What temporary ID banks will accept

Yes, you can open a bank account with temporary ID, but the specific documents that work depend on your bank and your state. Most banks will accept a state-issued temporary ID — the paper receipt you get when you renew your driver's license — as long as it has your photo, name, and date of birth. Some banks also take temporary IDs issued by your state's DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) when you first explore for a license.

The catch is that not every bank treats temporary ID the same way. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have different rules than smaller regional banks or credit unions. Some will open an account on the spot with a temporary ID plus a second form of ID. Others will open the account but put a hold on deposits or limit what you can do until you bring in a permanent ID. A few will ask you to come back once your permanent license arrives.

Before you go to the bank, call ahead or check their website for their specific temporary ID policy. This saves a trip and tells you exactly what documents to bring.

Key Takeaways

  • A state-issued temporary ID with your photo and date of birth usually works, but bank policies vary — call your bank first to confirm.
  • You will likely need a second form of ID along with your temporary ID, such as a Social Security card, birth certificate, or utility bill.
  • Some banks open your account when ready but restrict what you can do until you bring in a permanent ID within 30 to 90 days.
  • Credit unions and smaller regional banks are often more flexible with temporary ID than large national chains.
  • If your bank won't accept temporary ID, you can open an account online with some banks, which may have different document requirements.

What documents to bring along with your temporary ID

Banks use a process called Know Your Customer (KYC), which means they need to verify who you are before opening an account. Your temporary ID covers the photo ID part, but you will almost always need a second document to prove your identity or address.

Acceptable second documents usually include a Social Security card, birth certificate, passport, utility bill in your name, lease agreement, or a recent bank statement from another bank. Some banks will take a letter from your employer with your name and address. The exact list varies by bank, so ask when you call.

Bring the originals, not copies. Banks need to see the actual documents to verify them. If you do not have a Social Security card yet, a birth certificate works in most cases. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, an employer letter or a recent tax return can substitute.

How long you have to bring in a permanent ID

If the bank opens your account with temporary ID, they will usually give you a window of 30 to 90 days to bring in your permanent driver's license or state ID. During that time, your account is open and you can deposit money and make withdrawals, but some banks restrict certain features — for example, you might not be able to set up online banking or request a debit card until you show the permanent ID.

Mark the important date on your calendar. If you miss it, the bank may freeze your account or close it. If your permanent ID is delayed, contact the bank and explain the situation. Many will extend the important date if you show proof that you have applied for your permanent ID and are waiting for it to arrive.

Opening an account online instead

If your bank will not accept temporary ID in person, some online banks have different rules. Banks like Chime, Ally, and SoFi sometimes allow you to open an account using temporary ID plus a second document, because they verify your identity through other means — like checking your Social Security number against government records or asking security questions about your financial history.

Online banks also move faster: you can start the process from home and fund your account the same day. The tradeoff is that you will not have a physical branch to visit if you need help, and some online banks do not offer certain services like check deposits through the mail.

If you choose an online bank, read the fine print about their temporary ID policy before you start. Some will let you open the account but will not let you withdraw money until your permanent ID arrives. Others have no physical ID requirement at all if they can verify you through other records.

What happens if your temporary ID expires before your permanent ID arrives

If your temporary ID has an expiration date and your permanent license has not arrived yet, contact the bank before the temporary ID expires. Bring your temporary ID, proof that you have applied for your permanent ID (like a receipt from the DMV), and any other documents the bank asks for. Most banks will extend your important date or accept the expired temporary ID as long as you can show you are in the process of getting your permanent one.

If you wait until after the temporary ID expires, the bank may freeze your account or ask you to close it. The bank needs a valid form of ID on file, so do not let this important date slip.

Credit unions and smaller banks

Credit unions and community banks are often more flexible with temporary ID than national chains. Because they know their members and operate in smaller geographic areas, they may be willing to open an account with just a temporary ID and one other document, or they may waive the second document requirement if you can answer security questions about your background.

If you are a member of a credit union through your employer, school, or family, start there. If not, search for credit unions in your area using the CO-OP Network or Alliant Credit Union's branch locator. Call ahead and ask about their temporary ID policy — you may find that a local credit union is faster and easier than a national bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired temporary ID?

Most banks will not accept an expired temporary ID, even if it is only recently expired. If your permanent ID has not arrived, contact the bank before the temporary ID expires and bring proof that you have applied for your permanent one. The bank may extend your important date or accept the expired document if you show you are waiting for the replacement.

Do I need my Social Security number to open an account with temporary ID?

Yes. Banks are required to collect your Social Security number as part of the identity verification process. If you do not have a Social Security number yet, you can still open an account, but the bank will ask for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or may ask you to return once you have a Social Security number.

What if I lost my temporary ID?

Go to your state's DMV and request a replacement. Bring your permanent ID if you have it, or another form of ID like a passport. The DMV will issue a new temporary ID while you wait. Once you have it, you can open a bank account. If you have already applied for your permanent license, ask the DMV how long it will take to arrive — you may be able to skip the temporary ID step and wait for the permanent one instead.

Can I open a joint account with temporary ID?

Yes, but both account holders will need to bring acceptable ID. If both people have temporary IDs, both will need a second document as well. Some banks may ask one person to bring a permanent ID if available, so call ahead to confirm the bank's policy for joint accounts.

Will the bank put a hold on my deposits if I open with temporary ID?

It depends on the bank. Some banks treat temporary ID the same as permanent ID and place no holds. Others may hold deposits for a few business days longer than usual, or may limit how much you can withdraw per day until your permanent ID arrives. Ask the bank about their hold policy when you call to confirm they accept temporary ID.