The documents you need depend on the bank and the type of account

Most banks will ask for two things: proof of who you are, and proof of where you live. The specific documents vary by bank and by state, but the pattern is the same everywhere. A government-issued ID covers the first part. A recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement covers the second. Some banks ask for a third document — your Social Security number or tax ID — to verify you for tax purposes.

If you are opening an account in person at a branch, bring originals. If you are opening one online, you will upload images or answer questions about the documents instead. Either way, the bank is checking that you are who you say you are and that you actually live where you claim to live.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card.
  • You will need proof of your current address, such as a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Most banks ask for your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to report interest earned on your account to the IRS.
  • Some banks accept alternative documents if you do not have a driver's license or recent address proof, so ask what options exist before you visit.
  • Online banks often have different document requirements than branch banks, and some can verify you through video call instead of in person.

Government-issued photo ID

This is the document every bank requires. It must have your photo, your name, and an expiration date. A driver's license is the most common choice. A state ID card (sometimes called a non-driver ID) works just as well and is issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles even if you do not drive. A U.S. passport or passport card also works. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized Native American tribe is accepted at most banks.

If your ID is expired, some banks will still accept it if the expiration is recent — usually within one to three years. Ask the bank before you visit. If you do not have any of these documents, you have options: some banks accept a consular ID (issued by a foreign country's embassy or consulate in the U.S.), a military ID, or a school ID paired with another document. A few banks work with people who have no photo ID at all, though the process takes longer.

Proof of your current address

Banks use this to confirm you live where you say you do. The document must show your name, your address, and a recent date — usually within the last 60 days, though some banks accept up to 90 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the easiest choice because it arrives regularly and has all three pieces of information. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works too. So does a property tax statement, a homeowners insurance bill, or a bank or credit card statement from another institution.

If you live with family and your name is not on the utility bill, ask if the bank accepts a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there. Some banks accept this; others do not. If you are homeless or living in a shelter, tell the bank — many have programs that work around this requirement, sometimes using a shelter address or a letter from a social services agency instead.

Your Social Security number or tax ID

Banks report interest you earn on your account to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a federal agency that collects taxes. To do that, they need a tax identification number. For most people, that is your Social Security number (SSN). If you do not have a Social Security number, you may have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which the IRS issues to people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security number but need to file taxes or open a bank account.

You do not need to bring a physical card. You can provide the number verbally or write it on the process form. The bank will verify it electronically. If you do not have either number yet, some banks will open an account without one and ask you to provide it later — usually within 30 days. If you need an ITIN, you explore through the IRS; the process takes several weeks.

What to bring if you are opening an account in person

Bring originals of your documents, not copies. The bank employee will look at them to make sure they are real and match the information you provide. Bring your photo ID and your address proof in their original form. Write down your Social Security number or ITIN if you have one, or be ready to say you do not have one yet.

Some banks ask you to bring a second form of ID or a second address document if your first ones are expired or if something looks unusual. If you are unsure what to bring, call the branch ahead of time and ask. Most banks have a customer service line that can tell you exactly what documents that specific branch needs.

What to upload if you are opening an account online

Online banks ask you to photograph or scan your documents and upload them through their website or app. Take clear photos of both sides of your ID. Make sure the text is readable and the corners are visible. For your address proof, photograph the entire page — the bank needs to see your full name, full address, and the date.

Some online banks use video verification instead. You hold your ID up to your camera, the bank's system scans it, and you answer questions to prove you are the person in the photo. This usually takes a few minutes. If the bank cannot read your documents clearly, it will ask you to resubmit them or to visit a branch in person.

What happens after you provide your documents

The bank checks your documents against databases to make sure they are real and that the information matches. This is called identity verification. It usually takes a few minutes in person or a few hours to a few days online. The bank also checks whether you have had problems with other banks — they use a system called ChexSystems that tracks account closures and fraud. If everything checks out, your account opens.

If something does not match or if the bank cannot read your documents, it will contact you and ask for clarification or new documents. This is normal and does not mean you have done anything wrong. Respond as quickly as you can so your account can open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account with an expired ID?

It depends on the bank and how long ago it expired. Most banks accept IDs that expired within one to three years. Some accept older ones. Call the bank and ask before you visit. If your ID is very old, renewing it at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles is usually faster than finding a bank that will accept it.

What if I do not have a Social Security number yet?

Many banks will open your account without one and ask you to provide it within 30 days. Some require it before opening. If you are explore for a Social Security number, the process takes about two weeks. If you need an ITIN instead, allow several weeks. Call the bank first to see if you can open an account while you wait.

Can someone else bring my documents for me?

No. Banks require you to be present in person or to verify yourself online, usually through video. This is a legal requirement to prevent fraud. You cannot send a family member or friend to open an account in your name.

What if my address on my ID does not match where I live now?

Bring both your old ID and a recent document showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. The bank will use the new address for your account. You do not need to update your ID first, though you may want to do that at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles eventually.

Do I need to bring original documents or can I bring copies?

In person, bring originals. The bank needs to see and verify the real documents. Online, you upload photos or scans. Do not send copies by mail unless the bank specifically asks you to — most online banks do not accept mailed documents anymore.