The documents you'll need depend on the bank, but most want proof of who you are and where you live
Most banks ask for two things: a government-issued photo ID to confirm your identity, and a document showing your current address. A driver's license covers both. If you don't have one, you can use a passport for ID and a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement for your address. Some banks will accept a state ID card instead of a driver's license. A few banks have different rules — some accept an ID from another country, some don't — so it's worth calling ahead if you're unsure whether what you have will work.
You'll also need to bring or know your Social Security number. This is a nine-digit number the U.S. government assigns to you for tax and credit purposes. If you don't have one yet, you'll need to get one from the Social Security Administration before opening an account. The bank uses this number to check your banking history and report your account activity to credit bureaus.
Some banks ask for a second form of ID as well — a passport, military ID, or state ID card if your first ID was a driver's license. This is less common but not unusual. When you call or visit the bank, ask what they accept so you don't make a trip and find out you're missing something.
Key Takeaways
- A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) is required by nearly every bank to open an account.
- You'll need proof of your current address, which can be a utility bill, lease agreement, or recent bank statement if your ID doesn't show where you live.
- Your Social Security number is required so the bank can check your history and report your account to credit bureaus.
- Some banks ask for a second form of ID or accept documents from other countries, so calling ahead can save you a trip.
- If you don't have a Social Security number, you'll need to get one from the Social Security Administration before the bank will open your account.
What counts as proof of your address
Your address proof needs to be recent — usually from the last 30 to 90 days — and it has to show your full name and current street address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) works at almost every bank. So does a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement from another bank.
Some banks also accept a government letter addressed to you, like a tax document or notice from a government agency. A few will take a phone bill or insurance statement. The safest bet is to bring a utility bill or lease, since those are accepted everywhere. If you're living with someone else and the bill is in their name, ask the bank whether they'll accept it with a letter from the person whose name is on it, saying you live there. Some will, some won't.
If you've just moved and don't have a document yet showing your new address, some banks will let you use an older document from your previous address while you wait for a utility bill to arrive. Call ahead and explain your situation — banks sometimes make exceptions for people in transition.
Why banks ask for this information
The ID and address serve two purposes. First, they confirm you are who you say you are. Banks are required by federal law to verify the identity of anyone opening an account, to prevent fraud and money laundering. Second, your Social Security number lets the bank check whether you've had problems with past accounts — whether you've overdrawn accounts, written bad checks, or had accounts closed by the bank.
This check happens through a system called ChexSystems, which banks use to share information about account holders. If you've had trouble with a bank account before, it may show up here. Some banks will still open an account for you even if ChexSystems shows a problem, especially if it was a long time ago or if you can explain what happened. Others won't. This is one reason it's worth asking the bank directly if you're worried about your history.
What information you'll provide in person or online
Beyond the documents, the bank will ask you to fill out a form with basic information: your full legal name, date of birth, phone number, and email address. They'll ask about your employment and income, though you usually don't have to prove it — they're just gathering information. They'll also ask whether you're a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, since that affects which accounts you can open.
If you're opening the account online instead of in person, you'll type this information into a form on the bank's website. Some online banks will let you upload photos of your ID and address proof directly through the app. Others will mail you a form to sign and return. A few will do a video call where you show your documents to someone at the bank.
The bank will also ask you to choose a PIN (personal identification number) for your debit card and set up online banking access. These are security measures to protect your account. Write down your PIN somewhere safe — you'll need it to use the ATM and to make purchases at stores.
Documents you might need if you're opening a joint account
If you're opening an account with someone else — a spouse, family member, or roommate — each person needs to bring their own ID and proof of address. The bank will run the same identity check on both of you. Both people usually need to be present, either in person or through a video call, to sign the paperwork.
Some banks let one person open a joint account and add the other person later, but this varies. If you're planning to open a joint account, it's worth asking the bank whether both people need to be there at the same time, or whether one person can start the process and the other can complete it later.
What to bring if you don't have a standard ID
If you don't have a driver's license or passport, you have other options. A state ID card (issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles) works at most banks. A military ID, tribal ID, or passport card also work. Some banks will accept a foreign passport if you're not yet a U.S. citizen.
If you have none of these, some banks will work with you using other documents — a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address together might be enough. This is less common and depends on the bank's rules. If you're in this situation, call the bank before you visit and ask what documents they can accept. You might also look for a community bank or credit union in your area, as they sometimes have more flexible rules for people new to the banking system.
What happens after you bring your documents
Once the bank has your documents and information, they'll verify everything — checking your ID against government records, confirming your address, and running the ChexSystems check. This usually takes a few minutes if you're in person at a branch. If you're opening an account online, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few business days, depending on the bank.
Once you're approved, the bank will give you a debit card (or mail it to you if you opened the account online), and you'll get access to online banking so you can check your balance and move money. Some banks give you a temporary card number right away so you can start using the account before the physical card arrives. Ask the bank what to expect and when you'll be able to use your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?
Most banks require a Social Security number. If you don't have one, you'll need to get one from the Social Security Administration first. Some banks may offer accounts for people without a Social Security number if you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), but this is rare. Call banks in your area to ask whether they have this option.
What if my ID is expired?
Most banks will accept an expired ID as long as it's not too old and the photo still looks like you. Some banks have a cutoff — they won't accept an ID that expired more than five years ago. Call the bank and ask about their specific rule before you go in.
Do I need to bring original documents or can I bring copies?
Banks almost always want to see the original documents in person so they can verify they're real. If you're opening an account online, you'll photograph or scan the documents yourself and upload them. The bank may ask you to mail in originals later to confirm.
What if I don't have a permanent address right now?
If you're homeless or living temporarily with someone, some banks will accept a shelter address, a friend's address where you're staying, or a mailing address like a PO box. Call ahead and explain your situation — banks sometimes work with people in transition, though rules vary by location.
Can someone else open an account on my behalf?
No. Banks require the person opening the account to be present, either in person or through a video call, to verify their identity. This is a legal requirement. You cannot have someone else open an account for you.