What you need to know about passport-only accounts
Most banks in the United States will not open a checking or savings account with only a passport. They require a government-issued photo ID plus a second form of identification, and they verify your identity against federal databases before the account is active. A passport counts as the photo ID, but you will need something else—a driver's license, state ID card, Social Security card, or utility bill—to complete the process.
The reason is not arbitrary. Banks are required by federal law (the Bank Secrecy Act and Know Your Customer rules) to confirm who you are and whether you appear on government watchlists. A single document, even a passport, is not enough to meet that standard. The second document does not have to be a photo ID—it just has to be something that connects your name to an address or number the bank can cross-check.
If you do not have a second form of ID, you have options. Some banks will open an account with a passport plus a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement in your name. Others will not. The policy varies by bank and by branch, so calling ahead saves you a wasted trip.
Key Takeaways
- A passport alone is not enough; federal law requires banks to verify your identity using at least two pieces of information.
- The second document does not have to be a photo ID—a utility bill, lease, or Social Security card in your name will usually work.
- Different banks have different policies on what counts as acceptable secondary identification, so call your bank before you visit.
- If you have no second document at all, you can obtain a state ID card or Social Security card before opening the account.
- Online banks have the same legal requirements as brick-and-mortar banks, though the verification process is different.
What counts as a second form of identification
Banks vary in what they will accept, but here are the documents most commonly approved alongside a passport:
| Document Type | What Banks Usually Accept |
|---|---|
| Photo ID | Driver's license, state ID card, military ID, tribal ID |
| Government Document (non-photo) | Social Security card, birth certificate, green card |
| Address Verification | Utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, insurance policy, recent tax return |
| Financial Document | Bank statement, credit card statement, brokerage statement |
The document must be current or recent. A utility bill from three years ago will not work. Most banks want something dated within the last 60 to 90 days. If you are moving or recently moved, bring the most recent bill you have, even if it is from your old address—the bank is checking that the name matches and that you have a documented connection to a physical location.
Call your specific bank before you go in. Ask the person who answers: "I have a passport and [the second document you have]. Will that work to open an account?" This takes two minutes and prevents you from arriving only to be turned away.
If you do not have a second document
If you have only a passport and nothing else, you have two practical paths forward.
The first is to obtain a state ID card or driver's license. You can do this through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. You will need your passport, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease). The process takes one to three weeks in most states, and the ID costs between $10 and $50 depending on where you live. Once you have it, opening a bank account becomes straightforward.
The second is to obtain a Social Security card if you do not have one. You can request a replacement or original card through the Social Security Administration website or by visiting a local Social Security office. You will need your passport and proof of your address. This usually takes two to four weeks and is free. A Social Security card is not a photo ID, but many banks will accept it as a second form of identification alongside your passport.
If you are in the country on a visa and do not have a Social Security number, you may still be able to open an account. Some banks will work with a passport plus an I-94 arrival/departure record, visa documentation, or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Call ahead to confirm—this is less common, and not all banks participate.
Opening an account online versus in person
Online banks have the same legal identity verification requirements as traditional banks, but the process works differently. You will upload images of your documents rather than showing them to a teller. Most online banks accept a passport as your primary ID and ask you to upload a second document—usually a utility bill or bank statement—as proof of address.
The advantage is that you can do this from home and do not need to visit a branch. The disadvantage is that if your documents are rejected, you may have to call customer service to resolve it, which can take longer than a quick conversation with a teller. Some online banks also use third-party verification services that cross-check your information against databases, which can flag inconsistencies that a branch employee might overlook.
If you are considering an online bank, check their specific requirements before you start. Most list them on their website under "What documents do I need?" or "Identity verification." If your situation is unusual—you are new to the country, you do not have a utility bill, you are using a passport from a country the bank does not commonly see—email customer service first rather than starting the process and getting stuck.
What happens if the bank rejects your documents
If a bank says your passport and second document are not acceptable, ask why. The reason matters. If they say the second document is too old, you can get a newer one. If they say they do not recognize the type of document, you can try a different bank or obtain a different document. If they say your information does not match their verification database, that is a separate problem that requires investigation.
Mismatches happen when your name is spelled differently on different documents, when you recently changed your name and one document has not been updated, or when you have a common name and the database flags you as a potential match to someone else. If this occurs, bring documentation of the name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) or ask the bank to manually review your file. This usually resolves the issue, though it may take a few business days.
If one bank rejects you, try another. Banks have different verification systems and different tolerance for documents outside the standard set. A credit union in your area might be more flexible than a large national bank. A community bank might have different policies than a chain. You are not locked into the first bank that says no.
Passport requirements and expiration
Your passport must be valid (not expired) for the bank to accept it as an ID. An expired passport will be rejected, even if it is only expired by a few days. If your passport is expired or expiring soon, renew it before you open the account. You can renew by mail or in person through the State Department, depending on how much time you have.
The bank will not keep your passport. They will scan or photograph it, verify the information, and return it to you. You will leave with your passport and your new account number. Make sure you get your passport back before you leave the branch.
If your passport is from a country outside the United States, it is still valid for bank account purposes. U.S. banks accept foreign passports as long as they are current and have a photo and signature. However, some banks may require additional verification if your passport is from a country they do not commonly see, or if your address history is unclear. Again, calling ahead prevents surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account with an expired passport?
No. Banks require a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID. If your passport is expired, you will need to renew it first. Renewal by mail takes four to six weeks; in-person renewal at a passport acceptance facility is faster but depends on local availability.
What if I have a passport but no address to put on the account?
You must provide an address. Banks need it for mail and for federal verification. If you are homeless or living temporarily, use the address of a shelter, a trusted friend or family member, or a mail forwarding service. Tell the bank your situation if you are concerned—they have procedures for this.
Do I need to bring the original documents or can I show digital copies?
For in-person accounts, bring the originals. The teller needs to see them and verify they are real. For online accounts, you upload digital images (photos or scans). Make sure the images are clear and show the entire document, including all four corners.
Can I open a joint account with only my passport?
No. Each person on the account must provide their own identification. If you are opening a joint account with someone else, you both need a government-issued photo ID plus a second form of identification. The bank will verify both of you separately.
What if the bank says my passport is not acceptable because of where it is from?
This is rare but can happen if the bank's verification system does not recognize the passport format or if there are sanctions-related restrictions. Ask the bank which countries they do accept and whether there is a workaround. If they cannot help, try a different bank or a credit union. You have options.