What you can do without a government ID

Most online banks will not open an account for you without a government-issued ID. The requirement comes from federal law — specifically the Bank Secrecy Act and Know Your Customer (KYC) rules — which require banks to verify your identity before you can deposit money or move funds. There is no legal way around this for a standard checking or savings account at a regulated bank.

However, your options depend on what kind of ID you have and what you are trying to do. If you have a state ID, passport, or military ID, most online banks will take it. If you have none of these, you have narrower paths: some banks will accept alternative documents, some will let you verify in person at a branch, and some financial institutions operate outside the traditional banking system entirely.

The distinction matters because the rules differ between banks, between account types, and between what counts as "government-issued." A tribal ID, for instance, is government-issued but not all banks recognize it. A passport card is different from a passport book. Understanding what you actually have and what each institution will take saves you from repeated rejections.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal law requires banks to verify your identity with a government-issued ID before opening any account that holds money, and no online bank can legally skip this step.
  • A state driver's license, passport, or military ID will work at nearly all online banks, but tribal IDs, passport cards, and foreign documents have variable acceptance depending on the bank.
  • If you have no government ID at all, some banks will let you verify in person at a physical branch or through a video call with a notary, though this defeats the purpose of "online only."
  • Alternative financial institutions like prepaid card companies and money transfer services do not require government ID but also do not offer the same protections as a bank account.

Which IDs online banks actually accept

A U.S. state driver's license or state ID card is the standard. Nearly every online bank accepts it. The bank will ask for your ID number, issue date, and expiration date, and will verify it against state records during the account opening process.

A U.S. passport (the book, not the card) works at all major online banks. A passport card — the smaller, wallet-sized version — is accepted by some banks but not all; you should check with the specific bank before starting the process. A military ID (Common Access Card or CAC) is accepted by most banks, though some require additional verification.

A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized Native American tribe is government-issued, but acceptance varies widely. Some online banks accept it; others do not. If you have a tribal ID and no other government ID, contact the bank directly before explore — do not assume it will work.

A foreign passport will not work at most U.S. online banks. If you are not a U.S. citizen and have no U.S. government ID, you will need to either obtain one (through a state ID office or the passport agency) or use a bank that specifically serves non-citizens, which is rare among online-only institutions.

What happens if you have no government ID at all

If you have never had a driver's license, passport, or state ID, you have three realistic paths. The first is to get one. A state ID card (not a driver's license) can be obtained at your state's DMV or equivalent office. You will need proof of identity (birth certificate, Social Security card, or other documents depending on your state) and proof of address. This takes time but solves the problem permanently.

The second path is to open an account in person at a bank with physical branches. Some banks, including online-focused ones that also operate branches, will let you verify your identity face-to-face with a teller or banker. You will still need some form of ID — a passport, tribal ID, school ID, or even a utility bill and birth certificate together — but the bar is lower in person than online. After the account is open, you can use it entirely online.

The third path is to use a video verification service. A small number of banks will let you verify your identity through a video call with a notary public or identity verification specialist. You will need to show documents on camera — again, a passport, tribal ID, or combination of documents — but you do not need to visit a physical location. This is slower than online-only verification and may cost a small fee, but it exists.

Why online banks cannot skip the ID requirement

The Bank Secrecy Act, passed in 1970 and updated several times since, requires all banks to verify the identity of anyone opening an account. The rule is called Know Your Customer (KYC). Banks that fail to verify identity face federal penalties, loss of their banking license, and criminal liability for their executives. No bank, online or otherwise, will risk this to let you open an account without ID.

The rule exists to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. It also protects you: it means that when you open an account, the bank has confirmed you are who you say you are, and that someone else cannot open an account in your name. The downside is that it creates a barrier for people without government ID, but the barrier is legal, not a bank policy choice.

Some online banks have tried to lower the barrier by accepting alternative documents or video verification, but they still verify something. There is no legitimate online bank account that requires no identity verification at all.

Alternatives if you cannot open a traditional bank account

If you cannot get a government ID and cannot access in-person or video verification, you have non-bank options. These do not offer the same protections as a bank account — they are not insured by the FDIC, they may charge higher fees, and they have lower limits on how much money you can hold — but they do let you receive and send money without a government ID.

Prepaid debit cards are the most common alternative. Companies like NetSpend, Green Dot, and Chime issue prepaid cards that you can load with money. Some require no ID at all; others require a name and address but not government ID. The money sits in a pooled account, not your own account, so it has less legal protection. Fees are typically higher than a bank account.

Money transfer services like Western Union and MoneyGram let you receive money without an account. Someone sends you money, you pick it up at a location with a government ID (or sometimes without one, depending on the amount and the service). This works for receiving money but not for storing it or paying bills automatically.

Check-cashing services will cash checks for you without an account, though they charge a percentage of the check amount. This is expensive for regular use but works if you receive checks infrequently.

The fastest path forward if you have no ID

If you need a bank account and have no government ID, the fastest realistic path is usually to get a state ID card. Visit your state's DMV website and find the requirements for your state — they vary, but most states will issue an ID card to anyone with a birth certificate and proof of address. The process takes one to two weeks in most states. The cost is typically $10 to $30.

While you wait for the ID, you can research which online bank you want to use. Look for one that accepts the ID type you will have (state ID, not driver's license) and that does not charge monthly fees. Once your ID arrives, opening the account takes 10 to 15 minutes online.

If you cannot wait and need access to money when ready, a prepaid debit card is the fastest alternative — you can get one in a day or two at a retail location like Walmart or Target, and some require no ID at all. The trade-off is higher fees and lower protections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a school ID or work ID instead of a government ID?

No. School IDs and work IDs are not government-issued, so banks cannot use them to verify your identity under federal law. Some banks may ask to see them as additional proof of address or employment, but they cannot substitute for a government ID.

What if I have a passport card instead of a passport book?

A passport card is government-issued and valid for travel, but not all online banks accept it for account opening. Some do, some do not. Before you explore, contact the bank and ask whether they accept passport cards. If they do not, you can use your passport book instead, or get a state ID card.

Can I open an account if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you have a valid government ID. A foreign passport works at some U.S. banks, though not all. You may also need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. Contact the bank directly to ask what documents they need for non-citizens.

Do prepaid cards have the same protections as a bank account?

No. Bank accounts are insured by the FDIC up to $250,000 per account. Prepaid cards are not FDIC-insured, so if the company fails, you may lose your money. Prepaid cards also have lower daily spending limits and higher fees. They are a temporary solution, not a replacement for a bank account.

How long does it take to get a state ID if I do not have one?

Most states issue a state ID card within one to two weeks if you explore in person at a DMV office. Some states offer expedited processing for a higher fee. Check your state's DMV website for the exact timeline and requirements in your area.