Most banks require at least one form of ID, but the specific documents they accept vary by institution and state

Every bank has its own ID policy, and they are not all the same. Some accept a driver's license alone. Others want a driver's license plus a second document. A few will open an account with a passport or state ID card if you do not have a driver's license. The federal government requires banks to verify your identity under the Bank Secrecy Act, but the law does not dictate which documents satisfy that requirement — banks decide.

The document you bring matters less than whether the bank recognizes it as valid. A US passport works at most institutions. A driver's license works at virtually all of them. A state ID card works at many but not all. A tribal ID, military ID, or foreign passport may work at some banks and not others. The only way to know what a specific bank will accept is to ask them directly or check their website before you go in.

If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you have options, but they require more legwork. Some banks will accept a combination of documents — for example, a birth certificate plus a utility bill plus a Social Security card. Others have a process for customers without standard ID. Credit unions sometimes have different rules than large banks. Online banks sometimes have different rules than brick-and-mortar branches.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity, but each bank decides which documents it will accept.
  • A driver's license or US passport will work at nearly every bank, but some banks also accept state ID cards, tribal IDs, or military IDs.
  • If you do not have a standard ID, ask the bank whether it accepts alternative documents like a birth certificate, utility bill, or Social Security card.
  • Online banks and credit unions sometimes have different ID requirements than traditional banks, so check before you attempt to open an account.

What the major banks typically accept

The largest US banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank — all require a government-issued photo ID. A driver's license satisfies this requirement at all of them. A US passport satisfies it at all of them. A state ID card satisfies it at most of them, though you may be asked for a second document.

These banks also typically ask for your Social Security number and date of birth during the account-opening process. The Social Security number is separate from the ID requirement — it is part of the identity verification step. You will need to provide it whether or not you have an ID in hand.

If you walk into a branch with a driver's license and your Social Security number, you can open a checking account at any of these institutions the same day. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. If you are opening an account online, the bank will ask you to upload a photo of your ID or answer security questions to verify your identity remotely.

What happens if you do not have a driver's license

A US passport is the easiest alternative. It is a government-issued photo ID that every bank recognizes. If you have a passport, bring it instead of a driver's license and the process is identical.

A state ID card (sometimes called a non-driver ID) works at most banks but not all. Some banks treat it the same as a driver's license. Others ask for a second document — typically a utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your current address. Call the bank before you go in to confirm whether a state ID card alone is sufficient.

If you have neither a driver's license nor a passport nor a state ID card, you have two paths. The first is to contact the bank directly and ask what documents they will accept. Some banks have a formal process for this situation and will accept a birth certificate plus a utility bill plus a Social Security card. The second is to visit a credit union instead — credit unions sometimes have more flexible ID policies than banks, though this varies by institution.

Why banks ask for ID in the first place

The Bank Secrecy Act, passed in 1970 and updated several times since, requires banks to verify the identity of anyone opening an account. The law does not specify which documents banks must accept — it only says banks must verify identity and keep records of that verification. Banks use ID because it is the fastest and most reliable way to do that.

Banks also use ID to prevent fraud and money laundering. If someone opens an account under a false name or someone else's identity, the bank is liable. Asking for government-issued ID reduces that risk. It also protects you — if someone tries to open an account in your name, the bank's ID check should catch it.

The verification process has become stricter in recent years. Many banks now use software that checks your ID against databases of known fraud cases and sanctions lists. Some banks photograph your ID or ask you to take a selfie to confirm you are the person in the photo. These steps take a few extra minutes but are now standard at most institutions.

Online banks and their ID requirements

Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover cannot see you in person, so they verify identity differently. Most online banks ask you to upload a photo of your ID — either a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You photograph both sides of the document and submit the images through their website or app.

Some online banks also ask you to take a selfie and confirm that your face matches the photo on your ID. Others ask security questions based on your credit history or public records. A few use a combination of these methods. The process usually takes a few minutes, and you get a decision within hours or a day.

If you do not have a government-issued photo ID, most online banks cannot open an account for you. They do not have a way to verify your identity without seeing an ID. A few online banks have started accepting alternative documents, but this is not yet standard. Check the specific bank's website to see what they accept.

Credit unions and alternative ID policies

Credit unions are member-owned financial institutions, and they sometimes have different rules than banks. Some credit unions accept a wider range of ID documents than banks do. A few credit unions will open an account with a tribal ID, a foreign passport, or a combination of documents like a birth certificate and utility bill.

The catch is that credit union policies vary widely. One credit union in your state might accept a tribal ID while another does not. The only way to know is to contact the credit union directly. If you are a member of a union, military branch, or professional organization, you may have access to a credit union with its own membership rules — those institutions sometimes have more flexibility.

Credit unions also tend to be more willing to work with you if you do not have standard ID. If you explain your situation, some credit unions will ask you to bring additional documents or will have you speak with a manager who can make an exception. Banks rarely do this.

What to bring to the bank

Bring your government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bring your Social Security card or know your Social Security number by heart. Bring a piece of mail showing your current address, like a utility bill or lease. This is not always required, but some banks ask for it, and having it saves a trip back home.

If you are opening an account online, you will need to upload a photo of your ID. Make sure both sides of the ID are visible and the photo is clear enough to read the text. If the bank asks for a selfie, take it in good lighting with your face clearly visible.

If you do not have standard ID, call the bank before you go in and ask what documents they will accept. Write down the name of the person you spoke with and the date of the call. If you show up with the documents they told you to bring and the teller says they are not acceptable, you can reference that conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account with just a Social Security card and no photo ID?

No. Banks require a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. A Social Security card alone is not sufficient because it does not have a photo. Some credit unions may accept alternative documents, so contact your local credit union to ask.

What if my ID is expired?

Most banks will accept an expired driver's license or passport as long as it is not more than a few years expired and the photo is still recognizable. Call the bank before you go in to confirm. If your ID is very old or the photo is unclear, bring a second document like a utility bill to support your identity claim.

Can I open an account with a foreign passport?

Yes, at most banks. A foreign passport is a government-issued photo ID and works the same way a US passport does. You will also need to provide your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you do not have a Social Security number.

Do I need to bring my original ID or can I bring a copy?

You need to bring the original. Banks need to see the physical ID to verify it is real and that the photo matches your face. If you are opening an account online, you upload a photo of the ID, but the bank may ask you to bring the original in later to confirm.

What if I lost my ID and do not have time to replace it?

Contact the bank and explain your situation. Some banks will let you open an account with a second form of ID — for example, a passport plus a utility bill — while you wait for your replacement ID to arrive. Others will ask you to come back once you have a photo ID. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible in this situation.