The documents you need depend on your bank and your situation

Most banks will ask for a government-issued photo ID and proof of address. That covers the legal requirement to verify who you are. Beyond that, what you bring depends on whether you have an existing relationship with the bank, whether you have a Social Security number, and what state you live in. Some banks ask for more; some ask for less. The fastest way to know exactly what your bank wants is to call the branch or check their website before you go in.

If you are opening an account online instead of in person, the bank will usually ask you to upload images of your documents rather than show originals. The process is the same — they still need to see them — but you do not have to visit a branch.

Key Takeaways

  • A government-issued photo ID and a document showing your current address are the baseline documents almost every bank requires.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or passport instead, and tell the bank upfront.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail — it usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days.
  • Some banks waive certain requirements if you already have another account with them or if you open the account online rather than in person.
  • Call your bank before you go in or explore online, because requirements vary and some banks have moved to paperless verification.

Government-issued photo ID: what counts

A driver's license or state ID card is what most banks expect. A passport works too. Military ID works at most banks. A tribal ID works at some banks but not all — call ahead if that is what you have.

The ID needs to be current or expired no more than a few years. Banks vary on how old they will accept — some take anything not expired, some want it expired less than five years, some want it expired less than two years. If your ID is very old or expired long ago, call the bank first rather than making a trip for nothing.

Proof of address: documents that work

The bank needs to confirm where you live right now. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) dated within the last 60 days is the most common proof. A lease or mortgage statement works. A government letter — tax return, voter registration card, benefits statement — works. Some banks take a bank statement from another bank. A few take a cell phone bill.

The document must show your name and your current address. It must be dated within the last 60 days at most banks, though some go back 90 days. If you just moved and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring a lease or a letter from your landlord instead. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a statement addressed to you at that address, or ask the bank what they will accept.

If you have no utility bill or lease in your name, bring whatever you have — a government letter, a bank statement, a phone bill — and explain the situation. Many banks have a workaround for people in transition or living with family.

Social Security number or ITIN

Banks are required by federal law to collect a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you have a Social Security number, bring the card or know the number. If you have an ITIN but no Social Security number, bring your ITIN letter from the IRS or know the number.

If you have neither, tell the bank before you go in. Some banks can open an account with a passport number instead, but not all. Some banks have a separate process for people without a Social Security number or ITIN. Do not show up expecting to open an account without one of these — call first and ask what the bank can do.

What you might need if you are not a U.S. citizen

If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring a passport or visa. Some banks also ask for a state ID or driver's license if you have one. A few banks ask for an ITIN even if you have a Social Security number — they want both.

If you are opening an account as a non-resident alien (someone who is not a U.S. citizen and does not live in the U.S.), the bank may ask for additional documents or may not open an account at all. Call ahead. Some large banks have a process for this; many smaller banks do not.

Documents you might need for specific situations

If you are opening a joint account with someone else, that person needs to bring their own ID and proof of address. Both of you will need to sign the paperwork in person at most banks, though some allow one person to sign online and the other in person.

If you are opening an account for a minor (someone under 18), a parent or guardian needs to bring their own ID and proof of address, plus the minor's birth certificate or Social Security card. Some banks require both the parent and the minor to be present; some allow the parent to open it alone.

If you are opening an account as a business owner or sole proprietor, some banks ask for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or a business license. A few ask for a business formation document. Ask the bank whether you need a business account or whether a personal account works for your situation.

What to bring even if the bank does not ask

Bring your phone number and email address — you will need them to set up online banking and fraud alerts. If you have an existing account at another bank, bring a recent statement or your account number; some banks use this to verify your identity faster or to set up transfers.

Bring a list of any accounts you have opened in the past few years, even if they are closed. Banks check ChexSystems, a database of checking account history, and they want to know if you have had disputes or fraud claims. If something shows up that you do not recognize, you can dispute it on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account without a Social Security number?

Some banks can, using an ITIN or passport number instead, but not all. Call your bank and ask before you go in. If they cannot, they can usually tell you which banks in your area do offer this option.

What if my address on my ID does not match where I live now?

Bring a separate proof of address document showing your current address, dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease, or government letter works. The bank needs to see both your ID and proof of your current address.

Do I need to bring original documents or can I show photos on my phone?

In person, bring originals or certified copies. Online, the bank will ask you to upload photos or scans. Either way, the bank needs to see the actual document, not just hear about it.

What if I do not have a utility bill in my name?

Bring whatever proof of address you have — a lease, mortgage statement, government letter, or bank statement. If nothing is in your name, explain the situation and ask what the bank will accept. Many have options for people living with family or in transition.

Can someone else open an account for me if I cannot go to the bank?

No. You need to be present in person or sign documents online yourself. The bank is required to verify your identity directly. Some banks let you open online and skip the branch visit entirely.