The documents banks actually ask for
Most banks will ask for two things: proof of who you are, and proof of where you live. The first is almost always a government-issued photo ID. The second is usually a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and address on it. Some banks will accept a bank statement from another institution instead.
Beyond those two, requirements vary by bank and by the type of account you are opening. A checking account at a large national bank typically needs less documentation than a savings account at a credit union, and opening an account online often requires fewer documents than walking into a branch. The bank will tell you what it needs before you commit to anything.
If you do not have a photo ID or proof of address, the bank may still open an account for you, but the process takes longer and you may face limits on how much you can deposit or withdraw until you provide the missing documents. Some banks have specific programs for people without traditional ID.
Key Takeaways
- A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) is the standard proof of identity that nearly every bank requires.
- Proof of address typically means a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days, though banks vary on how recent it needs to be.
- If you open an account online, you may only need to upload photos of your ID and address proof; in-branch openings sometimes require originals.
- Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity and address, so you cannot open an account without providing something for both.
- If you lack traditional documents, ask the bank whether it has alternative verification methods or accounts designed for people without standard ID.
What counts as proof of identity
A driver's license is the most common form of ID banks accept. If you do not have one, a state-issued ID card, passport, or passport card will work at virtually every bank. Some banks also accept a tribal ID card, military ID, or permanent resident card (green card).
The ID must be current or expired no more than a few years — banks vary on how old they will accept. It must have your photo, your full name, and your date of birth. If your name has changed since the ID was issued, bring a second document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
If you are opening an account in person, bring the physical ID. If you are opening online, you will photograph both sides of it and upload the images. The bank's system will read the information automatically, though a person may review it afterward.
What counts as proof of address
A utility bill in your name is the standard proof of address. This includes electric, gas, water, internet, or phone bills. The bill must show your name and current address, and most banks want it dated within the last 60 days, though some accept bills up to 90 days old.
A lease agreement or mortgage statement works just as well. If you own your home, a property tax bill or homeowner's insurance statement will do. If you rent, your lease must show your name, the property address, and the lease term — a signed copy is fine.
If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask the bank what else it will accept. Some banks take a bank statement from another institution, a government benefits statement, a court document with your address, or a letter from a government agency. A few will accept mail from your employer or a school if it shows your address.
If you are homeless or living with someone else and cannot get a document in your name, tell the bank. Some have procedures for this situation, such as accepting a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or trusted community organization on letterhead.
Documents for specific account types
A basic checking or savings account requires only ID and proof of address. If you are opening a business account, you will need additional documents: a business license or EIN letter from the IRS, articles of incorporation or partnership agreement if your business is registered, and often a personal may provide signed by the owner.
Some banks ask for a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) before opening any account. This is a federal requirement for tax reporting. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still open an account with an ITIN, which you can obtain from the IRS.
If you are opening an account for a minor, you will need the child's birth certificate or Social Security card, your ID and proof of address, and sometimes a court document showing custody if the child's parents are not both present. Requirements vary widely by bank.
What to bring if you are opening an account in person
Bring the original physical copies of your ID and proof of address. The bank will look at them, verify the information, and may make copies or scan them. Do not assume the bank will accept photocopies or photos on your phone — some will, but most want to see the originals.
Bring a second form of ID if your name has changed, or if your current ID is close to expiration and you want the bank to have a backup record. Bring any business documents if you are opening a business account. Bring your Social Security number or ITIN written down if you do not have a card.
If you do not have one of the standard documents, bring whatever you do have — a letter from a shelter, a court document, a recent check stub, anything with your name and address on it. The bank may not accept it, but showing up prepared means the conversation is faster and the bank can tell you right away what it needs.
What to do if you do not have the documents
If you do not have a government-issued photo ID, you have options. Some banks will open an account with a passport card, tribal ID, or military ID if you do not have a driver's license. If you have none of those, you can apply for a state ID card at your state's DMV — this is different from a driver's license and does not require you to pass a driving test. The process usually takes one to two weeks.
If you do not have proof of address, ask the bank whether it will accept a letter from a social services agency, homeless shelter, or community organization. Some banks have a process for this. If the bank refuses, you can try a different bank — not all banks have the same rules.
If you have no ID and no proof of address, start by getting a state ID card. Once you have that, you can use a bank statement from another bank, a government benefits letter, or a utility bill in someone else's name at your address (some banks accept this if you sign a statement saying you live there).
Online account opening versus in-person
Opening an account online usually requires fewer documents than opening in person. You will photograph your ID and proof of address, upload the images, and the bank's system will verify them automatically. You do not need to print anything or visit a branch.
The trade-off is that online verification can fail if the photo is blurry, the lighting is bad, or the document is worn. If the system rejects your upload, you can try again or call the bank to open the account over the phone instead. Some banks offer phone support specifically for people whose online verification did not work.
In-person opening takes longer but is sometimes faster if you have documents the bank's online system struggles with — for example, an old or damaged ID, or an address document that is not a standard utility bill. A person can look at the original and make a judgment call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account with just a passport?
Yes. A passport is a government-issued photo ID and is accepted by all major banks. You will still need proof of address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. If you do not have a U.S. address, some banks will accept a passport and a foreign address document, though this varies by bank.
What if my address proof is older than 60 days?
Call the bank and ask. Some banks are flexible and will accept bills up to 90 days old. Others will not. If your document is too old, you can request a new utility bill from your provider, ask your landlord for a dated letter confirming your tenancy, or provide a more recent document like a bank statement or government benefits letter.
Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account?
Most banks require one, but not all. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can obtain an ITIN from the IRS, which works for bank account purposes. Some banks will open an account with an ITIN instead. Call ahead to confirm the bank you want to use accepts ITINs.
Can someone else open a bank account for me?
No. You must be present and provide your own ID. If you are a minor, a parent or guardian must be present with their ID, but you still need to provide your own birth certificate or Social Security card. If you are unable to visit a branch, you can open an account online or by phone.
What if I have changed my name since my ID was issued?
Bring both your old ID and a document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The bank will record both names in your account. You do not need to get a new ID first, though you may want to for other reasons.