Yes, but the bank will ask for something else instead
You can open a bank account without a driver's license or passport. Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity, but photo ID is not the only way to do it. Most banks will accept a combination of documents that prove who you are — things like a Social Security card, birth certificate, utility bill, or tax return. Some banks also accept a state ID card without a photo, or a tribal ID, or a letter from a government agency.
The catch is that you have to ask. Banks have standard procedures, and their staff will usually ask for photo ID first because it is the fastest route. If you do not have it, tell the bank when ready. Do not wait until they have already filled out forms. Different banks accept different combinations of documents, so you may need to call ahead or visit in person to find out what yours will take.
Key Takeaways
- Banks must verify your identity by federal law, but they can do this with documents other than photo ID — including Social Security cards, birth certificates, and utility bills.
- You need to tell the bank upfront that you do not have photo ID, because staff will usually ask for it first and may not volunteer alternatives.
- Different banks accept different document combinations, so call your bank before you visit to find out what they will take.
- Online banks often have stricter document requirements than branches, so opening an account in person may be easier if you lack photo ID.
- A state ID card without a photo, tribal ID, or passport card may work at some banks even if you do not have a driver's license.
What documents banks actually accept
The federal requirement is called Know Your Customer (KYC), and it means the bank has to verify your name, date of birth, and address. Photo ID does all three at once. Without it, you need to provide the same information in pieces.
Most banks will accept any two of these: a Social Security card, birth certificate, state ID card (photo or not), passport, passport card, tribal ID, military ID, or a document from a government agency with your name and address on it. Some banks also take a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or tax return as proof of address. A few banks will accept a letter from an employer or school with your name and address printed on it.
The exact list depends on the bank. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most regional banks have published their requirements online, usually under a heading like "Identity Verification" or "What Documents We Accept". Credit unions often have different rules than big banks — some are stricter, some are looser. If you bank with a smaller institution, call the branch directly rather than relying on the website, because policies can vary by location.
How the verification process works without photo ID
When you arrive at the bank without photo ID, the staff member will ask what documents you have. Be ready with at least two. They will usually photocopy or scan them, then enter your information into the bank's system. The bank runs a background check using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number — this is the same check they run for everyone, whether you have photo ID or not.
The check takes a few minutes to a few hours. If it passes, you can open the account that day. If it does not pass when ready — because your name is flagged, or your information does not match what the bank finds — the bank may ask you to come back with additional documents, or they may call you to ask questions. This happens to some people with photo ID too, so it is not unique to your situation.
In person is almost always faster than online. Online applications usually require photo ID because the bank cannot verify documents remotely without specialized equipment. If you are opening an account online and do not have photo ID, you will likely hit a dead end and need to visit a branch instead.
What to bring to the bank
Bring your Social Security card and at least one other document with your name and date of birth on it — a birth certificate works well. If you do not have a birth certificate, bring a state ID card, passport, or passport card. Then bring one document that shows your current address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent tax return. Make sure the address on the address document matches the address you give the bank.
Bring originals, not copies. The bank needs to see the real document to verify it is genuine. If you have moved recently and your address documents are old, bring the newest one you have and be ready to explain the move — the bank may ask for a second address document or a letter from your landlord or employer.
Call the bank before you go. Tell them you do not have photo ID and ask which documents they will take. This takes five minutes and saves you a wasted trip. Ask whether you need an appointment or whether you can walk in. Some branches are busier than others, and a quick call tells you the best time to come.
Why some banks are harder than others
Large national banks like Chase and Bank of America have published policies that allow non-photo documents, but individual branches sometimes enforce those policies differently. A teller at one Chase branch might accept a utility bill and Social Security card, while another Chase branch in a different city might ask for more. This is not supposed to happen, but it does.
Online banks and fintech companies are often stricter because they cannot see you in person. They rely on automated systems that check your documents against databases, and those systems are usually set up to accept only photo ID or a narrow list of alternatives. If you are opening an account with an online bank and do not have photo ID, check their website first — many will tell you upfront that they cannot open an account for you without it.
Credit unions vary widely. Some credit unions are very flexible because they know their members personally. Others are as strict as big banks. The only way to know is to ask your specific credit union.
If you do not have any of these documents
If you do not have a Social Security card, birth certificate, or state ID, you can still open a bank account, but it will take longer. You will need to get at least one of these documents first. A birth certificate is the easiest to start with — you can order one from the vital records office in the state where you were born. It usually costs between $15 and $30 and takes one to three weeks by mail, or a few hours if you go in person.
A Social Security card takes longer. You need to explore at a Social Security office with proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) and proof of identity (a state ID, passport, or driver's license). If you do not have any of those, you are in a catch-22, and you will need to start with the birth certificate.
If you are in this situation, a community organization or legal aid office in your area may be able to help you get the documents you need. Many offer free help with birth certificates and Social Security cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a passport card instead of a driver's license?
Yes. A passport card is a valid photo ID and most banks accept it the same way they accept a driver's license. It is smaller than a passport book and costs less to replace if you lose it. If you do not have a driver's license but have a passport card, bring it — the bank will not ask for anything else.
What if I have a state ID card but it does not have a photo?
Some states issue ID cards without photos for religious or medical reasons. Most banks will accept a non-photo state ID card as long as it has your name, date of birth, and signature. Bring it along with one other document like a Social Security card or birth certificate, and you should be fine.
Do I need to bring original documents or can I bring copies?
Bring originals. Banks need to see the real document to check that it is genuine and not altered. Copies are not acceptable for opening an account, though some banks may photocopy your documents after you show them the originals.
Can I open a bank account online without photo ID?
Most online banks require photo ID because they cannot verify documents remotely. A few online banks and fintech companies have alternative verification methods, but they are rare. If you do not have photo ID, opening an account at a physical bank branch is much easier than trying online.
How long does it take to open an account without photo ID?
If you have the right documents and the bank accepts them, it takes the same amount of time as opening an account with photo ID — usually 15 to 30 minutes in the branch. If the bank's background check flags something, it may take a few days or a week while they verify additional information.