The documents you need depend on the bank and the account type, but most require a government ID and proof of address

Every bank has its own list, but the core documents are almost always the same: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Some banks add a second form of ID or ask for employment information. A few require nothing but an ID if you open the account online. The fastest way to know what your specific bank needs is to call their customer service line or check their website before you go in—most banks publish their requirements in a "How to Open an Account" section.

What counts as proof of address varies. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail (tax notice, voter registration card) all work. The document usually has to be dated within the last 60 days, though some banks accept older documents if they're official. If you don't have a current address or live with someone else, ask the bank whether a letter from your landlord or a recent bank statement from another account will work—many will accept it.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your current address dated within the last 60 days.
  • You will need your Social Security number or ITIN; if you don't have either, some banks can still open an account but may require additional steps.
  • Online account openings often need only an ID and can be completed in minutes, while in-person openings may require more documents but let you deposit cash immediately.
  • Call or check the bank's website before you go in, because requirements differ between banks and between account types at the same bank.

Government-issued photo ID: what counts

A driver's license is the most common choice, but a U.S. passport, state ID card, or passport card all work. Some banks also accept a military ID or tribal ID. The ID must be current or expired no more than a few years—banks vary on how old they'll accept. If your ID is expired, call ahead; many banks will still take it, especially if you have a second form of ID.

If you don't have a driver's license or passport, a state ID card is the easiest to get. You apply at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency) with proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of address. The process takes one to two weeks in most states, though some offer expedited service for a fee. A few banks will open an account without a photo ID if you bring two other forms of government-issued ID (like a Social Security card and a birth certificate), but this is rare—ask first.

Proof of address: documents that work

A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) is the easiest proof of address because most people have one. It needs to show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill works too. If you rent, your lease is often better than a utility bill because it's harder to forge and banks trust it more.

If you don't have a utility bill or lease, other documents can work: a recent bank statement from another bank, a government tax notice, a voter registration card, insurance documents, or a letter from your employer or landlord on official letterhead. Some banks accept a cell phone bill if it shows your address. If you're homeless or living temporarily with someone, ask the bank whether they'll accept a letter from a shelter, a recent hotel receipt, or a statement from the person whose address you're using. Many will, but you may need to bring additional documents or have that person present.

Social Security number or ITIN

Banks are required by federal law to collect your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) when you open an account. This is part of anti-money-laundering rules and helps the bank report interest income to the IRS. You'll provide it on the account application form—either on paper or online.

If you don't have an SSN or ITIN, you can still open an account at some banks, but the process is slower. You may need to bring additional documents proving your identity and immigration status, or the bank may require you to obtain an ITIN first. An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who don't may have access to for an SSN but need to file taxes or open financial accounts. You apply for an ITIN by filing Form W-7 with the IRS, either by mail or through an authorized IRS agent. The process takes four to six weeks by mail, or sometimes faster in person at an IRS office or through a tax preparer.

Opening an account in person versus online

In-person openings at a bank branch usually require the documents listed above plus sometimes a second form of ID or a recent pay stub. The advantage is that you can deposit cash immediately and speak to someone if you have questions. The disadvantage is that you have to go to the branch during business hours. Most in-person openings take 15 to 30 minutes.

Online openings are faster and require fewer documents—usually just a photo ID and your SSN. You upload images of your ID and sometimes proof of address, and the bank verifies them electronically. The whole process takes 5 to 15 minutes. The trade-off is that you can't deposit cash right away; you'll need to transfer money from another account or wait for a check to clear. Some online banks mail you a debit card within three to five business days, while others let you use a temporary card number immediately.

What happens if you don't have all the documents

If you're missing one document, call the bank and ask what alternatives they accept. Most banks have flexibility—if you don't have a utility bill, they'll take a lease or bank statement. If you don't have a photo ID, they may accept two other government-issued documents. If you don't have proof of address, some banks will let you use a recent bank statement or a letter from an employer or government agency.

If you don't have an SSN or ITIN, the bank will tell you whether they can open an account without one (some can, some can't) or whether you need to get an ITIN first. If you're undocumented or don't have legal residency, some banks will still open an account—ask directly. Community banks and credit unions are often more flexible than large national banks on this point.

Bringing extra documents doesn't hurt

If you have more than one form of ID or more than one proof of address, bring them all. Banks don't penalize you for extra documents, and it can speed up the process if the first document has an issue (faded text, expired, wrong name). A second utility bill or a lease plus a bank statement gives the bank options if one document doesn't scan clearly or doesn't meet their specific requirements.

Write down your Social Security number or ITIN before you go in so you don't have to look it up. If you're opening an account online, have your documents ready to photograph or scan—a clear photo of both sides of your ID and a full page of your proof of address will process faster than a blurry or partial image.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account with an expired ID?

Most banks will accept an expired ID if it's not more than a few years old and your photo is still recognizable. Call the bank first to confirm, or bring a second form of ID just in case. If your ID is very old or damaged, get a new one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you go in.

What if my proof of address is older than 60 days?

Some banks will accept it anyway, especially if it's an official document like a mortgage statement or lease. Others will ask for something more recent. If you don't have a current document, ask whether the bank will accept a letter from your landlord, employer, or a recent bank statement instead.

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

No. You just need to know your Social Security number and provide it on the application form. Bringing the card itself is not necessary and not recommended—it's a document you should keep at home in a safe place.

Can I open an account if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You'll need a valid government-issued ID (passport, visa, or travel document), proof of address, and either a Social Security number or an ITIN. Some banks require an ITIN specifically if you don't have an SSN. A few banks have restrictions based on immigration status, so call ahead if you're unsure.

How long does it take to open an account once I have all the documents?

In person, usually 15 to 30 minutes. Online, usually 5 to 15 minutes. The bank will tell you when your account is active—sometimes immediately, sometimes within one business day. You can usually start using a debit card or transfer money as soon as the account is open.