Bring a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address

Every bank requires a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. This is non-negotiable. The bank needs to verify you are who you say you are, and they need to match your name to their records.

You also need proof of your current address. A recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address works. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days, though some banks accept up to 90 days. If you have moved recently and your ID still shows an old address, bring both the old ID and the address proof — the bank will update their records.

A few banks accept a second form of ID instead of address proof if your ID is current. Ask when you call or visit, because the rule varies by bank and by state.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID) — every bank requires this.
  • Bring proof of your current address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease, or government mail.
  • If your ID shows an old address, bring both the ID and a current address document so the bank can update their records.
  • Have your Social Security number ready, either memorized or on a document you bring — banks use it to check your banking history.
  • Bring a small initial deposit if the account has a minimum, though many banks now offer accounts with no minimum.

Your Social Security number or ITIN

The bank will ask for your Social Security number to verify your identity and check your banking history through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services. These are databases that track account closures, overdrafts, and fraud — not credit scores. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

You do not need to bring a physical card. Know the number or write it down before you go. If you cannot remember it, you can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm it, though this takes time. Some banks will let you provide it later if you are unsure, but most want it during the account opening.

An initial deposit, if the account requires one

Many banks no longer require a minimum opening deposit, but some still do. The amount varies — it might be $25, $100, or $500. Call the bank before you go and ask whether the account you want has a minimum deposit requirement.

If there is a minimum, bring cash, a debit card, or a check from another account. The bank will deposit it into your new account on the spot. You can withdraw it when ready after the account opens if you want — the minimum is usually just a requirement to open, not a balance you have to keep.

A second form of ID if you cannot provide address proof

If your address proof is older than 90 days or you do not have a recent utility bill or lease, some banks will accept a second government-issued ID instead. This might be a passport, military ID, or state ID in addition to your driver's license.

Not all banks accept this trade-off, so call ahead. If you are moving and do not have proof of your new address yet, ask whether the bank will let you provide it within a certain window after opening the account — many will.

What you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring a credit card, a reference letter, or proof of income. Banks do not check your credit score to open a checking account. They do not care whether you have a job or how much money you make. They check ChexSystems to see whether you have a history of bouncing checks or closing accounts with a negative balance, but that is a separate database from credit reporting.

You do not need to bring a blank check from another bank. Some older guides mention this, but it is outdated. The bank will set up your account and issue you checks or a debit card after you open it.

What happens after you bring everything

The bank employee will verify your ID, check your address, run your Social Security number through ChexSystems, and ask you questions about the account type you want — whether you prefer online banking, whether you want overdraft protection, and so on. This takes 15 to 30 minutes in person. If you open the account online, you will upload photos of your ID and address proof instead of showing them in person.

After the account opens, the bank will issue you a debit card and checks. The debit card usually arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Checks take longer — typically 1 to 2 weeks. You can start using the account when ready with online transfers and bill pay, even before the physical card arrives.

Opening an account online versus in person

If you open the account online, you will need to photograph or scan your ID and address proof and upload them through the bank's website. Make sure the photos are clear and show the entire document. The bank will review them and may ask you to resubmit if they cannot read the information.

Online account opening is usually faster — you can finish in 10 minutes — but verification can take a few hours or a day. In-person opening is when ready. If the bank cannot verify your documents online, they may ask you to visit a branch in person to complete the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account with an expired ID?

Most banks will not accept an expired ID, even if it is only expired by a few months. The ID needs to be current to prove you are the person in the photo. If your ID is expired, renew it at your state's DMV or passport office before you go to the bank.

What if I do not have a current address proof?

Call the bank and ask whether they accept a second government ID instead. If they do not, ask whether you can provide address proof within 30 days of opening the account. Some banks will let you do this. If neither option works, you may need to wait until you have a recent utility bill or lease in your name.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. You only need to know your Social Security number or have it written down. The bank does not need to see the physical card. If you do not know your number, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 before you go to the bank.

Can someone else open an account for me?

No. You must be present in person or open the account yourself online. The bank needs to verify your identity directly. A parent or guardian can open an account for a minor, but the minor usually needs to be present as well.

What if the bank says I cannot open an account?

This usually happens because ChexSystems shows a history of unpaid overdrafts or fraud. Ask the bank which issue is blocking you. You can dispute inaccurate information with ChexSystems directly at chexsystems.com. Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts for people with ChexSystems records.