The documents banks require before you can open an account
You will need a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address. Most banks require both before they open your account. The photo ID confirms who you are; the address document confirms where you live. Without both, the bank cannot complete the account setup.
The specific documents vary slightly by bank and by state, but the pattern is consistent: one document that proves identity, one that proves address. Some banks will accept a single document that serves both purposes. Others require them separate. A few banks have additional requirements depending on your situation — whether you are opening an account in person, online, or by mail, or whether you are a U.S. citizen.
Key Takeaways
- A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) is required by every bank to prove your identity.
- Proof of your current address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days, depending on the bank's rules.
- Some banks accept a single document like a passport or driver's license for both identity and address verification.
- If you do not have a photo ID, some banks will accept alternative documents like a consulate ID, tribal ID, or notarized affidavit, but you must call ahead to confirm.
- Online banks have the same ID requirements as brick-and-mortar banks, though they verify documents through upload or video rather than in person.
Government-issued photo ID: what counts
A driver's license or state ID card is the most common form of ID banks accept. These are issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency. The ID must be current or expired no more than a few years — most banks accept IDs expired within the last five years, though some are stricter.
A U.S. passport or passport card works at every bank. Passports are issued by the U.S. State Department and serve as both identity and proof of citizenship. A passport book is valid for 10 years if you are an adult; a passport card is valid for the same period.
If you do not have a driver's license or passport, a state-issued ID card (sometimes called a non-driver ID) serves the same purpose. You can obtain one from your state's DMV even if you do not drive. Some states also issue REAL ID-compliant cards, which have a star or marking indicating they meet federal standards — these are accepted everywhere.
Military ID, tribal ID, and consulate ID are accepted by some banks but not all. Call the bank before you visit to confirm whether your specific ID will work. If you have none of these documents, ask whether the bank will accept a notarized affidavit of identity signed by a notary public — a few do, but most will not.
Proof of address: documents that work
Banks need to confirm you actually live where you say you do. A utility bill — electric, gas, water, internet, or phone — is the most straightforward proof. The bill must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. Most banks accept utility bills without question.
A lease agreement or mortgage statement also works, provided it shows your name and address and is current. A lease does not need to be dated within 60 days if it is still active; a mortgage statement typically should be from the current year. If you rent month-to-month, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord on their letterhead stating your address and tenancy can substitute.
Government mail counts at many banks: a tax return, property tax statement, voter registration card, or letter from a government agency addressed to you at your current address. These should be dated within the last 60 days, though some banks are flexible if the document is clearly current.
Bank statements, credit card statements, and insurance documents are accepted by some banks but rejected by others. Before you gather documents, call the bank and ask which address proofs they accept. This saves a trip if your documents do not match their requirements.
When one document covers both identity and address
A driver's license or state ID card shows both your identity and your address on the same card. Many banks will accept this single document to satisfy both requirements. You still need to bring it in person or upload it online, but you do not need a separate address proof.
A passport or passport card shows identity but does not show your address — it only shows your name and citizenship. If you use a passport as your ID, you will still need a separate address document like a utility bill or lease.
Ask the bank whether they will accept your driver's license alone or whether they require a second document. Some banks have different rules depending on whether you are opening an account in person or online.
Opening an account online or by mail
Online banks and online account openings require the same documents, but you submit them differently. Instead of showing a physical ID to a teller, you upload a photo or scan of your ID and address proof. The bank's system reads the documents and verifies the information automatically or passes them to a staff member for review.
Take clear photos or scans of both sides of your ID and the full address document. Poor image quality — blurry, cut off, or too dark — will cause the upload to be rejected, and you will have to resubmit. Make sure the document is fully visible in the frame and that text is readable.
Some online banks also offer video verification: you hold your ID up to your camera, and a staff member confirms it matches your face and the information you entered. This process typically takes a few minutes and happens during account setup.
What to do if you do not have standard ID
If you do not have a driver's license, passport, or state ID card, your options narrow but do not close entirely. Some banks will accept a consulate ID (issued by a foreign government's consulate in the United States), a tribal ID (issued by a federally recognized Native American tribe), or a military ID. Call the bank first — do not assume they accept these.
A few banks will accept a notarized affidavit of identity if you have no government photo ID at all. You sign the affidavit in front of a notary public, who verifies your identity using their own judgment and signs the document. The notary's signature and seal make it official. This is rare and usually only offered by community banks or credit unions, not large national chains.
If you are a non-citizen without a U.S. passport, a consulate ID or passport from your home country may work. Bring whatever ID you have and ask whether it is acceptable. If the bank says no, try a different bank — requirements vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an expired ID to open a bank account?
Most banks accept IDs expired within the last five years. Some are stricter and require current IDs. Call ahead or bring your expired ID in person and ask — the bank can tell you immediately whether it will work. If it is too old, you can renew it at your state's DMV before opening the account.
What if my address on my ID does not match my current address?
Bring both your ID and a separate address proof showing your current address, like a utility bill or lease. The bank will use the ID for identity verification and the other document to confirm where you live now. You do not need to update your ID first.
Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account?
Most banks require a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Non-citizens can use an ITIN. Some banks offer accounts without an SSN or ITIN, but they are uncommon. Call the bank and ask whether they have accounts for people without a U.S. tax ID.
Can someone else open an account for me if I cannot go to the bank?
No. Banks require the account holder to be present in person or to complete the online process themselves. A parent or guardian can open an account for a minor, but an adult must open their own account. Online account opening is the fastest option if you cannot visit a branch.
What if I lost my ID and do not have time to replace it?
You cannot open a bank account without government-issued photo ID. If you need an account urgently, apply for a replacement ID at your state's DMV — many states offer expedited processing for a fee. In the meantime, call banks in your area and ask whether any will hold your application or let you start the process online while your new ID is being processed.