You will need at least one form of government-issued ID, but the specific documents depend on your bank and your situation
Most banks require a government-issued photo ID to open a checking account. A driver's license or state ID card is the standard. If you don't have either, a passport works at nearly every bank. Some banks will also accept a passport card, tribal ID, or military ID. The bank needs to verify your identity for federal anti-money-laundering rules — this is not optional, and no bank can skip it.
What complicates this: banks vary in what they'll accept beyond the standard options, and some require a second form of ID in addition to the photo ID. A few banks have programs for people without traditional ID, but they're the exception. If you're in a situation where getting ID is difficult, your options narrow significantly, and you need to call ahead rather than walk in.
Key Takeaways
- A driver's license or state ID card is what most banks expect; a passport works everywhere but takes longer to verify.
- Banks may ask for a second document — usually a Social Security card, birth certificate, or utility bill — to confirm your address or identity further.
- If you have no government-issued ID at all, call the bank before visiting; some have workarounds, but many do not.
- The ID verification happens in real time at the branch or online, so you cannot open an account without it present or submitted.
- Expired ID is usually accepted as long as the photo is still recognizable and the expiration is recent (within the last few years).
What counts as acceptable government-issued ID
A driver's license is the fastest route. It has your photo, signature, address, and date of birth — everything a bank needs in one document. A state-issued ID card (the non-driver version) is identical in the bank's eyes. Both are accepted everywhere.
A U.S. passport or passport card works at all banks but takes longer to process because the bank has to verify it against federal records. The passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport, but banks treat them the same way. A military ID is accepted at most banks. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe is accepted at many banks, though some regional banks may hesitate — call ahead if this is your only option.
An expired ID is usually acceptable if the expiration is within the last few years and the photo is still clearly you. Banks care about whether they can verify your identity now, not whether the document is technically current. However, some banks have strict policies and will not accept anything expired. Ask when you call or arrive.
When banks ask for a second form of ID
Many banks require a second document in addition to your photo ID. This is often a Social Security card, birth certificate, or proof of address. The second document doesn't need to have your photo — the bank is confirming that the name and details match what you gave them.
Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address. It usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days. If you don't have a utility bill in your name, a lease or a piece of mail from a government agency (tax notice, court document, voter registration) usually works.
Some banks ask for your Social Security number but not a physical card. If you have a Social Security number, you can provide it verbally or in writing — you don't need the card itself. If you don't have a Social Security number, tell the bank when ready; some have processes for this, others do not.
Opening an account without a driver's license or passport
If you have no government-issued photo ID, your options are limited but not zero. Some banks have programs for people in this situation, but they're not standard. Call the bank directly and ask whether they can open an account without a driver's license or passport. Do not walk in expecting to open an account — you will be turned away, and the conversation will be faster on the phone.
Banks that do offer alternatives often require more documentation: multiple forms of address proof, a reference from an existing customer, or a larger opening deposit. Some credit unions are more flexible than large national banks. Community banks sometimes have discretion to work with people who have tribal ID, consular ID, or other non-standard documents.
If you're working toward getting a government ID, ask the bank how long the process takes. Some banks will hold an account open for 30 days while you obtain ID; others will not. The answer depends on the specific bank and your situation.
How the ID verification actually works
At a physical branch, you hand the bank employee your ID, they scan or photograph it, and they verify your information against their system in real time. The whole process takes a few minutes. If you're opening an account online, you upload a photo of your ID, and the bank verifies it through an automated system or by a person reviewing it later — this can take a few hours to a few days.
The bank is checking that your name, date of birth, and address match what you provided on the account process. They're also running your information against federal watchlists for anti-money-laundering compliance. This is a legal requirement, not a choice. If something doesn't match, the bank will ask you to clarify or provide additional documents.
If your ID has your old address on it and you've moved, bring proof of your new address. The bank needs your current address on file. If your name has changed (through marriage, legal name change, or other reasons), bring documentation of the change — a marriage certificate, court order, or updated ID — so the bank can update their records.
What happens if the bank rejects your ID
Banks reject ID for a few specific reasons: the photo is too damaged to verify, the ID is expired by more than a few years, the name on the ID doesn't match the name you provided, or the ID is not government-issued (a school ID or work badge does not count). If this happens, ask the bank what they need to move forward. Most will tell you clearly.
If your ID is damaged but still readable, some banks will accept it anyway. If your name has changed and your ID hasn't been updated yet, bring a second document showing the name change. If your ID is from another country, ask whether the bank accepts consular IDs or international passports — some do, some don't.
If a bank refuses your ID and you have no alternatives, try a different bank or credit union. Not all banks have the same policies. Credit unions sometimes have more flexibility, especially if you're a member of the community they serve.
ID requirements for joint accounts and authorized users
If you're opening a joint account, both account holders need to provide ID. The bank will verify both people in real time or through their online system. If you're adding an authorized user to an existing account later, that person usually needs to provide ID as well, though some banks allow you to add a family member without them being present.
If you're opening an account on behalf of someone else (as a guardian or power of attorney), you'll need your own ID plus legal documentation showing you have authority to act for that person — a guardianship order, power of attorney document, or court order. The bank will verify both your identity and your legal right to manage the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a checking account with an expired ID?
Usually yes, if the expiration is recent (within a few years) and the photo is still clearly you. Some banks have strict policies and will not accept any expired ID. Call the bank before you go in to confirm their specific policy.
What if I have a passport but no driver's license?
A passport works at every bank and is just as valid as a driver's license. The verification may take slightly longer because the bank has to check it against federal records, but you will not be turned away. Bring a second form of ID or address proof if the bank asks for it.
Do I need my Social Security card, or just the number?
Most banks accept the number alone. You can provide it verbally or write it on the process. You do not need the physical card. If you don't have a Social Security number, tell the bank when ready — some have processes for this, others do not.
Can I open an account online without showing ID in person?
Yes. You upload a photo of your ID through the bank's website or app, and they verify it electronically. This can take a few hours to a few days. You will not need to visit a branch unless the bank has questions about your documents.
What if my ID has my old address on it?
Bring a second document with your current address — a utility bill, lease, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The bank needs your current address on file for their records and for sending statements.