The documents you need depend on the bank and the account type, but most require proof of identity and proof of address

Every bank needs to verify who you are before opening an account. This is a federal requirement called Know Your Customer (KYC), and it applies to every institution that takes deposits. The specific documents vary by bank and by what kind of account you want, but the pattern is consistent: one document that proves your identity, one that proves where you live, and sometimes proof of your Social Security number or tax ID.

Some banks will accept digital copies or photos. Others require originals or certified copies. A few still want you to walk in with paper. The fastest way to know what your bank accepts is to call their customer service line or check their website before you gather anything — what works at one branch may not work at another, and what one bank accepts another may reject.

Key Takeaways

  • A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) is required at every bank, and it must be current and not expired.
  • Proof of address typically means a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail — usually dated within the last 60 days, though this varies by bank.
  • Your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is required for tax reporting, and you will need to provide it verbally or in writing depending on the bank's process.
  • Some banks accept digital photos of documents; others require originals or certified copies — ask before you arrive or explore online.
  • If you do not have a current address or a government ID, some banks and credit unions have alternative pathways, though they are less common.

Government-issued photo ID: what counts and what does not

A current, unexpired government-issued photo ID is the baseline document every bank requires. This means a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or passport card. Military ID and tribal ID also work at most banks. The ID must show your photograph, your full name, and an expiration date — and it must not be expired.

Some banks will accept an expired ID if it is only recently expired (within a few months), but this is not standard. If your ID is expired, renew it before you explore. A Social Security card, birth certificate, or school ID will not substitute for a photo ID, even if the bank knows you personally.

If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, a passport or passport card works just as well. If you are not a U.S. citizen, a passport from your country of origin is acceptable at most banks. Some banks also accept a consular ID or a national ID card from another country, but call ahead to confirm.

Proof of address: documents that work and timing that matters

Banks need to confirm where you actually live. Proof of address typically means a document issued in your name that shows your current street address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone) is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or government mail (like a tax form or voter registration card) also work.

The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days, though some banks accept up to 90 days. If you just moved and your utility bill has not caught up yet, a lease or a recent piece of government mail is faster. If you live with family and the bill is in someone else's name, ask the bank whether they will accept a notarized letter from the account holder confirming your address, or whether they need a document in your name.

If you do not have a permanent address — you are staying with friends, in a shelter, or living in your car — some banks and credit unions will work with you using a mailing address or a shelter address. Call ahead and explain your situation. Many institutions have processes for this, but they vary widely.

Social Security number or ITIN: why it is required and how to provide it

Banks must report interest earned on your account to the IRS, so they need a Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you have a Social Security number, that is what the bank will ask for. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have an SSN, an ITIN serves the same purpose for tax reporting.

You can provide your SSN or ITIN verbally when you open the account in person, or you can write it on the process if you are opening online or by mail. Some banks ask for it on the initial form; others ask for it after the account is opened. The bank will verify it against IRS records to make sure it matches your name and date of birth.

If you do not have an SSN or ITIN yet, some banks will open an account without it and ask you to provide it later — usually within 30 days. This is less common, so call the bank first to ask whether they offer this option.

What happens if you do not have standard documents

If you do not have a current government ID, a recent address document, or a Social Security number, opening an account becomes harder but not impossible. Some credit unions and community banks have more flexible policies than large national banks. They may accept alternative documents or work with you on timing.

If you are undocumented or do not have an SSN, some banks will open an account using an ITIN, a passport from your country of origin, or a consular ID. Others will not. Call several banks and credit unions in your area and ask directly what documents they accept. Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and some credit unions specifically serve people in this situation.

If you have no address at all, some banks will accept a shelter address, a P.O. box, or a mailing address at a trusted friend's or family member's house. Again, this varies. The bank needs to know where to send statements and notices, so they need something on file — but it does not always have to be a permanent residence.

Digital documents versus originals: what banks actually accept

Many banks now accept digital photos or scans of your documents, especially if you are opening an account online. You photograph your ID and proof of address with your phone, upload them to the bank's website or app, and the account opens without a branch visit. Other banks still require you to bring originals or certified copies in person.

If you are opening online, the bank's website will tell you what format they accept — usually a PDF, JPG, or PNG file. If you are opening in person, ask whether they want originals or whether a photocopy is fine. Some branches will photocopy your documents for you; others ask you to bring copies already made.

If the bank asks for a certified copy, that means a copy that has been stamped and signed by a notary public or a government office confirming it is a true copy of the original. Your local library, bank branch, or UPS Store can usually notarize documents for a small fee.

The order of steps: what to do before you go to the bank

Gather your documents before you contact the bank or visit a branch. You need: a current government-issued photo ID, a proof of address document dated within the last 60 days, and your Social Security number or ITIN written down. If you are opening online, have your phone or scanner ready to photograph or scan the ID and address document.

Call the bank's customer service line or check their website to confirm what they accept. Ask specifically whether they take digital photos or require originals, and whether they accept the specific documents you have. If you are missing something, ask whether there is an alternative they will take. This one phone call saves you a wasted trip or a rejected process.

If you are opening in person, bring the originals plus one photocopy of each document, unless the bank tells you otherwise. If you are opening online, make sure your photos are clear, well-lit, and show the entire document — blurry or cropped images often get rejected and slow down the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired ID if it expired recently?

Most banks require a current, unexpired ID. Some will accept an ID that expired within a few months, but this is not standard. If your ID is expired, renew it before you explore. Renewing a driver's license or state ID usually takes a few days to a few weeks depending on your state.

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

You will need a separate proof of address document showing your current address. The bank uses the ID to verify who you are and the address document to confirm where you live now. They do not have to match. A recent utility bill, lease, or government mail in your current address is what the bank needs.

Do I have to provide my Social Security number in person, or can I give it online?

You can provide it either way depending on the bank's process. Some banks ask for it on the process form before you open the account. Others ask for it after the account is opened. If you are opening online, you will type it into the process. If you are opening in person, you can say it aloud or write it on the form.

What if I do not have a permanent address?

Some banks and credit unions will accept a shelter address, a P.O. box, or a mailing address at a friend's or family member's house. Call the bank first and explain your situation. Community development financial institutions and some credit unions have more flexible policies than large national banks.

Can someone else bring my documents if I cannot go to the bank?

No. Banks require you to be present and to verify your identity in person or through a video call. You cannot authorize someone else to open an account on your behalf. If you cannot visit a branch, many banks offer online account opening with a video verification step instead.