The documents banks actually require
Most banks need two things to open a checking account: proof of who you are and proof of where you live. A driver's license or passport covers identity. For address, they'll take a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail—anything dated within the last 60 days with your name and current address on it.
Some banks also ask for a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you don't have either, a few banks will open accounts using a passport number instead, but this is less common. Call ahead if you're in this situation.
That's the baseline. What you bring beyond this depends on the bank, whether you're opening online or in person, and whether you have an existing relationship with that bank. The specifics matter because showing up without the right documents means a wasted trip or a delayed account opening.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your current address from a document dated within the last 60 days.
- Banks require either a Social Security number or ITIN; a few will accept a passport number instead, so confirm with your bank before you go in.
- Opening online usually requires the same documents but uploaded as photos or scans, and the process takes a few minutes rather than a conversation with a teller.
- If you have no credit history or a history of fraud, some banks may ask for additional documents like a second form of ID or a reference from another bank.
- Bring originals or certified copies to a branch; banks will not accept photos of documents for in-person accounts, though they will for online accounts.
What counts as proof of identity
A driver's license is the most common form of ID banks accept. It has your photo, signature, and date of birth—everything a teller needs to verify you are who you say you are. A state ID card works the same way if you don't drive.
A passport or passport card is equally valid. Some banks prefer it because it's harder to forge. If you're opening an account as a non-citizen, a passport is often the easiest route.
A military ID, tribal ID, or permanent resident card (green card) will work at most banks. Less common forms like a school ID or work badge will not. The ID must have your photo and signature, and it must not be expired—banks will reject an expired license even if it's only a few months past the date.
What counts as proof of address
Banks want to see that you actually live where you say you do. A utility bill—electric, gas, water, or internet—is the standard. It must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A bill from three months ago will not work.
Other documents that work include a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or government mail like a tax return or voter registration card. Insurance statements (auto, home, or renter's) usually work too. The rule is the same: your name, your current address, and a recent date.
A bank statement from another bank counts as proof of address. If you're moving and your new address isn't on any documents yet, some banks will accept a lease signed by both you and your landlord, even if it's dated before you moved in. Ask the bank what they'll accept before you come in.
Social Security number or ITIN requirements
Banks are required by federal law to collect a Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) when you open an account. This is part of anti-money-laundering rules, not a choice the bank makes.
If you have a Social Security number, bring it or be ready to recite it. If you have an ITIN—issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but don't have a Social Security number—that works the same way. A few banks will open accounts using a passport number if you have neither, but this is rare and usually only for international customers. Call your bank before you go in if you don't have an SSN or ITIN.
If you're undocumented and have no ITIN, some credit unions and community banks will open accounts without one, though the rules vary by state. This is worth asking about directly rather than assuming a bank will turn you away.
Documents for online account opening
Opening an account online is faster but requires you to upload images of your documents instead of showing originals. You'll need a photo or scan of both sides of your ID and a photo or scan of your proof of address. Most banks accept photos taken with a phone camera as long as the text is readable.
The process usually takes a few minutes. The bank will verify your information in real time, and you'll get a confirmation email within hours. Some banks send a debit card to your address within 5 to 10 business days; others let you use a temporary card number when ready.
If the bank cannot read your documents—the photo is blurry, the address is cut off, or the date is illegible—they'll ask you to resubmit. This can add a day or two to the process. Take clear photos with good lighting and make sure all four corners of the document are visible.
What happens if you don't have standard documents
If you have no driver's license or passport, a state ID card will work. If you have no utility bills or lease, a bank statement from another bank, a mortgage statement, or even a recent property tax bill will do. The bank's job is to confirm your identity and address, not to judge whether your documents are typical.
If you have a history of fraud or a closed account with another bank, some banks will ask for a second form of ID or a letter from your previous bank confirming you left in good standing. This is less common but does happen. If one bank turns you down, try a credit union or a community bank—they often have more flexible rules.
If you're opening an account for a minor, you'll need the child's birth certificate or Social Security card plus your own ID and proof of address. Some banks require both parents or guardians to be present; others allow one. Call ahead to confirm.
Bringing documents to a bank branch
Bring originals, not copies or photos. Banks will not accept photocopies for in-person accounts because they need to verify the document is real. Bring both sides of your ID if it's a card. Bring the full utility bill or lease, not just a page with your name on it.
If you're opening a joint account, both account holders need to bring their own ID and proof of address. If one person is opening the account on behalf of someone else (a parent opening for a child, for example), bring a notarized power of attorney or guardianship papers along with both people's IDs.
The process takes 10 to 20 minutes. The teller will verify your documents, ask you to sign forms, and set up your account. You'll leave with a debit card (or a temporary number if the card is ordered) and online banking access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a checking account with an expired ID?
No. Banks will not accept an expired driver's license or passport, even if it expired recently. If your ID is expired, renew it first. A state ID card or passport card can be renewed at your local DMV or post office, usually within a few days.
What if my address on my ID doesn't match my current address?
Bring both your ID and a separate proof of your current address, like a utility bill or lease. The bank will use the ID to verify who you are and the utility bill to confirm where you live now. You don't need to update your ID first.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card?
No. You can recite your Social Security number or ITIN to the teller, or type it in during online signup. The bank does not need to see the card itself. If you don't know your number, contact the Social Security Administration before you go to the bank.
Can I open an account with just a passport and no other documents?
A passport covers identity, but you still need proof of your current address. Bring a utility bill, lease, or other document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and address. The passport alone is not enough.
What if I'm moving and don't have a utility bill at my new address yet?
Bring your signed lease or rental agreement showing your new address, along with your ID. Some banks will accept this. If the lease isn't dated yet, ask the bank what documents they'll take instead—a letter from your landlord or a moving company confirmation sometimes works.