Yes, but the bank will ask for something else instead

You can open a bank account without a driver's license or passport, but you will need to prove who you are in some form. Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity before they open an account — this is called Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, and it exists to prevent fraud and money laundering.

The specific documents a bank will accept vary by institution and by what you have available. If you do not have a government-issued photo ID, you have other routes: some banks will use a combination of non-photo documents, some will accept an ID from another country, and some will work with you over time to build a file they can verify.

The challenge is not whether it is possible — it is that you will need to call ahead or visit in person to find out what your specific bank will take. Online banks almost always require a government ID because they cannot verify you face-to-face. Local banks and credit unions are more flexible.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks must verify your identity by law, so you will need some form of ID, but it does not have to be a driver's license or passport.
  • A state ID card, tribal ID, passport card, or foreign government ID may work at many banks even if you do not have a driver's license.
  • Some banks will accept a combination of documents like a utility bill, lease, or Social Security card along with a secondary form of ID.
  • Credit unions and community banks are more likely to work with you on non-standard ID than large national banks or online-only banks.
  • You will need to contact the bank directly before visiting, because policies vary widely and some branches may handle this differently than others.

What counts as ID at most banks

A government-issued photo ID is the fastest route. This includes a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or passport card. If you have any of these, bring it — most banks will accept it without asking for anything else.

If you do not have a U.S. government ID, a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized Native American tribe is accepted at many banks. A foreign government-issued passport or national ID card may also work, though the bank will need to verify it is genuine, which can take longer.

Some banks will accept a state ID card even if you have never had a driver's license. You can get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) — it costs money (usually $20 to $50 depending on your state) and requires proof of identity and residency, but it is a real government ID that banks recognize.

When you have no photo ID at all

If you have no government-issued photo ID and cannot get one quickly, some banks will use a combination of documents instead. These typically include a utility bill or lease (to prove your address), a Social Security card or tax document (to prove your number), and sometimes a secondary form of ID like a school ID or work badge.

The bank may also run a background check or verify information through a third-party service. This process takes longer — sometimes a few days to a week — and the bank may place limits on your account (like a lower initial deposit limit or restrictions on wire transfers) until they have fully verified you.

Credit unions and community banks are more likely to do this than large national chains. Call ahead and ask whether the bank has a process for customers without photo ID. If they say no, ask if they can refer you to another institution that does.

Why online banks are harder

Online banks almost always require a government-issued photo ID because they cannot verify you in person. They use automated systems that scan and verify your ID electronically, and these systems are designed around standard U.S. government documents.

If you want to bank online and do not have a photo ID, your best option is to get a state ID card first. This takes a few weeks but gives you a document that online banks will accept. Some online banks will also let you start with a video call to a real person instead of an automated system — call and ask whether they offer this.

Getting a state ID if you do not have one

A state ID card is a government-issued photo ID that proves who you are but does not give you driving privileges. You get it from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent — some states call it the Secretary of State's office).

To get one, you will typically need to bring proof of identity (like a birth certificate, passport, or tribal ID), proof of your current address (like a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (like a Social Security card or tax return). The exact requirements vary by state, so check your state's DMV website before you go.

The cost is usually $20 to $50, and you can often make an appointment online to avoid waiting. Once you have it, you can open an account at almost any bank.

What to do before you visit the bank

Do not walk into a bank without calling first. Call the branch where you plan to open the account and tell them you do not have a driver's license or passport. Ask what documents they will take instead. Write down the name of the person you spoke to and what they said — this protects you if a different employee gives you different information.

If the bank says they cannot help you, ask them to recommend another bank or credit union that might. Many community banks and credit unions have experience with this and will tell you exactly what to bring.

Bring more documents than you think you need. If you have a utility bill, lease, Social Security card, birth certificate, passport card, tribal ID, school ID, or work badge, bring them all. The bank can choose which ones they need.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, you can use it like any other account. You will get a debit card (usually within 5 to 10 business days), and you can set up direct deposit, pay bills, and transfer money.

If the bank placed limits on your account because of the ID situation, those limits usually lift after 30 to 90 days once they have verified you further through your account activity. Ask the bank when this will happen so you know what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account with just a Social Security card?

Not by itself — a Social Security card is not a photo ID, and banks need to see your face to verify you are who you say you are. However, a Social Security card plus other documents (like a utility bill and a secondary ID) may work at some banks. Call ahead to ask.

Will a school ID or work badge count as my ID?

Probably not as your main ID, but it may count as a secondary document. Most banks want a government-issued ID as the primary document. A school or work ID can help support your identity if you are using a combination of documents.

What if I have a passport card but no driver's license?

A passport card is a government-issued photo ID and will work at virtually any bank. Bring it along with proof of your address (like a utility bill or lease), and you should be able to open an account without any problem.

How long does it take to open an account without a standard ID?

If you have some form of ID, it usually takes the same time as a normal account opening — often the same day or within a few business days. If you have no photo ID and the bank is using a combination of documents, it may take a week or longer while they verify everything.

Can I use a foreign passport to open a bank account?

Yes, many banks will accept a foreign government-issued passport or national ID card. The bank will need to verify it is genuine, which may take longer than verifying a U.S. document, but it is a valid form of ID. Bring it along with proof of your U.S. address.