Yes, you will need identification to open a bank account at any bank or credit union in the United States

Banks are required by federal law to verify who you are before opening an account. This is called Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, and it applies to every financial institution. The specific documents they accept vary slightly by bank, but all of them require at least one form of government-issued photo ID.

The good news is that the ID requirement is straightforward. You do not need a perfect credit history, a large deposit, or a job. You just need to prove you are who you say you are. If you do not have a traditional ID yet, there are still paths forward.

Key Takeaways

  • A government-issued photo ID is required at every bank and credit union, with a driver's license or state ID card being the most common choice.
  • If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, a passport, passport card, or tribal ID will work at most institutions.
  • Some banks will accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security Number if you are not a U.S. citizen or do not have a Social Security Number.
  • If you have no ID at all, you can obtain a state ID card from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles without needing a driver's license.

What counts as acceptable ID

A driver's license or state ID card is what most banks ask for first. Both are issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and include your photo, signature, and date of birth. If you do not drive, a state ID card serves the same purpose and is easier to get.

If you do not have either of those, a U.S. passport or passport card works at virtually every bank. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized Native American tribe is also accepted. Some banks will take a military ID or a permanent resident card (green card) if that is what you have.

The ID must be current or recently expired — banks typically accept IDs that expired within the last year or two, though this varies by institution. Call ahead if your ID is more than two years expired.

Getting a state ID if you have no driver's license

If you do not have a driver's license and do not want one, you can get a state ID card instead. This is a photo ID issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles that proves your identity but does not allow you to drive. The process is nearly identical to getting a driver's license.

You will need to visit your state's DMV office in person with documents that prove your identity and address. Acceptable documents usually include a birth certificate, passport, or Social Security card for identity, and a utility bill or lease for your address. The exact list depends on your state — check your state's DMV website before you go.

The cost is typically between $15 and $50, and the card arrives in the mail within two to four weeks. Once you have it, you can open a bank account when ready.

What to bring besides your ID

Your ID is only one piece of what the bank needs. You will also need to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) or, if you do not have one, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). This is how the bank reports your account to the IRS and checks whether you have accounts elsewhere.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have an SSN, you can get an ITIN from the IRS. The process takes several weeks, so plan ahead if this applies to you. Many banks will accept an ITIN in place of an SSN for account opening.

You will also need to provide your current address. If you do not have a permanent address, some banks will accept a shelter address, a PO box, or even a care-of address (c/o someone else's home). Ask the bank directly what they accept before you visit.

Banks that work with people without traditional ID

If you genuinely cannot obtain any government-issued photo ID, a few options exist, though they are less common. Some credit unions and community banks have more flexibility than large national banks. Second-chance banking programs, offered by certain institutions, are designed for people rebuilding their financial history and may have different ID requirements.

Before assuming you cannot open an account, call several banks and credit unions in your area and explain your situation. Ask specifically whether they have alternative verification methods or whether they work with people without photo ID. You may find an institution willing to work with you.

If you are homeless or living in a shelter, many banks will accept a letter from the shelter on official letterhead as proof of address, paired with whatever ID you do have. This is worth asking about directly.

What happens after you show your ID

Once you hand over your ID and provide your Social Security Number or ITIN, the bank runs a background check through a system called ChexSystems. This checks whether you have had problems with bank accounts in the past — things like bouncing checks repeatedly or closing accounts with a negative balance. Most people pass this check without issue.

The bank also checks a database called Early Warning Services for similar reasons. These checks take a few minutes while you wait. If you pass, your account opens on the spot or within a day or two.

If you have had problems with accounts before, you may be denied or offered a limited account. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report to see what is on file about you.

If your ID has been lost or stolen

You can still open a bank account while waiting for a replacement ID. Bring whatever secondary ID you have — a passport, military ID, or even an expired driver's license — and explain the situation to the bank. Many will open your account with a secondary form of ID while you are in the process of replacing your primary one.

If you have no secondary ID at all, you can visit your state's DMV and request an expedited replacement. This costs more (usually $20 to $50 extra) but arrives within days rather than weeks. With an expedited ID in hand, you can open your bank account when ready after.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account online without showing ID in person?

Most online banks still require you to verify your identity, but they do it differently. Some use video verification where you show your ID to a camera, and others mail you a code to confirm your address. You will still need a valid ID — you just do not have to visit a branch in person.

What if my name on my ID does not match the name I want to use for the account?

Tell the bank about the mismatch before you open the account. If you recently changed your name legally, bring your court order or marriage certificate along with your ID. The bank can note this in your file. If the names straightforward do not match and there is no legal reason, the bank will ask you to use the name on your ID.

Do I need a different ID if I am opening a joint account with someone else?

Yes, both people on the account need to show their own government-issued photo ID. Each person will also provide their own Social Security Number or ITIN. Both of you will need to be present, or the bank may allow one person to open it and add the other later.

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

No. Banks require government-issued photo ID specifically — that means a state or federal agency issued it. School IDs and work IDs do not count, even if they have your photo and signature. You will need a driver's license, state ID, passport, or one of the other government IDs listed above.

What if I am undocumented and do not have a Social Security Number or ITIN?

Some banks and credit unions will open accounts for people with an ITIN, and a few will work with people who have neither. Call local credit unions and community banks to ask about their policies. You will still need a government-issued photo ID — an ITIN or SSN is separate from the ID requirement.