What banks will accept as ID

A passport alone is usually not enough to open a checking account. Banks need to verify both your identity and your tax status, which means they typically want a government-issued ID that shows your address — and a passport does not include an address.

Most banks will accept a passport as one piece of identification, but they will ask for a second document that shows your current address. This is not optional; it is part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) rules that all banks follow. The address verification is how they confirm you are who you say you are and that you actually live where you claim to.

If you have recently moved, do not have a driver's license, or are not a U.S. citizen, you have options — but they require a second document alongside the passport.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks require both an identity document and an address document, so a passport alone will not work even though it is a valid government ID.
  • A utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement with your name and current address will satisfy the address requirement at most banks.
  • If you do not have a U.S. address yet, some banks will accept a passport plus a letter from your employer or housing provider confirming your address.
  • Non-citizens can open accounts with a passport and ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or a state ID, depending on the bank.
  • Online banks have the same ID requirements as brick-and-mortar banks, though the verification process happens over video or by mail.

Documents that work alongside a passport

The second document needs to show your name and your current address. Banks accept these most commonly: a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet in your name), a lease or rental agreement, a recent bank or credit card statement, or a mortgage statement. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 to 90 days, though this varies by bank.

If you do not have any of those, some banks will accept a letter from your employer on company letterhead that includes your name, address, and employment status. A few banks will also take a letter from a landlord, property manager, or government agency confirming your address. Call the bank before you go in; they will tell you exactly what they need.

If you are moving and your new address is not yet on any official document, bring the lease or purchase agreement for your new place along with your passport. Many banks will accept that as proof of your intended address, though a few will ask you to come back once you have a utility bill or other document dated at the new address.

Opening an account as a non-citizen

Non-citizens can open checking accounts, but the process depends on your immigration status and whether you have a Social Security Number (SSN). If you have an SSN, bring your passport plus your Social Security card and an address document — the process is the same as for citizens.

If you do not have an SSN, you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You can get an ITIN from the IRS even if you are not authorized to work in the United States. Some banks will open an account with a passport and ITIN letter (the IRS document that confirms your ITIN); others require you to have already filed taxes using that ITIN. Call ahead to ask.

A few banks have restrictions on which immigration statuses they will serve, so if you are turned away at one bank, try another. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large national banks on this point. Bring your passport, your ITIN documentation, and an address document no matter which institution you choose.

How online banks handle passport verification

Online banks have the same legal requirements as in-person banks — they need identity verification and address verification — but they do it remotely. Most will ask you to upload a photo of your passport and a photo of an address document (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). Some will also ask you to take a selfie to confirm the passport photo matches your face.

A few online banks will conduct a video call instead of asking for uploads. During the call, a representative will ask to see your passport and address document on camera, ask you a few security questions, and then open the account. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

The timeline for online account opening is typically same-day or next-day once you have submitted all documents and they have been verified. Some banks will let you start using a debit card number when ready while the physical card is in the mail, though you cannot deposit checks or transfer money until the account is fully set up.

What happens if you cannot get a second document

If you genuinely cannot produce an address document — for example, you are homeless or living with someone else whose name is on the lease — tell the bank. Some banks have procedures for this situation. They may ask for a letter from a social service agency, a shelter, or a government office confirming your address. Others will accept a phone bill or a statement from a prepaid phone service in your name.

If no standard option works, ask whether the bank will open an account with a higher verification threshold. Some banks will do a more detailed background check or require you to make an initial deposit larger than usual. This is not common, but it is worth asking.

If you are turned away, try a credit union or a community bank rather than a large national chain. They sometimes have more flexibility on documentation, especially if you can explain your situation to a person rather than submitting documents online.

The role of the ITIN letter and tax documents

If you have an ITIN but no SSN, the IRS sends you a letter confirming your ITIN number. This letter is not the same as a tax return, and not all banks will accept it alone. Some banks want to see that you have actually filed taxes using that ITIN — meaning you need a copy of a filed tax return or a tax transcript from the IRS.

You can order a tax transcript from the IRS online at irs.gov or by calling 1-800-908-9946. It takes about 5 to 10 business days to arrive by mail, or you can view it when ready online if you create an IRS account. The transcript shows your ITIN, your filing status, and your income, which is what the bank needs to verify.

If you have not filed taxes yet, some banks will still open an account with just the ITIN letter plus your passport and address document. Others will not. This is one of the situations where calling the bank first saves you a trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account with just a passport and no address document at all?

No. Banks are required by federal law to verify your address as part of their Know Your Customer process. A passport does not include an address, so you will need a second document. Even if you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, the bank needs some form of address verification — a shelter letter, a social service agency letter, or a government office confirmation will work.

What if my passport is expired but still valid for travel?

An expired passport is still acceptable for bank account opening. Banks care that it is a government-issued ID with your photo and signature, not whether it is currently valid for travel. Bring it along with your address document and you should have no problem.

Do I need to bring the original documents or can I show digital copies?

For in-person account opening, bring the originals. For online account opening, you will upload photos or scans of the documents. Some banks will ask you to mail in originals later for their records, but many will not. Ask the bank what they need before you start the process.

How long does it take to open an account if I have a passport and address document?

In person, it usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are with a banker. Online, it takes anywhere from same-day to 2 to 3 business days depending on how quickly the bank verifies your documents. You may be able to use the account when ready for transfers and bill pay, but depositing checks or receiving ACH transfers sometimes requires an extra day or two.

Can I use a consulate letter as my address document if I do not have a U.S. address?

Some banks will accept a letter from your country's consulate or embassy confirming your address in the United States. This is less common than a utility bill or lease, so call the bank first. If they will not accept it, a letter from your employer or housing provider on official letterhead is usually a better bet.