The documents you'll need depend on the bank and the account type, but most require an ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number

Every bank has its own list, but the core set is almost always the same: a government-issued photo ID, a document showing your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Some banks ask for all three before you walk in the door. Others let you start the process online and bring documents later. A few will open an account with just an ID and a phone call to verify your number.

The catch is that "proof of address" and "government ID" mean different things to different banks. A passport works everywhere. A driver's license works almost everywhere. A state ID card works at most places. But a tribal ID, a military ID, or a foreign passport may or may not be accepted — you have to call and ask first. The same goes for address: a utility bill works, a lease works, a bank statement works, but a piece of mail from your employer might not.

If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN, which the IRS issues to people who file taxes but aren't may be able to access for a Social Security number. Some banks accept ITINs without question. Others treat them as a red flag and ask for extra documents. Call the bank's main line before you go in.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement — but not all banks accept all of these, so check first.
  • If you have an ITIN instead of a Social Security number, call the bank before you go in, because some banks require extra documents for ITIN accounts.
  • Some banks let you open an account online with just a photo ID and a phone verification, then bring your address proof later.
  • If you don't have a current address, some banks will accept mail from a government agency, a shelter, or a transitional housing program as proof.

What counts as a government-issued photo ID

A driver's license or state ID card is what most banks prefer. A U.S. passport works at every bank. A passport card (the credit-card-sized version) works at most banks but not all — call ahead if that's your only ID.

A tribal ID, military ID, or foreign passport may work, but the bank has to accept it first. Some banks have a list of acceptable IDs on their website. If yours isn't listed, call the bank's main customer service line and ask whether your specific ID will work. Don't show up with a document you're unsure about — it wastes your time and the bank's.

A school ID, work ID, or library card does not count as a government-issued photo ID, even if it has your photo on it. Neither does a passport that has expired, though some banks will accept an expired driver's license if it's not too old.

What counts as proof of address

A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone) in your name, dated within the last 60 to 90 days, works at almost every bank. A lease or mortgage statement works. A recent bank or credit card statement works. A property tax bill works. Insurance documents (homeowner's or renter's) work.

A piece of mail from a government agency — the IRS, Social Security Administration, your state's unemployment office, or your local housing authority — counts as proof of address at most banks. So does a letter from a shelter, transitional housing program, or halfway house if you're staying there. Bring the letter itself, not a printout or a photo of it.

Mail from your employer, a doctor's office, or a store does not count. Neither does a utility bill that's in someone else's name, even if you live there. If you're staying with family and have no mail in your name, ask the bank whether they'll accept a signed letter from the person whose name is on the lease or mortgage, plus a copy of that lease or mortgage.

What to bring if you don't have a Social Security number

If you have an ITIN, bring the letter from the IRS that assigned it to you, or your most recent tax return showing the ITIN. Some banks will accept a copy; others want the original. Call first and ask what form they need.

If you don't have an ITIN and you're not may be able to access for a Social Security number, some banks will open an account without one, but they'll file a report with the IRS and the bank will monitor your account more closely. Other banks won't open an account at all. A few will open a basic savings account but not a checking account. Call the bank and explain your situation — don't wait until you're at the counter.

If you're in the U.S. on a visa and don't have a Social Security number, you may be able to use your visa number or passport number instead. Some banks accept this; others don't. Again, call first.

What to bring if you're opening an account online

Many banks let you start the account opening process on their website or app. You'll upload a photo of your ID and enter your Social Security number or ITIN. The bank verifies your identity using the information you provide — sometimes by asking you questions about your credit history, sometimes by sending a small deposit to another account you own, sometimes by calling you.

Once the bank confirms your identity, it will either open the account right away or ask you to bring proof of address into a branch within a certain number of days. Read the confirmation email carefully — it will tell you exactly what you need to do next and by when. If the bank says you have 30 days to bring in proof of address and you miss that deadline, the account may be closed.

Some online banks (banks with no physical branches) don't require proof of address at all if you open the account online. Others require it but let you mail it in or upload a photo of it. Check the bank's website or call before you start the process.

What to bring if you're opening a joint account

Both account holders need to bring their own ID and proof of address. Both need to provide their Social Security number or ITIN. Some banks require both people to be present in the branch. Others let one person open the account and add the other person later, though that person will still need to provide their documents and sign paperwork.

If you're opening an account for a minor (someone under 18), you'll need the minor's birth certificate or Social Security card, your ID and proof of address, and your Social Security number. Some banks require the minor to be present. Others let you open a custodial account without the minor there. The rules vary widely — call the bank and ask what they need.

What to bring if you have no address or ID

If you're homeless or living in a shelter, some banks will accept a letter from the shelter on its letterhead, signed by a staff member, stating that you live there. Bring that letter plus your ID. If you don't have an ID, some banks will accept a letter from a social services agency, a homeless services organization, or a government office stating that you are who you say you are. This is harder to pull off, but it's possible — call the bank's main line and ask what they can work with.

If you have no ID at all, you may need to go to your state's DMV or a passport office first to get one. Many states offer free or low-cost ID cards for people without a driver's license. Some homeless services organizations can help you navigate that process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account with just a passport and no other documents?

A passport is a government-issued photo ID, so yes, you can use it. But you still need to provide proof of your current address and your Social Security number or ITIN. The bank won't open an account with just the passport alone.

What if my address proof is older than 60 days?

Most banks won't accept it. Call the bank and ask whether they'll make an exception, or bring a newer document instead. If you have no recent documents in your name, ask whether the bank will accept a letter from your landlord or a recent bank statement from another bank.

Do I need to bring original documents or can I bring copies?

Most banks want to see the original ID in person so they can verify it's real. For proof of address, many banks accept a copy, but some want the original. Call the bank and ask what they need before you go in. If you're opening an account online, the bank will usually let you upload a photo of the document instead.

What if I have a foreign ID but I live in the U.S.?

A foreign passport works at most U.S. banks. A foreign driver's license or national ID card may or may not work — it depends on the bank. Call the bank's main line and tell them what ID you have. They'll tell you whether it's acceptable and what else you need to bring.

Can someone else open a bank account on my behalf?

No. You have to be present and sign the paperwork yourself. The bank needs to verify your identity in person or through a video call. If you can't go to a branch, some banks offer video account opening, where you show your ID to a bank employee on a video call.