What you need to open a bank account
A driver's license alone is usually not enough. Most banks require two forms of identification, and they want at least one to be a government-issued photo ID. Your driver's license covers the photo ID part, but you will need a second document to complete the picture.
The second document does not have to be another photo ID. Banks accept things like a Social Security card, birth certificate, passport, utility bill, lease agreement, or recent tax return. The specific list varies by bank, so if you do not have a second photo ID, call ahead and ask what else they will take.
Beyond identification, you will need to bring proof of your current address — usually a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. Some banks will accept your driver's license as address proof if the address on it is current. You will also need to know your Social Security number or have your Social Security card with you.
Key Takeaways
- A driver's license is a photo ID but not a complete identity document on its own — banks typically require a second form of ID like a Social Security card, birth certificate, or utility bill.
- Address proof is separate from identity documents and usually requires a recent utility bill or lease, though some banks accept a current driver's license for this purpose.
- Different banks have different secondary ID requirements, so calling your chosen bank before you go in saves a trip if you lack a second photo ID.
- Online banks often have looser document requirements than brick-and-mortar branches, though they still need to verify your identity through other means.
Why banks ask for two forms of ID
Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity before opening an account. This is part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) rule, which applies to every financial institution. A single document is not considered sufficient verification because one document can be forged or stolen. Two separate documents make it harder for someone to impersonate you.
The second document does not need to be as formal as the first. A utility bill in your name serves the same verification purpose as a passport because it shows that you exist, that you live where you say you do, and that you are the person you claim to be. Banks are looking for consistency across documents, not a specific type of credential.
What counts as a second form of ID
Government-issued photo IDs include a passport, state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID. If you have any of these, you can use it as your second document and skip the utility bill requirement.
Non-photo documents that most banks accept include a Social Security card, birth certificate, tax return, W-2 form, mortgage statement, lease agreement, or utility bill. Some banks also accept bank statements from another institution, insurance documents, or pay stubs. The document should show your name and ideally your address, though address is sometimes verified separately.
What banks typically do not accept includes expired documents (even if they are government-issued), documents in a language other than English without translation, or documents that are photocopies rather than originals. A few banks will not accept utility bills if they are in a roommate's name, even if you live there. Call ahead if you are unsure whether a specific document will work.
Opening an account in person versus online
In-person accounts at a physical branch require you to bring your documents with you. The bank teller will look at the originals, copy them or scan them, and verify the information on the spot. This process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You walk out with a debit card or a card number the same day in many cases.
Online banks have different processes. Some will let you upload photos of your documents through their app or website. Others use a video call where a representative watches you hold up your ID to the camera. A few use third-party verification services that cross-check your information against public records and credit bureaus. Online accounts typically take one to three business days to open, and you receive your debit card by mail.
Online banks often have more flexible document requirements because they are not looking at physical originals. Some will open an account with just a driver's license and a Social Security number if you can verify your identity through other means — a credit check, a previous bank account, or a phone number match. If you lack a second physical document, an online bank may be your faster route.
If you do not have a driver's license
A driver's license is common but not required. You can open a bank account with a state ID card, passport, or other government-issued photo ID instead. The same two-document rule applies — you still need a second form of identification.
If you do not have any government-issued photo ID, opening an account becomes harder but not impossible. Some banks will work with you if you bring multiple non-photo documents — for example, a birth certificate, Social Security card, and utility bill together. Others will require you to get a state ID first. A few online banks will open accounts for people without photo ID if they can verify your identity through credit history or other records, though this is less common.
If you are in this situation, call banks in your area and ask directly what documents they need. Do not assume you cannot open an account until you have asked.
What happens after you bring your documents
The bank will enter your information into their system and run a background check. This check looks at ChexSystems, a banking history database that tracks closed accounts, overdrafts, and fraud. It is not a credit check — it does not affect your credit score. The bank is looking for whether you have a history of problems with other banks.
If you have never had a bank account before, this check will come back clear and your account will open. If you have had accounts closed due to overdrafts or fraud, the bank may deny you or ask you to use a second-chance checking account instead. Some banks will still open a regular account even with a ChexSystems record, depending on how old the issue is and what it was.
Once your account is approved, you will choose a PIN, set up online banking, and decide whether you want a debit card mailed to you or picked up in person. Most banks mail cards within five to seven business days.
Documents to bring: a checklist
| Document Type | What It Covers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's license | Photo ID + address | Must be current and not expired. Address must be current for address proof. |
| Passport | Photo ID | Does not have address, so bring a second document for address proof. |
| Social Security card | Identity verification | Counts as second document. Bring address proof separately. |
| Birth certificate | Identity verification | Counts as second document. Bring address proof separately. |
| Utility bill | Address proof + identity | Must be recent (usually within 60 days) and in your name. |
| Lease or mortgage | Address proof + identity | Must be current and in your name. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an expired driver's license?
Most banks will not accept an expired driver's license as a photo ID, even if it is only expired by a few months. Some banks have a grace period of 30 to 60 days after expiration, but this is not standard. If your license is expired, bring a passport or state ID instead, or renew your license first.
What if my address on my driver's license is old?
You can still use it as your photo ID, but you will need to bring a separate address document like a utility bill or lease. Banks verify address separately from identity, so an outdated address on your ID does not stop you from opening an account — you just have to prove where you actually live now.
Do I need my Social Security card or just the number?
You need the number, but having the card with you is easier. If you know your number by heart, you can open an account without the card. If you do not have the number memorized and cannot find your card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration, though this takes several weeks.
Can someone else bring my documents for me?
No. Banks require you to be present in person or to verify your identity yourself through video call or photo upload. They need to confirm that you are the person in the ID and that you are authorizing the account. A family member or friend cannot open an account on your behalf.
What if the bank says my documents are not enough?
Ask what additional documents they need and whether you can bring them the same day or if you need to come back. If they will not work with the documents you have, try a different bank — requirements vary. Online banks often have more flexible options if local branches turn you down.