Bring these documents on the day you open your account

You need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN. Most banks will ask for all three before they open the account. Bring the originals — banks do not accept photocopies of ID. If you do not have a photo ID yet, some banks will work with a passport or state ID card instead, but call ahead to confirm what that branch takes.

Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill usually works. If you have moved recently and your mail has not caught up, bring a lease or rental agreement with your current address on it. Banks vary on how strict they are about the date, so if your bill is older than 60 days, bring two documents instead of one.

Your Social Security number or ITIN is required so the bank can report interest you earn and set up tax withholding if needed. The bank will verify it against IRS records. If you do not have either, some banks offer accounts without SSN verification, but these come with limits on deposits and transfers — ask whether that works for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring an original government-issued photo ID, a recent utility bill or lease showing your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days in most cases, though a lease or rental agreement works even if older.
  • If you do not have a photo ID, call the bank first — some branches accept passports or state ID cards instead.
  • Banks verify your Social Security number against IRS records, so have it ready or ask about accounts that do not require it.

What happens if you do not have all three documents

If you are missing a photo ID, you have options. A valid passport works at most banks. A state ID card (non-driver) works at many, though some require a driver's license specifically. Call the branch before you go — different locations sometimes have different rules, and you do not want to make a trip for nothing.

If you do not have proof of address, bring two documents instead of one. A lease, rental agreement, or mortgage statement counts even if it is older than 60 days. A recent bank statement from another bank also works. If you are homeless or living with family and have no mail in your name, some banks will accept a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or the person whose house you live in, signed and dated.

If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, some banks will open an account without it, but the account will have restrictions. You may not be able to set up direct deposit, and there may be limits on how much you can deposit or transfer each month. Ask the bank what those limits are before you open the account, because they affect how you can use it.

Documents that help but are not required

Bring a second form of ID if you have one — a state ID card, passport, or military ID. Banks do not always ask for it, but having it speeds things up if there is any question about your identity. It also helps if your photo ID is expired, though most banks accept expired IDs as long as they are not more than a few years old.

If you want to set up direct deposit right away, bring a recent pay stub or a letter from your employer showing your name, address, and employer's routing number. You do not need this to open the account, but it saves a trip back if you want direct deposit set up the same day. Some employers print the routing number on the stub; others do not, so check before you go.

If you are opening an account for a minor, bring the child's birth certificate and Social Security card, plus your own ID and proof of address. The rules vary by bank — some require both parents to be present, others do not. Call ahead to ask what your branch requires.

What the bank will ask you to sign

You will sign a signature card, which the bank keeps on file to verify your signature on checks and withdrawal forms. You will also sign a deposit account agreement, which is the contract that explains the bank's rules — overdraft fees, minimum balance requirements, how they handle disputes, and what happens if you close the account. Read it or ask the banker to explain the parts that matter to you. Banks are required to give you a copy to take home.

You may also be asked to sign forms related to tax withholding, fraud prevention, or anti-money-laundering compliance. These are standard and required by law. The banker will explain what each one does. If something is unclear, ask before you sign.

Timing: how long it takes to open an account

Opening an account in person usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The banker will verify your documents, ask questions about how you plan to use the account, run a background check (which is when ready), and have you sign the paperwork. You will get a debit card on the spot at some banks; others mail it to you within 5 to 10 business days. Ask which your bank does.

Your account number and routing number are usually available the same day, so you can set up direct deposit or transfers when ready. Checks take longer — if you order them at the branch, they arrive in 7 to 14 business days. Some banks let you order checks online after you open the account.

What banks check before they open your account

Banks run a background check through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history. This check looks for unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or accounts closed due to suspicious activity. It is not a credit check — it does not affect your credit score. If you have had problems with a bank account in the past, the bank may decline to open one for you, or may require a higher minimum balance.

The bank also verifies your identity and address against government records and checks your Social Security number against IRS records. This is required by federal law and takes a few minutes. If there is a mismatch — for example, if your name or address on your ID does not match what the IRS has — the banker will ask you to clarify. Bring documents that show the correct information if you think there might be a discrepancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account online instead of going to the bank?

Yes. Online banks and many traditional banks let you open an account on their website. You upload photos of your ID and proof of address, enter your Social Security number, and sign electronically. The account opens within one to three business days. You do not need to visit a branch, but you still need the same documents.

What if my ID is expired?

Most banks accept expired IDs as long as they are not more than five or six years old and the photo is still recognizable. Call your branch to confirm their policy. If your ID is older than that, bring a second form of ID or a passport instead.

Do I need to bring a checkbook or deposit money on the day I open the account?

No. You do not need to bring anything except your documents. You do not have to deposit money to open the account, though some banks require a minimum deposit to avoid monthly fees. Ask about that when you call to schedule your appointment.

What if I do not have a current address?

If you are homeless or moving and do not have mail in your name yet, bring a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or the person whose address you are using, signed and dated. Some banks also accept a recent bank statement from another bank as proof of address. Call ahead to ask what your branch will take.

Can someone else open an account for me?

No. You must be present with your own ID and documents. If you are a minor, a parent or guardian must be present with their own ID as well. Banks cannot open an account based on someone else's documents.