What you can do without a photo ID
You can open a bank account without a government-issued photo ID, but the process is slower and the options are narrower. Most banks will not do it, but some will — usually smaller institutions, credit unions, and online banks that have different verification workflows. The bank will ask for other documents to prove who you are and that you live where you say you do.
The reason banks ask for ID at all is federal law. The Bank Secrecy Act requires banks to verify your identity before opening an account. A photo ID makes that verification fast. Without one, the bank has to use other documents and sometimes wait longer to confirm information through third-party databases.
Your realistic options depend on why you don't have an ID. If you've never had one, the path is different than if yours expired or was lost. If you're undocumented, your options are different still. Each situation has a workable route, but none of them are as straightforward as walking in with a driver's license.
Key Takeaways
- Credit unions and smaller regional banks are more likely to open accounts without photo ID than large national chains.
- You will need to provide alternative documents: a birth certificate, Social Security card, utility bill, lease, or recent mail with your name and address.
- The verification process takes longer without photo ID — expect one to three weeks instead of same-day approval.
- Online banks rarely accept non-photo ID verification, so your best options are in-person at a local branch.
- If you're undocumented, some credit unions and immigrant-focused banks will open accounts using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security number.
Which banks will work with you
Credit unions are your strongest option. They typically have more flexibility than banks because they're member-owned and often serve specific communities. Call ahead and ask whether they can open an account without a photo ID — many will say yes if you bring other documents. The CO-OP Network and Allpoint are two large credit union networks, so if you find one that works, you may have access to thousands of ATMs nationwide.
Smaller regional and community banks come second. These are banks that operate in only a few states or a single metro area. They know their customers and their communities better than national chains do, and they're more willing to take on the extra work of verifying you through alternative means. Call the branch directly — don't use the main customer service line — and ask to speak with someone who opens accounts.
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo almost never open accounts without a government photo ID. They process thousands of accounts daily and their systems are built around ID verification. You can ask, but expect to hear no.
Online banks are not an option for this. They have no branch to visit, no person to talk to, and their entire verification process is automated and built around photo ID. Even if they wanted to make an exception, they have no way to do it.
Documents you'll need instead of a photo ID
Banks will ask for documents that prove two things: who you are, and where you live. You don't need all of these, but you should bring as many as you can find.
| Proof of Identity | Proof of Address |
|---|---|
| Birth certificate (original or certified copy) | Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) |
| Social Security card | Lease or rental agreement |
| Passport (if you have one) | Mortgage statement |
| School ID (if current) | Recent mail from a government agency |
| Tribal ID (if applicable) | Insurance statement with your address |
| ITIN (if you don't have a Social Security number) | Bank statement from another institution |
The address documents need to be recent — usually within the last 60 to 90 days. A utility bill from six months ago won't work. If you just moved and don't have a new utility bill yet, a lease or rental agreement is usually acceptable even if it's older.
If you have a passport, bring it. Even without a photo ID, a passport is a strong document because it's issued by the federal government and it proves citizenship. Some banks will open an account with just a passport and a proof of address.
What happens after you hand over your documents
The bank will keep your documents and run a background check. They'll verify your name and address against databases they subscribe to — companies like LexisNexis and Clarity that aggregate public records. This takes time. Without a photo ID to speed things up, expect one to three weeks.
During this time, the bank may call you to confirm information or ask follow-up questions. Make sure the phone number you give them is one you check regularly. If they can't reach you, they may close the process.
Some banks will give you a temporary account number while they verify your documents, so you can start using the account right away. Others will wait until verification is complete. Ask the bank which approach they use before you leave.
If the bank can't verify your information through their databases, they may ask you to come back in person with additional documents, or they may ask you to get a notarized statement from a notary public confirming your identity. This adds another step and another week or two.
If you've never had an ID and need one
Getting a government ID is often faster than waiting for a bank to verify you without one. A state ID card (not a driver's license) takes about two weeks in most states and costs between $10 and $30. You'll need a birth certificate and proof of address to get one.
If you already have a birth certificate and a utility bill or lease, you have everything you need to get a state ID. Once you have it, opening a bank account becomes a same-day process at almost any bank.
Go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and look for "state ID" or "identification card" — not a driver's license. The process is simpler and faster than getting a license. You can often schedule an appointment online so you don't have to wait in line.
If you're undocumented
You can open a bank account without a Social Security number. You'll need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who don't have a Social Security number but need to file taxes or open financial accounts.
Getting an ITIN takes about two weeks. You explore through the IRS using Form W-7, and you can do it by mail or in person at an IRS office. You'll need a birth certificate or passport and proof of address. Once you have the ITIN, bring it to a credit union or immigrant-focused bank along with your other documents.
Some banks and credit unions specifically serve immigrant communities and have experience opening accounts with ITINs. Search for "ITIN bank account" plus your city name, or call local immigrant advocacy organizations — they often maintain lists of banks that will work with you.
Do not use a fake Social Security number. Banks verify Social Security numbers against federal databases. If the number doesn't match, the bank will close your account and may report you to federal authorities.
What to do if a bank says no
If the first bank turns you down, try a credit union next. If your local credit union also says no, ask them for a referral — they often know other institutions in the area that are more flexible.
You can also contact a community development financial institution (CDFI). CDFIs are banks and credit unions that specifically serve people who have trouble opening accounts at mainstream banks. They exist in most cities. Search "CDFI near me" or call 211 and ask for a referral.
If you're in a situation where you genuinely cannot get any ID and cannot find a bank willing to work with you, a prepaid card is a temporary alternative. Prepaid cards don't require a bank account and can be loaded with direct deposit. They're not a long-term solution — they charge fees and don't build credit — but they can hold you over while you work on getting an ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an account with just a birth certificate?
Alone, no — most banks want both proof of identity and proof of address. A birth certificate covers identity, but you'll also need a utility bill, lease, or recent mail showing where you live. Together, those two documents are often enough.
How long does it really take without an ID?
One to three weeks from the day you hand over your documents. Some banks give you a temporary account number while they verify, so you can use the account sooner. Call the bank and ask whether they do this.
Will the bank keep my original documents?
They'll make copies and keep those. Always bring originals so they can verify them, but ask for them back before you leave. If they won't return them, ask them to make copies while you wait.
What if I don't have a proof of address document?
Some banks will accept a letter from a shelter, a landlord's written statement, or a notarized affidavit from someone who knows you and can confirm your address. Call the bank first and ask what they'll accept before you spend time gathering documents.
Can I use a school ID or work ID instead of a government ID?
A current school ID can work as proof of identity at some banks, especially credit unions. A work ID is weaker — it proves you work somewhere, not who you are. Bring both if you have them, along with your other documents, but don't count on a work ID alone.