Yes, you can open a bank account with a passport as your primary ID

A passport is a valid form of government-issued identification for opening a bank account at most U.S. banks. You do not need a driver's license. Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity before opening an account, and a passport satisfies that requirement because it is issued by the U.S. State Department and contains your photograph, signature, and date of birth.

The process works the same way it does with a driver's license: you bring your passport to the bank, the teller or account officer scans or photographs it, and that information goes into their system. Some banks may ask for a second form of ID (such as a Social Security card or utility bill) depending on their internal policy, but the passport alone is sufficient at most institutions.

If you do not have a driver's license—whether because you do not drive, have not renewed it, or are new to the country—a passport is often the easiest path to opening an account without delay.

Key Takeaways

  • A U.S. passport is accepted as primary identification for opening a bank account at virtually all major banks and most credit unions.
  • Banks may ask for a second form of ID alongside your passport, depending on their policy, but this varies by institution.
  • Bring your passport in person to the branch; most banks cannot open accounts with a passport over the phone or online without additional verification steps.
  • If your passport is expired, some banks will still accept it for identity verification, though you should call ahead to confirm your specific bank's policy.
  • A passport proves citizenship and identity but does not prove your current address, so banks often request a utility bill or lease as proof of residence.

What banks need from your passport

When you hand over your passport, the bank is looking for specific information: your full legal name, date of birth, photograph, signature, and passport number. The teller will record these details and may photograph or scan the document. This information goes into the bank's customer identification program (CIP), which is the federal requirement that banks verify who you are before taking your money.

The passport does not prove where you live, which is why banks often ask for a second document. A utility bill, lease agreement, or recent bank statement with your name and address will satisfy this requirement. Some banks waive the address verification if you provide it verbally and they record it in their system, but this depends on the bank's policy.

If your passport is expired, call the bank before you go. Most banks will accept an expired passport for identity verification because the information on it does not change, but some have stricter policies. A few institutions may require a valid passport, so a five-minute phone call saves you a wasted trip.

In-person versus online account opening with a passport

Opening an account in person at a branch is straightforward: bring your passport and proof of address, fill out the account process, and you are done. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Opening an account online or by phone is more complicated with a passport. Most banks' online systems are designed around driver's licenses and Social Security numbers. If you try to open an account online and the system will not accept your passport number, you will need to call the bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person. Some banks offer a workaround: you can start the process online, then complete it over the phone with a representative who can manually enter your passport information.

A few banks—primarily online-only institutions—may require a driver's license or state ID for remote account opening because they cannot verify your identity through video or document upload the way a branch can. If you are trying to open an account with an online bank and hit this wall, switching to a bank with physical branches in your area is usually faster than trying to force the online process.

Passport requirements by bank type

National banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank) accept passports as primary ID at all branches. They may ask for proof of address but will not turn you away because you lack a driver's license.

Regional and community banks have the same federal requirements, so they accept passports. However, their policies on secondary ID vary more widely. Some require it, some do not. Calling ahead or visiting a branch to ask takes two minutes and prevents confusion.

Credit unions accept passports, but many also require membership in the credit union's field of membership (such as working for a specific employer or living in a specific county). Your passport proves identity, but it does not prove membership, so you may need to bring additional documents showing your connection to the credit union.

Online banks vary widely. Some accept passport numbers during online signup. Others require a driver's license or state ID for remote verification. Check the bank's website or call before you start the process.

What to bring beyond your passport

Bring your passport and at least one document showing your current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreement, or recent bank statement works. The document should have your name and address and be dated within the last 60 to 90 days, though banks are flexible on this if you are new to an address.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Banks need this for tax reporting and fraud prevention. Have it memorized or written down; you will not need to show a card.

If you are opening a joint account, bring the other person's passport and proof of address as well. If you are opening an account as a minor with a parent or guardian, bring both passports and the parent's proof of address.

If your passport is from another country

A foreign passport is not sufficient on its own. U.S. banks are required to verify that you are either a U.S. citizen or a lawful resident. A foreign passport does not prove this. You will need to bring your foreign passport plus one of the following: a U.S. visa, a green card, a work authorization document (EAD), or a Social Security number or ITIN.

If you have a U.S. visa and a foreign passport, bring both. If you have a green card, bring that instead of relying on the foreign passport alone. If you have a Social Security number or ITIN but no visa or green card, bring documentation showing how you obtained it—such as an I-797 approval notice or a letter from the Social Security Administration.

Some banks are more experienced with this than others. If you are a visa holder or green card holder and the first bank turns you away, try a larger national bank or a bank in an area with a significant immigrant population. They will have staff trained to handle these documents.

Timing and what happens next

Once you open the account, you can usually use your debit card within one to three business days. The bank will order a physical card, which arrives by mail in five to ten business days. You can request expedited shipping at some banks, but it costs extra.

Your account is active when ready for transfers, bill pay, and mobile deposits. You do not have to wait for the physical card to start using the account.

The bank will send you a welcome packet with your account number, routing number, and instructions for setting up online banking. You can set up online access the same day you open the account, usually through the bank's website or mobile app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account with an expired passport?

Most banks will accept an expired passport because the identifying information does not change. However, some banks require a valid passport. Call your bank before you go to confirm. If your passport is expired and the bank will not accept it, you can renew it through the State Department while using other forms of ID to open the account.

Do I need a Social Security number if I have a passport?

Yes. A passport proves identity, but banks also need a Social Security number or ITIN for tax reporting and fraud prevention. If you do not have one, you can still open an account, but the bank will file a report with the IRS noting that you did not provide one. This does not prevent you from opening the account.

What if the bank asks for a driver's license and I do not have one?

Tell the bank you do not have a driver's license and ask what other forms of ID they accept. A passport is always acceptable. If a specific bank insists on a driver's license, try a different bank—they are not allowed to require it if you have another valid government-issued ID.

Can I open an account online with just my passport number?

It depends on the bank. Some online banks accept passport numbers during signup. Others require a driver's license or state ID for remote verification. If the online form will not accept your passport, call the bank's customer service line and ask if they can open the account over the phone using your passport information.

Do I need to bring the original passport or can I bring a copy?

Bring the original. Banks need to see the physical document to verify it is genuine and to photograph or scan it for their records. A copy is not acceptable.