill or lease. A branch manager has more authority to make exceptions than an online application system does.
Community banks and credit unions are generally more flexible than national chains. If you are in a rural area or a community with a strong local credit union, that is often your best bet. Call ahead and ask what documents they accept before you go in.
Once you open an account in person, you can usually manage it online afterward, even if you could not open it online to begin with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a passport instead of a driver's license?
Yes. A passport is a government-issued photo ID and works at most major online banks. If you do not have a driver's license, a passport is your best alternative. It takes longer to get than a state ID card, but it is accepted everywhere.
What if I have a state ID but no driver's license?
A state ID card is a government-issued photo ID and is accepted at nearly all online banks. It works the same way a driver's license does for banking purposes. If your state ID is current and has your photo, you can use it to open an online account.
Can I use a utility bill or lease as my only ID?
No. Utility bills and leases prove your address but not your identity. Banks use them as secondary documents to cross-check your name and residency, but federal law requires a photo ID. You cannot open an online account with only a utility bill.
How long does it take to get a state ID?
The application takes about 30 minutes at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The card itself arrives by mail in one to three weeks, depending on your state. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee. Call your local DMV to ask about their timeline.
Can I open an account if I am homeless?
Yes, if you have a government ID. For proof of residency, some banks accept a shelter address, a trusted contact's address, or a mail forwarding service. Call the bank first to ask what they accept. If you do not have an ID yet, use a shelter address when you apply for a state ID or passport.