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 under the Bank Secrecy Act, not a choice individual banks make. The standard documents are a government-issued photo ID and something showing your current address. Beyond that, requirements shift: some banks ask for a second form of ID, some want proof of income, and some require nothing extra at all. The fastest path is to call the bank's customer service line and ask what they need before you go in.
What you bring matters because missing a document means a wasted trip. Banks do not hold incomplete applications — they close them. You will have to start over, and some banks flag repeated attempts in their system. Knowing exactly what to bring the first time saves time and prevents that friction.
Key Takeaways
- A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) is required by every bank, and most banks will not open an account without it.
- Proof of address is almost always required and must be recent — typically dated within the last 60 to 90 days — and a utility bill or lease is the standard document.
- Some banks ask for a second form of ID, a Social Security number, or proof of income, but requirements vary widely between institutions.
- Calling ahead or checking the bank's website for their specific list takes five minutes and prevents you from making a trip with incomplete documents.
Primary identification: what counts and what does not
Banks require a government-issued photo ID. This means a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. A tribal ID also counts at most banks. A school ID, work badge, or library card does not, even if it has your photo.
The ID must be current and not expired. Some banks will accept an ID that expired within the last year; others will not. If your ID is expired, ask the bank directly before coming in. If it is too old, you will need to renew it first — that is a separate process at your state's DMV or equivalent office.
Bring the physical ID, not a copy or a photo on your phone. Banks scan or photograph it themselves as part of their verification process. If you are opening an account online, you will upload a photo of both sides of your ID, and the bank's system will verify it electronically.
Proof of address: timing and acceptable documents
Banks need to confirm where you live. This must be a recent document — most banks require it to be dated within the last 60 to 90 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) is the standard. A lease or rental agreement works. A mortgage statement works. A bank or credit card statement with your name and address works. Some banks accept a government document like a tax return or voter registration card.
What does not work: a piece of mail with your name on it but no date, a cell phone bill (many banks exclude this), or a document you printed yourself. The document must be official and show both your name and your current address.
If you have just moved and do not have a dated document yet, ask the bank what they will accept. Some will take a lease signed within the last 30 days even if it has no date stamp. Some will accept a utility bill in your name even if it is from your old address, paired with a signed lease at the new one. Calling ahead prevents a rejected process.
Social Security number and tax ID
Banks are required to collect your Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if you do not have an SSN) as part of federal anti-money-laundering rules. You do not need to bring a document proving your number — you provide it verbally or type it into the online form. The bank verifies it against federal records.
If you do not have an SSN, you can still open an account with an ITIN. Not all banks offer this, so you will need to call ahead. Some banks that serve immigrant communities specialize in ITIN accounts; others do not offer them at all.
Second form of identification and income verification
Some banks ask for a second form of ID. This might be a passport, a state ID, a military ID, or a tribal ID — any government-issued photo ID different from your first one. Not all banks require this. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo do not typically ask for a second ID for basic checking accounts. Smaller regional banks and credit unions vary.
A few banks ask for proof of income, usually for accounts with higher deposit minimums or premium features. This might be a recent pay stub, a tax return, or a letter from your employer. Most banks do not ask for this for a standard checking account. If you are opening a business account, the requirements are different and usually include business registration documents.
What to bring for online account opening
Opening an account online means you upload documents instead of showing them in person. You will photograph both sides of your ID and upload them. You will type in your address and Social Security number. Some banks ask you to photograph a utility bill or lease as well.
The photos must be clear and readable. If the image is blurry, the bank's system will reject it and ask you to resubmit. Make sure the entire document is in the frame — corners cut off can cause rejection. Take the photo in good lighting and straight on, not at an angle.
Online opening usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. The bank verifies your documents electronically and either approves you when ready or tells you within 24 hours if they need more information. If they ask for more, they will email you with a list of what they need.
What happens if you do not have standard documents
If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, a passport works. If you do not have a passport, some banks will accept a tribal ID or a military ID. If you have none of these, you will need to get one. A state ID card is the fastest option — you can get one at your DMV even if you do not drive.
If you do not have proof of address because you are unhoused or living with someone else, some banks will accept a letter from a shelter, a social services agency, or a community organization on letterhead stating your current address. Others will not. Call the bank and describe your situation — they may have a workaround. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large banks on this point.
If you have no Social Security number and no ITIN, you cannot open a standard bank account. You would need to explore for an ITIN first through the IRS, which is a separate process. Some banks offer accounts for people without either, but they are rare and usually require a higher minimum deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a passport instead of a driver's license?
Yes. A passport is a government-issued photo ID and is accepted by every bank. You do not need both — one is enough. Bring the passport and proof of address, and you have what you need.
What if my address on my ID does not match my current address?
Bring both your ID and a separate proof of address document showing your current address. The bank will use the ID for identity verification and the address document for your current residence. You do not need to update your ID first.
Do I need to bring original documents or can I bring copies?
For in-person opening, bring originals. The bank will photograph or scan them. For online opening, you upload photos of both sides of your ID. Copies are not accepted in person because the bank needs to verify the document is real.
How long does it take to open an account once I have the documents?
In person, 15 to 30 minutes. Online, 5 to 10 minutes for approval, though some banks take up to 24 hours. You can usually start using the account the same day, though some banks hold deposits for a few business days.
What if the bank says I do not have the right documents?
Ask them what they do accept. Banks have different rules, and what one bank rejects another might take. If you cannot meet that bank's requirements, try a different bank or a credit union. Some institutions are more flexible than others, especially for people without standard documentation.