You can start a TD Bank account online, but you will need to finish it in person or by mail

TD Bank lets you begin the account opening process on their website, but they do not complete it entirely online. You will fill out your information, choose your account type, and set up login credentials through their site — but before your account becomes active, you must verify your identity in person at a TD Bank branch or by mailing in documents. This two-step process protects both you and the bank from fraud.

The reason for this requirement is federal law. Banks must confirm that you are who you say you are before they hand you access to an account. TD Bank chose to let you start online to save you time, but they finish the job face-to-face or through the mail because that is where they can check your government ID against your face or signature.

If you live near a TD Bank branch, the in-person route is usually faster — you can walk in with your ID and complete the account the same day. If you do not have a branch nearby, you can mail in copies of your ID and other documents, though this takes longer.

Key Takeaways

  • You can start your TD Bank account process online through their website, but the account will not be active until you verify your identity.
  • Identity verification happens either in person at a TD Bank branch with your government ID, or by mailing copies of your ID and other documents to the bank.
  • The in-person route at a branch usually takes one day; the mail route typically takes one to two weeks.
  • You will need a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and proof of your current address to complete the account opening.
  • TD Bank offers several account types online, including checking and savings accounts, so you can choose before you verify your identity.

What you need before you start online

Gather these documents before you begin the online process. You will need a government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. TD Bank will ask for your ID number and the expiration date during the online part, and they will check it against the real ID when you verify in person or by mail.

You will also need proof of your current address. This can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address on it. The document should be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a recent document, a government-issued ID with your current address (like a driver's license) can work instead.

Have your Social Security number ready. TD Bank will ask for it as part of the process. If you do not have a Social Security number, you may still be able to open an account — contact TD Bank directly to ask about alternatives, as this varies by branch and account type.

The online process step

Go to the TD Bank website and look for the "Open an Account" or "New Account" button, usually on the homepage. You will be asked to choose your account type — checking, savings, or both. TD Bank offers different versions of each (for example, some checking accounts have monthly fees and others do not), so read the descriptions to pick the one that fits your needs.

Fill in your personal information: name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. You will enter your Social Security number and government ID information. TD Bank will ask questions about your employment and income — you do not have to answer these, but they help the bank decide whether to approve you. Be honest; the bank will check some of this information later.

Create your online banking username and password. Make the password strong — use uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Write it down somewhere safe, or use a password manager if you have one. You will need this to log in once your account is active.

Review the account terms and conditions. These explain the fees, the rules for deposits and withdrawals, and what happens if your account goes negative. Once you submit the process, you will see a confirmation message with a reference number. Save this number — you will need it when you verify your identity.

Finishing the account in person at a branch

This is the fastest way to complete your account. Find a TD Bank branch near you using their branch locator on their website. Bring your government-issued ID and your reference number from the online process. You do not need to make an appointment, but calling ahead can save you a wait during busy times.

At the branch, tell the employee you started an account online and need to verify your identity. They will look up your process using your reference number, check your ID against your face, and ask you to sign a few documents. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Your account will be active by the end of the day, and you can start using it right away.

If you do not have a branch nearby, you can still visit any TD Bank location — they can access your process no matter which branch you go to.

Finishing the account by mail

If you cannot get to a branch, you can complete your account by mail. TD Bank will send you instructions after you submit your online process, or you can call them at the number on their website to request a mailing packet.

You will need to mail copies (not originals) of your government ID and proof of address. Make copies on a regular copier — do not send photographs or faxes. Include your reference number from the online process so TD Bank can match your documents to your process. Put everything in an envelope and mail it to the address TD Bank provides.

Processing by mail usually takes one to two weeks from the day TD Bank receives your envelope. Once they verify your identity, they will send you a confirmation email or letter, and your account will be active. You can log in to your online banking account as soon as you receive confirmation.

What happens if TD Bank declines your process

TD Bank may decline your process if they cannot verify your identity, if you have a history of fraud or unpaid bank fees, or if they have concerns about the information you provided. If this happens, they will send you a letter explaining the reason.

If you believe the decision was wrong, you can call TD Bank and ask them to review it. Bring documentation that supports your case — for example, if they said your address could not be verified, bring a recent utility bill or lease. Some decisions can be reversed with the right information.

If TD Bank will not change their decision, you can open an account at another bank. Many banks have similar online account opening processes, and some have fewer restrictions than others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport instead of a driver's license?

Yes. A U.S. passport, passport card, or state ID card all work for identity verification. TD Bank will ask for the document number and expiration date during the online process, then check the real document when you verify in person or by mail.

What if I do not have a recent utility bill for proof of address?

A lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works just as well. If you have none of these, a government-issued ID with your current address on it (like a driver's license) can serve as both ID and proof of address.

Can I deposit money before I finish verifying my identity?

No. Your account will not be active until you verify your identity in person or by mail. Once verification is complete, you can deposit money through ATMs, mobile check deposit, or in person at a branch.

How long does the whole process take?

If you verify in person at a branch, you can complete everything in one day. If you mail in your documents, the process takes one to two weeks from the day TD Bank receives your envelope. The online part itself takes 10 to 20 minutes.

Can someone else verify my identity for me?

No. You must verify your identity yourself in person or by mailing in your own documents. TD Bank cannot accept verification from a family member or representative.