You need at least one form of government-issued ID to open a bank account at any bank or credit union in the United States

Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity before opening an account. This is part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) rule, which applies to every financial institution. The ID does not have to be a driver's license — a passport, state ID card, tribal ID, or military ID all work. Some banks will accept a combination of documents if you do not have government-issued ID, but this is less common and takes longer.

The specific documents a bank accepts depend on the bank itself. Most large banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank) follow the same basic rule: one government-issued photo ID. Credit unions and smaller regional banks sometimes have more flexibility, especially if you already have a relationship with them or can bring a second form of identification.

Key Takeaways

  • A government-issued photo ID is the standard requirement; a driver's license, passport, state ID, tribal ID, or military ID will work at nearly all banks.
  • If you do not have government-issued ID, some banks will accept a combination of documents like a Social Security card, utility bill, and birth certificate, but you should call ahead to confirm.
  • You will also need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for tax reporting purposes.
  • Online banks have the same ID requirements as in-person banks, though they verify your identity through a video call or document upload instead of in-branch.
  • If you are opening an account for someone else (a minor or someone with a power of attorney), you may need additional documents proving your authority to do so.

What counts as acceptable ID

A driver's license is the most common form of ID banks accept. It has your photo, signature, and date of birth, which is why banks prefer it. A state-issued ID card (non-driver) works exactly the same way and is issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency.

A U.S. passport or passport card is always accepted. A military ID (active duty, reserve, or veteran) works at all banks. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized Native American tribe is also acceptable. Some banks will accept a permanent resident card (green card) or employment authorization document (EAD) if you are not a U.S. citizen.

Expired ID is a gray area. Most banks will accept an ID that expired within the last few years, especially if the photo is still clearly you. Call the bank before you go in if your ID expired more than five years ago. Do not assume it will be rejected — many banks will take it — but do not assume it will be accepted either.

If you do not have government-issued ID

Some banks will open an account without government-issued photo ID if you bring multiple other documents. The combination usually includes a Social Security card, birth certificate, utility bill, lease, or tax return. This process is slower and requires you to call the bank first to confirm they will accept it.

Credit unions are often more flexible than large banks on this point. 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 alternative documents. Community banks and smaller regional banks may also have more lenient policies than national chains.

If you cannot get government-issued ID quickly, you have two options: open an account at a bank that accepts alternative documents (call ahead), or wait until you can obtain ID. Getting a state ID card usually takes two to four weeks and costs between $10 and $30, depending on your state. A passport takes four to six weeks for routine processing and costs $130 for a passport book.

Your Social Security number or ITIN

In addition to ID, you will need to provide a Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Banks use this for tax reporting and to check whether you have unpaid debts or fraud flags in the banking system.

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you have an SSN. If you are not a citizen but work legally in the United States, you may have an ITIN, which the IRS issues for tax purposes. If you do not have either, you cannot open a standard bank account. Some banks offer second-chance accounts or no-SSN accounts, but these are rare and usually come with higher fees and lower limits.

Opening an account online versus in person

Online banks have the same ID requirements as brick-and-mortar banks, but they verify your identity differently. Most online banks ask you to upload a photo of your ID or take a selfie holding your ID. Some use a video call where you show your ID to a representative on camera.

The upload process usually takes a few minutes, and the bank verifies the document within 24 hours. If the photo is blurry or the document is expired, the bank will ask you to resubmit. If you fail verification multiple times, the bank may deny your account or ask you to open in person instead.

Opening in person at a branch is faster for verification — the teller checks your ID on the spot and you walk out with a debit card the same day. Online accounts typically take one to three business days to activate after your identity is verified.

Opening an account for a minor

If you are opening a bank account for a child under 18, the rules change. The minor does not always need their own ID. Most banks allow a parent or legal guardian to open an account with just the parent's ID and the child's Social Security number.

Some banks require the minor to be present in person, even if they do not have ID. Others allow the parent to open the account entirely without the child present. Call the bank to ask what they require before you go in.

If the minor has their own ID (a school ID, passport, or state ID), bring it. It speeds up the process and removes any questions about whether the bank will accept the account opening.

What happens if you cannot verify your identity

If your ID does not match the information you provided (your name, date of birth, or address), the bank will ask you to clarify or provide additional documents. This is common if you recently changed your name or moved and have not updated your ID yet.

Bring a second document that shows your current name or address — a utility bill, lease, or recent tax return. The bank will compare all the documents and usually approve the account once the discrepancy is explained.

If the bank suspects fraud or cannot verify your identity after multiple attempts, they will deny the account. You can ask why and request a second chance, but the bank is not required to tell you the specific reason. If this happens, try a different bank or a credit union, which may have different verification standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account with an expired ID?

Most banks will accept an ID that expired within the last few years, especially if the photo is still recognizable. If your ID expired more than five years ago, call the bank first — policies vary. Bring a second form of ID or a recent utility bill to strengthen your case.

What if I lost my ID and do not have time to replace it?

Some banks will open an account with alternative documents like a birth certificate, Social Security card, and utility bill, but you must call ahead to confirm. Credit unions and community banks are more likely to accept this combination than large national banks. Getting a state ID card usually takes two to four weeks.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card to the bank?

No. You need to know your Social Security number and provide it verbally or on the application form, but you do not need to bring the physical card. The bank will verify the number through its own systems.

Can someone else open a bank account on my behalf?

Not without legal authority. A parent can open an account for a minor, and someone with power of attorney can open an account for an incapacitated adult, but they will need to bring documents proving that authority. A regular friend or family member cannot open an account for you.

What if my name on my ID does not match my current legal name?

Bring a second document showing your current name, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change. The bank will update your information and open the account. This is a common situation and banks handle it routinely.