The documents banks require before you can open an account

Most banks need two things before they will open a checking account: proof of who you are, and proof of where you live. A driver's license or passport covers the first. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement covers the second. Some banks will accept a bank statement from another institution instead of an address document. The exact list varies by bank and by state, but these four documents will work almost everywhere.

You do not need perfect credit, a minimum deposit amount, or a job offer. You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself, though you will need to know your number. Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity before opening the account — this is called Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance — but the documents they ask for are usually straightforward.

Key Takeaways

  • A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) is required at every bank.
  • Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement from another institution.
  • You will need to provide your Social Security number, but you do not need to bring the card itself.
  • Some banks accept a second form of ID instead of a separate address document if both are current.
  • Online banks may ask for a photo of your ID and allow you to upload address documents instead of bringing them in person.

Government-issued photo ID: what counts

Banks accept a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. All three are considered government-issued photo identification. A military ID also works at most banks. The ID must be current — expired IDs are usually rejected, though some banks will accept one that expired within the last year.

If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can get a state ID card from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. This is a non-driver ID that serves the same purpose for banking. The process takes a few weeks in most states, so plan ahead if you are opening an account soon.

Proof of address: documents that work

Banks need to confirm where you live. A utility bill in your name — electric, gas, water, or internet — is the most common proof. The bill must be recent, usually from the last 60 days. A lease agreement or mortgage statement also works, even if it is older. Some banks accept a bank statement from another institution, a credit card statement, or a government document like a tax return or voter registration card.

If you live with someone else and the bills are in their name, ask the bank whether they will accept a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there. Some banks will; others will not. It is faster to call ahead and ask than to show up with a document the bank will reject.

What happens if you do not have standard documents

If you do not have a driver's license or passport, a state ID card will work. If you do not have a utility bill in your name, a lease or mortgage statement will work. If you have neither, some banks will accept a combination of documents — for example, a credit card statement plus a government letter. Call the bank before you go in and describe what you have. They will tell you whether it is acceptable.

If you have no address documents at all, some banks will accept a second form of government ID if it shows your current address. A passport does not show an address, but a driver's license does. If you have two IDs with your address on them, many banks will use those instead of asking for a separate proof of address.

Opening an account online versus in person

Online banks usually ask you to photograph your ID and upload it through their website or app. You will also upload a photo of your address document. The process takes a few minutes. Some online banks will accept a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement as a photo. Others accept only certain documents — check their website before you start.

Banks that require you to come in person will look at your original documents. They will make a copy or scan them. Bring the originals, not copies. If you are opening an account by mail, the bank will ask you to mail copies of your documents, usually certified or notarized. This takes longer — typically one to two weeks — so plan ahead.

Social Security number and tax identification

You will need to provide your Social Security number when you open the account. You do not need to bring your Social Security card. The bank will ask you to state the number, and they will verify it through a federal database. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Some banks accept ITINs; others do not. Call ahead if this applies to you.

The bank will also ask whether you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. This is part of the KYC requirement. If you are not, some banks will still open an account for you, but they may ask for additional documents or may decline. Again, calling ahead saves time.

What you do not need to bring

You do not need a minimum deposit to open most checking accounts. You do not need a job or proof of income. You do not need a credit card or credit history. You do not need to bring your Social Security card, passport card (if you have a full passport), or any original documents you cannot afford to lose — the bank will copy or scan what you bring.

You do not need to open an account with a large national bank. Credit unions and smaller regional banks have the same document requirements and often have lower fees. The documents you bring will be the same regardless of which bank you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account with an expired ID?

Most banks will not accept an ID that expired more than a year ago. Some banks accept IDs expired within the last year. Call the bank and ask before you go in. If your ID is expired, renewing it at the DMV takes two to four weeks in most states.

What if my address on my ID does not match my current address?

Bring a separate proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. The bank needs to know where you live now, not where you lived when you got your ID. Your ID just needs to prove who you are.

Can I open an account with a passport if it does not show my address?

Yes. A passport is valid ID. You will need to bring a separate address document — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. If you have a driver's license as well, you can use that instead of a separate address document, since the license shows both your identity and your address.

Do I need to bring original documents or can I bring copies?

Bring originals. The bank will copy or scan them. If you are opening an account by mail, the bank will ask you to send certified or notarized copies. Ask the bank what they need before you mail anything.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Not all banks accept ITINs, so call ahead. Some banks that accept ITINs may ask for additional documents or may require you to open the account in person rather than online.