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

When you walk into a bank or explore online to open an account, the bank needs to verify two things: who you are, and where you live. This is a legal requirement called Know Your Customer (KYC), and it protects both you and the bank from fraud. The specific documents vary slightly between banks and between states, but the pattern is the same everywhere.

Most banks will ask for one form of government-issued photo ID and one document showing your current address. If you have both of those, you can open an account at nearly any bank in the country. If you don't have them yet, there are paths forward — they just take more time and sometimes more paperwork.

Key Takeaways

  • A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) is required by nearly every bank to open an account.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail — it just needs to show your name and current address.
  • If you don't have a photo ID, you can still open an account at some banks and credit unions by bringing additional documents like a birth certificate and Social Security card.
  • Online banks sometimes have different document requirements than brick-and-mortar branches, so check the specific bank's website before you start.
  • Bring originals or certified copies — banks will not accept photocopies or photos of documents for most account types.

Government-issued photo ID: what counts and what doesn't

A government-issued photo ID is an ID card with your photograph on it, issued by a federal, state, or local government agency. The most common ones are a driver's license, a state ID card (non-driver), or a U.S. passport. Some banks also accept a passport card, a tribal ID, or a military ID.

What does not count: a school ID, a work badge, an expired ID (in most cases), or a photo ID from another country unless you are explore as a non-resident. A few banks will accept a foreign passport if you are a visitor, but this is rare and you should call ahead. If your ID is expired but was valid when you applied, some banks will still accept it — ask the bank directly.

If you have a Social Security number and a valid address, you can usually open an account with just a driver's license or passport. That is the simplest path. If you do not have a photo ID yet, see the section below on opening an account without one.

Proof of address: documents that work

A proof of address is any recent document that shows your name and your current street address. It does not have to be in your name alone — a utility bill or lease in a spouse's name, or a mortgage statement for a property you own jointly, will work. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 to 90 days, though this varies by bank.

Documents that banks typically accept include:

  • A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone)
  • A lease or rental agreement
  • A mortgage statement or property tax bill
  • A bank or credit card statement
  • Government mail (a letter from Social Security, the IRS, or your state's unemployment office)
  • Insurance documents (homeowner's or renter's insurance)
  • A recent paystub with your address on it

What does not work: a P.O. box address, a business address if you live elsewhere, or a document older than 90 days. If you recently moved and your ID still shows your old address, bring both the old ID and a new proof of address document. The bank will understand.

If you live with family or friends and are not on the lease or utility bill, ask the person whose name is on the bill to bring it with you, or ask them to write a letter on their own letterhead confirming that you live there. Some banks will accept a signed letter from a landlord or property manager instead of a formal lease.

What to bring if you don't have a photo ID

If you do not have a government-issued photo ID, you can still open a bank account, but the process takes longer and requires more documents. Credit unions are often more flexible than large banks on this point, so if you have access to a credit union, start there.

Banks that will work with you without a photo ID typically ask for a combination of other documents that together prove who you are. These might include a birth certificate, a Social Security card, a passport (even without a photo), a state-issued non-photo ID, or a letter from a government agency. You will also need proof of address as described above.

Call the bank or credit union before you go in. Tell them you do not have a photo ID and ask what documents they will accept instead. Different branches of the same bank sometimes have different policies, so it is worth asking. Some banks can process this over the phone or by mail if you send certified copies of your documents.

Documents for different account types

A basic checking or savings account requires only the documents above. But if you are opening a joint account, a business account, or an account for a minor, you will need additional paperwork.

For a joint account, both account holders must bring their own photo ID and proof of address. The bank will verify both people in person or online.

For a business account, you will need your photo ID, proof of address, and documents showing that the business exists. This might be an Employer Identification Number (EIN) letter from the IRS, a business license from your city or county, articles of incorporation, or a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate. The bank may also ask for a business plan or recent tax returns, depending on the size of the business.

For an account for a minor (usually under 18), a parent or guardian must open the account with the child. Bring the parent's photo ID and proof of address, plus the child's birth certificate or Social Security card. Some banks require the child to be present; others do not.

Online banks and digital verification

If you are opening an account online rather than in a branch, the bank may ask you to upload photos of your documents instead of bringing originals. Most online banks accept clear photos of both sides of your ID and a photo of your proof of address document. Make sure the photos are in focus, show all four corners of the document, and are taken against a plain background.

Some online banks also use a video verification process: you will be asked to hold your ID up to your camera while a bank employee watches and confirms it is real. This takes about five minutes and happens when ready, so you can finish opening your account the same day.

A few online banks use third-party verification services that check your documents against government databases. This is faster than a video call but requires you to enter information from your ID into their system. All of these methods are find — the bank is required by law to protect your information.

What happens after you submit your documents

Once you submit your documents, the bank will verify them against government records. For a driver's license or state ID, this usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. For a passport, it may take longer because the bank has to contact the State Department.

If everything matches, your account will be approved and you can start using it right away — sometimes within the same day for online banks, or within 24 hours for in-person applications. If there is a mismatch (for example, your name on the ID does not match your name on the proof of address), the bank will contact you and ask for clarification or additional documents.

If you are opening an account without a photo ID, the verification process takes longer — usually three to five business days — because the bank has to manually review your documents instead of running an automated check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport card instead of a driver's license?

Yes, a passport card is a valid government-issued photo ID and most banks accept it. It works the same way as a passport book. If your passport card is expired, call the bank first — some will still accept it if it was valid when you applied.

What if my proof of address is older than 90 days?

Most banks will not accept it, but some will if it is only a few months old. Call the bank and ask. If you cannot get a newer document, bring the old one and explain the situation — the bank may ask for additional documents instead, like a recent paystub or a letter from your landlord.

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

For in-person applications, bring originals. For online applications, clear photos of both sides of your documents are fine. For mail-in applications, send certified copies, not photocopies. A certified copy is a photocopy that has been stamped and signed by a notary public or government office.

Can I open an account if I don't have a Social Security number?

Yes. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, or in some cases the bank will issue you a temporary number while your process is being processed. Bring your ITIN letter from the IRS or your passport as proof of identity.

What if my name has changed since my ID was issued?

Bring both your old ID and a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The bank will update your name in their system and you can use your new name on the account.