The core documents every bank asks for

Most banks require two things before they open an account: proof of who you are and proof of where you live. The first is usually a government-issued photo ID. The second is usually a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and address on it. That covers the legal requirement—banks have to verify identity under federal anti-money-laundering rules, and they need an address to send statements and tax forms.

Beyond those two, what else you need depends on the account type and the specific bank. Some banks ask for a third document. Some don't. The variation matters because it changes how quickly you can open the account and whether you can do it online or have to visit a branch.

The documents themselves don't have to be originals. Most banks accept photos or scans now, especially for online accounts. A few still require you to bring physical copies to a branch, but that's becoming less common.

Key Takeaways

  • A government photo ID and a recent document showing your current address are the two documents nearly every bank requires.
  • Acceptable photo IDs include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID—the specific list varies by bank and state.
  • Address proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 to 90 days, depending on the bank's rules.
  • Online accounts often need only these two documents, while some in-person accounts or special account types may ask for a third document like a Social Security card or tax return.
  • Banks accept digital copies (photos or scans) for most documents, though a few still require originals presented at a branch.

Photo ID requirements and what counts

Your photo ID must be government-issued and current—not expired. A driver's license is the most common choice. A state ID card works the same way. A U.S. passport works. A military ID works. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe works at most banks.

What doesn't work: a school ID, a work badge, an expired ID, or a photo ID from another country (with rare exceptions for passport holders at some banks). If you don't have a current government photo ID, you'll need to get one before opening the account. That's a separate process—your state's DMV handles driver's licenses and state IDs, the State Department handles passports.

Some banks ask to see the ID in person even if you're opening the account online. Others photograph or scan it remotely. A few will accept a video call where you hold up the ID to the camera. The method depends on the bank and the account type.

Address verification documents and their timing

The document proving your address must show your current name and current address. It also must be recent—most banks accept documents dated within the last 60 to 90 days. A few are stricter and want 30 days. A few are looser and accept up to 120 days. Check the specific bank's rules before you gather documents.

Common address documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank statement from another bank. Some banks also accept a government benefits statement, an insurance bill, or a phone bill. A few accept mail from a government agency with your name and address.

What doesn't work: a piece of mail addressed to "Resident" or "Current Occupant", a post office box address (unless you're opening a business account), or a document with a different name than your ID. If you've recently moved and your documents still show an old address, you'll need a newer document or a lease showing the new address.

When banks ask for a third document

Some banks stop at ID and address. Others ask for a third piece of information, usually your Social Security number. That's not technically a document—it's a number you provide during the process. The bank verifies it against Social Security Administration records.

A few banks do ask for a physical third document. This usually happens with certain account types—a business account, a minor's account, or an account opened in person at a branch. The third document might be a Social Security card, a tax return, a W-2, or proof of employment. Some banks ask for it only if the first two documents don't clearly match or if there's a discrepancy in the information.

Online accounts at major banks rarely ask for a third document. Smaller banks and credit unions are more likely to. If the bank's website doesn't list what you need, call or chat with them before you start the process—it's faster than gathering documents and then finding out you're missing one.

Digital copies versus originals

Most banks now accept digital copies—a photo taken with your phone or a scan uploaded during the online process. The image needs to be clear enough to read all the text and see the security features (holograms, watermarks). A blurry photo or a photo taken at an angle usually gets rejected and you'll have to resubmit.

Some banks still require you to bring originals to a branch. This is more common at smaller regional banks and credit unions. If you're opening an account in person, bring the originals anyway—the bank may photograph them on the spot, or they may keep them on file. Ask when you arrive.

If you're opening an account online and the bank asks for originals, you have two options: mail them in (which adds time and risk), or visit a branch in person. Neither is ideal. Before you choose a bank, check whether they accept digital copies for your account type.

Special situations and exceptions

If you're opening an account for a minor, the bank usually asks for the child's birth certificate or Social Security card in addition to the parent's or guardian's ID and address proof. Some banks require both documents. Some require just one. The rules vary significantly by bank.

If you're opening a business account, you'll need your business license or EIN letter from the IRS, plus your personal ID and address proof. A sole proprietorship may need only your Social Security number and personal documents. An LLC or corporation needs the business formation documents.

If you don't have a Social Security number—because you're not a U.S. citizen—some banks will open an account using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Others won't. This is one of the most common reasons to call ahead: if you have an ITIN rather than an SSN, confirm the bank accepts it before you explore.

If you're opening an account while homeless or without a permanent address, some banks have workarounds. They may accept a shelter address, a mailing address at a trusted friend's house, or a PO box for mail delivery (though not for account opening). Call the bank directly—this situation requires a conversation, not an online form.

What happens after you submit documents

Once you submit your documents, the bank verifies them. For an online account, this usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. The bank checks that your ID is valid, that the address matches public records, and that your Social Security number is real. If everything matches, the account opens when ready.

If there's a mismatch—your name on the ID doesn't match your name on the address document, or the address doesn't match public records—the bank will ask for clarification. This might mean uploading a second document, answering questions about the discrepancy, or visiting a branch. The process can add a few days.

If you're opening the account in person, the bank verifies documents on the spot. You usually walk out with a debit card and account number the same day, though the card itself may arrive by mail a few days later.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. A U.S. passport is government-issued photo ID and works at every bank. It must be current (not expired). If you don't have a driver's license but have a passport, bring the passport and your address document.

What if my address document is older than 60 days?

Most banks won't accept it. You'll need a newer document—a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement. If you don't have one, some banks will accept a combination of documents, or they'll ask you to provide a second piece of ID with your current address. Call the bank first to ask what they'll take.

Do I need to bring originals if I'm opening an account online?

Usually no. Most online accounts accept photos or scans. Upload them during the process. Make sure the images are clear and show all four edges of the document. If the bank rejects your upload, they'll tell you why—usually because the image is blurry or cut off.

What if my name on my ID doesn't match my name on my address document?

The bank will flag this and ask for an explanation. Common reasons include a recent marriage, divorce, or legal name change. Bring a document that explains the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you don't have one, the bank may ask you to visit a branch to verify in person.

Can I open an account without a Social Security number?

Some banks will, using an ITIN instead. Others won't. This varies by bank and by account type. Call ahead and ask. If the bank you want doesn't accept ITINs, ask them to recommend one that does—they often know which competitors serve customers in your situation.