Most banks require identity verification before opening an account online, but the method varies

You cannot open a bank account online without some form of identity verification. Every bank is required by federal law to confirm who you are before creating an account — this is called Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance, and it applies whether you walk into a branch or explore on a website.

What changes is how you prove your identity. Some banks will accept a photo of your ID taken through their mobile app. Others require you to upload a document scan. A few will let you verify through a video call with a representative. The key difference from in-person banking is that you are not handing a physical ID to someone across a counter — you are sending a digital copy or participating in a remote verification process.

If you do not have a government-issued ID, the path forward depends on what type of ID you lack and which bank you choose. Some banks have workarounds; others do not.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal law requires all banks to verify your identity before opening an account, whether online or in person.
  • Most online banks accept a photo or scan of a driver's license, passport, or state ID card uploaded through their app or website.
  • Some banks offer video verification with a representative as an alternative to uploading a document.
  • If you lack government ID, a few banks will accept alternative documents like a Social Security card, birth certificate, or utility bill, but this varies widely by institution.
  • Opening an account in person at a physical branch may offer more flexibility than online-only options if you cannot provide standard ID.

What counts as acceptable ID for online account opening

Most major online banks and traditional banks with online options accept the same documents: a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. You photograph or scan the front and back, upload the images through their website or app, and the bank's system checks the document for authenticity and confirms the information matches what you entered during signup.

Some banks also accept a military ID or a tribal ID if you are a member of a federally recognized tribe. A few regional banks and credit unions may accept a passport card (the wallet-sized version, not the book) or a permanent resident card (green card).

The upload process is usually straightforward: the bank's app will prompt you to take a photo of each side of your ID in good lighting, and the system will either verify it automatically or flag it for a human reviewer. If the image is blurry, cut off, or the document is expired, you may be asked to resubmit. This step typically takes a few minutes to a few hours.

Video verification as an alternative to document upload

If you have a valid ID but prefer not to upload a photo, some banks offer video verification. You schedule a brief call with a bank representative (usually through the app or website), show your ID to the camera, and answer a few questions to confirm your identity. This is common at larger banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, though not all branches or account types support it.

Video verification typically takes 5 to 15 minutes and happens within a few hours of your request. The representative will ask you to hold your ID up to the camera, confirm your name and address, and may ask a security question based on your credit history. Once complete, your account is usually activated the same day.

This option is useful if you are uncomfortable uploading a photo of your ID online, or if your ID is damaged but still readable in person. It does require you to be available during the bank's business hours, which is a trade-off for the convenience of online banking.

What to do if you do not have government-issued ID

If you have never obtained a driver's license, passport, or state ID, your options narrow significantly. Most major banks will not open an account without one of these documents. However, a few smaller banks and credit unions have alternative pathways.

Some credit unions will accept a Social Security card plus a secondary document like a birth certificate, utility bill, or lease agreement. Others require you to come in person with whatever ID documents you have, and a staff member will make a judgment call about whether to proceed. This is not a may provide path — it depends entirely on the credit union's policy and the person reviewing your process.

A very small number of online banks designed for underbanked populations (those without traditional credit history or ID) may accept alternative verification methods, such as a phone number verification or a deposit from another bank account. These are rare and often come with higher fees or lower account limits. You would need to contact banks directly to learn their specific requirements.

If you are a non-citizen without a U.S. passport or green card, some banks will accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) plus a secondary document. This is more common at banks in areas with large immigrant populations, but it is not standard practice.

Getting a government ID if you do not have one

If you want to open a bank account online and lack ID, the most direct path is to obtain one. A state ID card (not a driver's license) is the fastest option for most people. You do not need to know how to drive — a state ID is issued for identification purposes alone.

To get a state ID, visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. You will need to bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and pay a fee (usually $15 to $50, depending on the state). The process takes about 30 minutes in person, and you receive a temporary ID when ready; the permanent card arrives by mail in 1 to 3 weeks.

If you need an ID faster, a passport card can be obtained through the U.S. State Department. It costs about $130, requires a birth certificate and proof of citizenship, and takes 4 to 6 weeks by standard mail (or 2 to 3 weeks expedited). A passport book takes the same time but costs more and is larger than you need for banking.

Opening an account in person if online is not an option

If you cannot meet the requirements for online account opening, visiting a physical bank branch may give you more flexibility. Branch staff can see your ID in person, assess whether it is acceptable even if it is expired or damaged, and sometimes override the standard document requirements based on their judgment.

Bring whatever ID you have — even if it is expired — plus a secondary document like a utility bill, lease, or birth certificate. Explain your situation to the branch manager or new accounts representative. They cannot may provide they will open an account, but they have more discretion than an automated online system.

This approach works best at smaller regional banks and credit unions, which often have more flexibility than large national chains. Call ahead and ask whether the branch can open an account without standard ID, so you do not make a trip for nothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account online if my ID is expired?

Most banks will reject an expired ID through their automated online system. However, you can try uploading it anyway — some banks manually review flagged documents and may accept an expired ID if it is recent (within the last few years) and clearly readable. If the online system rejects it, visit a branch in person, where staff have more discretion.

What if I upload my ID and the bank asks for more information?

The bank may ask for a secondary document (like a utility bill or lease) to confirm your address, or they may ask you to verify information through a video call. This is normal and does not mean your process is denied. Respond within the timeframe they give you, usually 5 to 10 business days.

Can I use a photo of my ID instead of the physical document?

No. Banks require an actual government-issued ID document, not a photo of one. You must upload a clear image of the front and back of the ID itself. A screenshot of a photo is not acceptable.

Do online banks verify ID differently than traditional banks?

The verification requirements are the same — federal law applies to all banks. The difference is that online-only banks typically accept only document upload or video verification, while traditional banks with branches may offer more flexibility if you visit in person.

What happens if I lie about my identity when opening an account?

Banks verify the information you provide against government records and credit bureaus. If there is a mismatch, your account will be frozen or closed, and the bank is required to report the discrepancy to federal authorities. It is not worth the risk.