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

Most banks will ask for two things: proof of who you are and proof of where you live. The ID is almost always required. The address proof is standard but not universal — some banks skip it if your ID already shows your current address. A few banks have different rules for different account types, so calling ahead saves a trip.

The specific documents vary slightly by bank and by state, but the list below covers what the vast majority of banks will accept. If you're opening an account at a bank you already use or one you've researched, call their customer service line and ask what they need before you gather anything. Many banks now list their document requirements on their website under "opening an account" or "what to bring".

Key Takeaways

  • A government-issued photo ID — driver's license, passport, or state ID card — is required at nearly every bank.
  • Proof of address usually means a recent utility bill, lease, or government mail, but some banks accept a bank statement or credit card statement instead.
  • If you don't have a traditional ID, some banks will accept a passport, tribal ID, or military ID, and a few have programs for people without any government ID.
  • Bring originals or certified copies, not photos of documents, because banks need to verify the documents are real.
  • If your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.

Government-issued photo ID

This is the one document almost every bank requires. A driver's license or state ID card is the most common choice. A passport works at every bank. A military ID is accepted at most banks. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe is accepted at many banks, though less universally than a driver's license.

The ID needs to be current or only slightly expired — most banks accept IDs that expired within the last year or two, but policies vary. The bank will check that the photo matches you and that the name on the ID matches the name you're giving them.

If you don't have any of these, some banks have workarounds. A few large banks and many credit unions have programs for people without government ID — they may ask for a combination of other documents like a birth certificate, school ID, or letter from a social service agency. Call the bank first to ask whether they have such a program before you visit.

Proof of address

Banks use this to confirm you live where you say you do. The document needs to show your name and current address, and it usually needs to be dated within the last 60 to 90 days — the exact timeframe varies by bank.

These documents almost always work:

  • A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone)
  • A lease or rental agreement
  • A mortgage statement
  • A property tax bill or assessment
  • Government mail — a tax notice, voter registration card, or benefits letter

These sometimes work, depending on the bank:

  • A bank or credit union statement
  • A credit card statement
  • An insurance bill
  • A paycheck stub

If your ID already shows your current address and it's recent, some banks will skip the address proof entirely. A few banks don't require it at all. If you're unsure, ask when you call.

What to bring if your name has changed

If the name on your ID doesn't match the name you want on the account, bring a document showing the legal change. This includes:

  • A marriage certificate (if you took a spouse's name)
  • A divorce decree (if you changed your name back)
  • A court order for a legal name change
  • An adoption decree (if applicable)

The bank will photocopy this document along with your ID. You don't need to bring the original if you have a certified copy — most courthouses will issue certified copies for a small fee if you ask.

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

If you're opening an account on behalf of a minor or someone else, bring their ID and address proof along with your own. You'll also need a document showing you have the legal right to act for them — this might be a birth certificate (for a minor), a power of attorney, or guardianship papers. The rules here vary significantly by bank, so call ahead.

Some banks have restrictions on who can open an account for a minor — many require a parent or legal guardian, not just any adult. A few banks let minors open their own accounts with a parent present but don't require the parent's name on the account.

What to bring in person versus what you can submit online

If you're opening an account in a branch, bring originals or certified copies of everything. The bank needs to see the documents and verify they're real — they'll usually photocopy them for their records.

If you're opening an account online, the bank will ask you to upload photos or scans of your documents. Make sure the images are clear and show the entire document, front and back. Some banks use software to verify documents automatically; others have a person review them. The process usually takes a few business days.

A few banks let you start the process online and finish it in a branch, or vice versa. If you're not sure which route is faster for your situation, ask when you call.

What not to bring

Don't bring photocopies of your ID unless the bank specifically says photocopies are acceptable — most banks require originals. Don't bring photos of your documents taken on a phone unless you're opening an account online and the bank asks for photos. Don't bring expired documents unless the bank has told you they accept them.

If you're mailing documents to a bank, never send originals. Send certified copies or clear scans. Keep the originals for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't have a current address?

If you're homeless or living temporarily, some banks will accept mail sent to a shelter, a friend's address, or a PO box. Call the bank and explain your situation — they may have a workaround. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large banks on this.

Can I use a passport from another country?

A foreign passport usually works as ID, but the bank will also ask for proof of your US address. Some banks are stricter about foreign documents and may ask additional questions about your immigration status. Call ahead if you have a foreign passport and no US ID.

What if my address on my ID is old?

Bring the old ID plus a recent proof of address document showing your current address. The bank will use both to confirm who you are and where you live now. You don't need to update your ID first.

Do I need a Social Security number to open an account?

Most banks require a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Some banks have accounts for people without either — ask when you call. You'll need one of these numbers eventually if you want to build credit or receive interest on savings.

How long does it take to open an account after I bring in my documents?

In a branch, you can usually open an account the same day. Online, it typically takes one to three business days while the bank verifies your documents. Some banks are faster; a few take longer if they need to review documents by hand.