The documents you'll need depend on the bank and the account type, but most require an ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number

Every bank has its own list, but the core documents are almost always the same: a government-issued photo ID, something showing your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Some banks add requirements on top of that—a second form of ID, a utility bill instead of a lease, or documentation of your employment. The fastest way forward is to call the specific bank or credit union you want to use and ask what they need before you go in.

What you bring matters because banks use these documents to verify your identity and comply with federal anti-money-laundering rules. If you show up with the wrong documents, you'll either be turned away or the process will stall while they hunt for what they actually need. Knowing the exact list beforehand saves you a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) is required by every bank.
  • Proof of your current address typically comes from a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Your Social Security number or ITIN is needed to open an account; banks verify this against federal records.
  • Some banks require a second form of ID or proof of employment, so call ahead to confirm what your specific bank needs.
  • Online banks often have different document requirements than brick-and-mortar branches, sometimes accepting digital uploads instead of in-person verification.

Primary ID: What counts and what doesn't

Banks accept a narrow list of government-issued photo IDs. A driver's license or state ID card is the standard. A U.S. passport works. A passport card also works. Military ID works. Tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe works. A permanent resident card (green card) works.

What doesn't work: a school ID, a work badge, a library card, an expired ID, or a photo ID from another country (unless you're opening an account as a non-resident, which has different rules). The ID has to be current—expired IDs are usually rejected, though some banks will accept one that expired within the last year. Ask the bank directly if you're unsure whether your ID will work.

The ID serves two purposes: it proves who you are, and it gives the bank your legal name and date of birth. Banks cross-check this against their fraud-detection systems and federal watchlists. If your name on the ID doesn't match the name you're giving them, they'll ask for a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change.

Proof of address: Recent documents that show where you live

Banks need to know your current address. They accept documents dated within the last 60 days, though some banks are stricter and want documents from the last 30 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) is the most common. A lease or rental agreement works. A mortgage statement works. A bank or credit card statement works. A government-issued document like a tax return or benefits letter works.

The document has to show your full name and the address where you currently live. A cell phone bill usually doesn't work because it's not considered proof of residence. A credit card statement sometimes works, depending on the bank. A letter from your landlord or a notarized statement of residence can work if you don't have a utility bill, but call the bank first—not all of them accept these.

If you're homeless or living with someone else and don't have a document in your name, some banks will accept a notarized letter from the person whose address you're using, or a shelter verification letter. This varies widely by bank, so ask before you go in.

Social Security number or ITIN

You'll need to provide your nine-digit Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The bank verifies this against federal records to confirm your identity and check for fraud. If you don't have an SSN, an ITIN (issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but don't have an SSN) works instead.

If you're a non-citizen without an SSN or ITIN, some banks will open an account using your passport number or another government ID number from your home country. This is less common and varies by bank. Call ahead if this applies to you.

You don't bring a physical document for this—you just tell the bank your number. They verify it electronically. If the number doesn't match their records or comes back as invalid, they'll ask you to double-check it or provide additional documentation.

Secondary documents some banks require

Beyond the core three, some banks ask for a second form of ID, proof of employment, or proof of income. A second ID can be a passport, military ID, or even a credit card (though credit cards are less common). Proof of employment might be a recent pay stub, an employment letter from your employer, or a tax return. Proof of income could be a bank statement showing regular deposits or a benefits letter.

Banks typically ask for these when you're opening a business account, explore for overdraft protection, or requesting a higher initial deposit limit. They're less common for basic personal checking or savings accounts. Ask the bank what they need for the specific account type you want.

What online banks ask for instead

Online banks usually don't require you to come in person, so the process is different. Most ask you to upload photos of your ID and proof of address through their website or app. Some use video verification, where you show your ID to a camera and answer security questions. A few use third-party verification services that check your identity against public records.

The documents themselves are the same—a valid ID and proof of address—but you're providing them digitally instead of in person. Make sure your photos are clear and show the entire document, front and back. If the upload is rejected, the bank will tell you why and ask you to resubmit.

Some online banks also verify your identity by asking you security questions based on your credit history or public records. This is faster than waiting for documents to be reviewed, but it only works if you have an established credit history in the U.S.

What to bring if you're opening an account for someone else

If you're opening an account on behalf of a minor, you'll need the child's birth certificate or Social Security card (to verify their SSN), your own ID and proof of address, and documentation showing you have legal authority—usually a birth certificate showing you're the parent, or a court order if you're a guardian. Some banks require both parents to be present if both are listed on the account.

If you're opening an account for an elderly person or someone with power of attorney, bring the person's ID and proof of address, your own ID, and the power of attorney document (notarized). The bank will verify that the power of attorney is valid and current.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account with an expired ID?

Most banks won't accept an ID that expired more than a year ago. Some will accept one that expired within the last year. Call the bank first—if your ID is expired, they'll tell you whether it's acceptable or whether you need to renew it before opening the account.

What if I don't have a utility bill or lease to prove my address?

A bank or credit card statement, mortgage statement, or government benefits letter all work. If you don't have any of those, ask the bank whether they accept a notarized letter from the person whose address you're using, or a shelter verification letter. Not all banks accept these, so confirm before you go in.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. You just tell the bank your Social Security number. They verify it electronically. You don't need to show a physical card. If you don't know your number, you can look it up on a tax return, W-2, or bank statement.

Can I open an account with just a passport if I don't have a driver's license?

Yes. A passport is a valid government-issued photo ID. You'll still need proof of your current address and your Social Security number or ITIN. The process is the same as with a driver's license.

What happens if the bank rejects my documents?

The bank will tell you which document didn't work and why. Usually it's because the document is expired, doesn't show your current address, or doesn't match the name you provided. Ask what they need instead and bring that next time. You can also try a different bank—requirements vary.