The core documents every bank will ask for

Most banks need two things before they'll open an account: proof of who you are and proof of where you live. A government-issued photo ID covers the first part—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. For the second, banks accept a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address. Both documents need to be current; a utility bill from two years ago won't work.

Some banks also ask for a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to set up the account and report interest earned. If you don't have either, a few banks will open accounts using an alternative form of identification, though this is less common. Call ahead if you're in this situation rather than showing up unprepared.

The specific documents vary slightly by bank and by account type. A checking account may require different paperwork than a savings account, and opening an account for a minor involves additional steps. Online banks sometimes accept digital copies of documents; in-person branches usually want originals or certified copies.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government-issued photo ID and a recent document showing your current address—most banks will not open an account without both.
  • Your Social Security number or ITIN is standard but not always required; call your bank beforehand if you don't have one.
  • Online banks often accept photos or scans of documents, while branch banks typically want to see originals.
  • If you're opening an account for a minor, you'll need the child's birth certificate or Social Security card plus your own ID and proof of address.
  • Bring more documents than you think you'll need—banks sometimes reject documents for being outdated or unclear, and having backups saves a trip.

What counts as proof of identity

A government-issued photo ID is the standard. This means a driver's license, state ID card, or U.S. passport. Military ID cards work at most banks. Tribal IDs are accepted at some institutions. A school ID, work badge, or library card will not work, even if it has your photo.

If you don't have a driver's license or passport, you can get a state ID card from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The process takes a few weeks in most states, so plan ahead. Some banks will accept a passport card (the small wallet version) in place of a full passport, though it's worth confirming before you go.

The ID needs to be current and not expired. Banks check the expiration date, and an expired license won't pass. If yours is expired, renew it before opening the account—it's faster than arguing with a bank teller.

What counts as proof of address

Banks accept a narrow list of documents that show your current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 to 90 days is the most common choice. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works too. Government mail—tax documents, voter registration cards, or benefit statements—also counts if it shows your name and address.

A bank statement from another bank is usually accepted. A credit card statement sometimes works, depending on the bank. A cell phone bill may or may not be accepted; call ahead if that's your only option. Rental receipts, letters from your landlord, and insurance documents are hit-or-miss.

The document must show your full name and current street address. A P.O. box does not count as proof of residence, even if you receive mail there. If you're homeless or living in a shelter, some banks have workarounds—ask whether they accept a letter from a shelter or social service agency on official letterhead.

Documents needed for joint accounts and minors

If you're opening a joint account with another adult, both of you need to bring ID and proof of address. Some banks require both account holders to be present in person; others allow one person to sign paperwork on behalf of the other. Check with your bank about their policy before you go.

Opening an account for a minor (usually under 18) requires the child's birth certificate or Social Security card plus a parent or guardian's ID and proof of address. Some banks set a minimum age—many won't open accounts for children under 13 without a parent present. A few banks offer teen checking accounts with different rules; ask whether your bank has one.

If you're a guardian but not a biological parent, bring documentation of guardianship—a court order or custody agreement. Banks are cautious about who can control a minor's money, and they'll want proof that you have the legal right to do so.

What to bring if you don't have a Social Security number

Most banks require a Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who don't have an SSN but need to file taxes or conduct financial business in the U.S. If you have an ITIN, bring the documentation you received from the IRS.

If you have neither an SSN nor an ITIN, your options narrow. Some community banks and credit unions will open accounts using a passport number or other government ID number instead. Large national banks rarely do this. Call ahead and ask whether the bank will work with you before you visit.

Getting an ITIN takes several weeks and requires filing a tax form with the IRS. If you need a bank account urgently and don't have an SSN or ITIN, a community bank or credit union is your faster route.

Documents for online banks versus in-person branches

Online banks usually accept digital copies of your documents—you photograph or scan your ID and proof of address and upload them through their website. The process is faster, and you don't need to visit a branch. Some online banks verify your identity by asking security questions instead of requiring documents.

In-person branches typically want to see original documents or certified copies. They may photocopy your ID and address proof for their records. A few branches will accept clear photos on a smartphone if the image is legible, but don't count on it—bring the originals.

If you're opening an account in person, bring more documents than the bank lists. Banks sometimes reject a utility bill because it's unclear or slightly outdated, and having a backup (a lease agreement or government mail) means you won't have to leave and come back.

What happens if your documents are rejected

Banks reject documents for specific reasons: the address doesn't match your ID, the document is too old, the image is blurry, or the document type isn't on their approved list. If this happens, ask the bank which documents they will accept instead. Don't argue about whether a document should count—different banks have different rules, and the teller doesn't set policy.

If you don't have the documents the bank wants, ask what alternatives exist. Some banks will accept a letter from an employer on company letterhead as proof of address. Others will accept a notarized statement from someone who knows you. A few will let you come back later with updated documents.

If a bank repeatedly rejects your documents and won't explain why or offer alternatives, try a different bank. Credit unions and community banks are sometimes more flexible than large national chains, especially if you're in an unusual situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account with just a passport and no other address proof?

No. Banks require both a photo ID and a separate document showing your current address. A passport alone covers identity but not address. You'll need a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address on it.

What if my address on my ID doesn't match my current address?

Bring both your ID and a current document showing your new address. The bank will update your address in their system. If your ID is outdated, consider renewing it first—it's simpler than explaining a mismatch, though banks will usually accept the separate address proof without requiring you to update your ID.

Do I need to bring original documents or can I send copies by mail?

Online banks accept digital copies or scans. In-person branches usually want to see originals or certified copies. Some branches will accept clear photos taken on your phone. Call your bank and ask what they'll take before you visit or mail anything.

Can I open an account if I'm homeless?

Some banks will work with you if you bring a letter from a shelter, social service agency, or transitional housing program on official letterhead. Not all banks accept this, so call ahead. Credit unions and community banks are often more flexible than national chains.

What if I lost my ID and don't have time to get a new one?

You'll need a government-issued photo ID to open an account. There's no workaround. Getting a state ID card from your DMV is faster than a passport—most states issue them within two to three weeks. Some DMVs offer expedited service for an extra fee.