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. Some banks ask for more — a Social Security number, proof of income, or employment verification — depending on the account features and the bank's own policies.

The specific list varies. A basic checking account at a large national bank typically needs less documentation than a business account or a high-yield savings account. Online banks often have different requirements than branches. The best approach is to contact the bank directly or check their website before you go in or start an process, because showing up with the wrong papers wastes time.

Key Takeaways

  • Government-issued photo ID and proof of current address are required at nearly every bank, and these two documents cover most personal checking and savings accounts.
  • Your Social Security number is standard for personal accounts but not always required on the spot — some banks collect it after opening if you don't have one.
  • Business accounts, joint accounts, and accounts with special features (like overdraft protection) often require additional documents such as business licenses, employer letters, or co-owner identification.
  • Online banks and credit unions may have different document requirements than traditional brick-and-branch banks, so check before you explore.
  • Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies, and bring more than one form of ID if possible in case the bank questions whether a document is current.

Government-issued photo ID and proof of address

A government-issued photo ID is the foundation. This means a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The bank needs to see your face, your name, and an expiration date to confirm you are who you say you are and that the ID is still valid. If your ID is expired, some banks will still accept it if it expired recently, but call ahead to ask — policies differ.

Proof of address is separate. The bank needs to know where you live. Acceptable documents usually include a recent utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet), a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement showing your name and address. The document typically needs to be dated within the last 60 to 90 days, though this varies by bank. A driver's license counts as both ID and address proof if it shows your current address.

If you have moved recently and your ID does not show your new address, bring both the ID and a separate address document. If you do not have a permanent address — you are staying with family, in temporary housing, or unhoused — ask the bank what they accept. Some banks will take a letter from a shelter, a temporary lease, or a statement from someone who can verify your current location.

Social Security number and tax identification

Banks are required to collect your Social Security number (SSN) for tax reporting and fraud prevention. However, not every bank requires it at the moment you open the account. Some collect it during the process, some ask for it after you open, and some allow you to provide it later if you do not have it when ready available.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. ITINs are issued by the IRS to people who are not may be able to access for an SSN but need a tax ID — this includes some non-citizens and undocumented immigrants. Not all banks accept ITINs, so you will need to contact the bank directly to ask whether they do and what additional documents they require.

If you are opening an account and do not have either an SSN or ITIN, tell the bank upfront. Some will let you open the account and provide the number within a set period. Others will not open the account without it. There is no way to know without asking.

Documents for joint accounts and business accounts

A joint account requires identification from both account holders. Bring government-issued photo IDs and proof of address for each person. Some banks also require both people to be present in person; others allow one person to open the account and add the other later.

A business account is more complex. You will need your own ID and address proof, plus documents that prove the business exists. This typically includes a business license, an Employer Identification Number (EIN) letter from the IRS, articles of incorporation or organization (for LLCs and corporations), or a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate if you are operating under a name different from your legal name. Some banks also ask for a recent business tax return or a letter from your accountant confirming the business structure.

If you are opening a business account as a sole proprietor (you are the only owner), you may only need your personal ID and address proof plus proof that you are operating a business — sometimes a business license is enough. If there are multiple owners, each owner typically needs to provide ID and sign the account agreement.

Documents for special account features

Accounts with overdraft protection, wire transfer capabilities, or high withdrawal limits sometimes trigger additional requirements. A bank may ask for proof of income — a recent pay stub, a letter from your employer, or a tax return — to confirm you can manage the account responsibly. This is more common with accounts that come with overdraft fees or high daily withdrawal limits.

If you are opening an account for a minor (someone under 18), the bank will need the minor's ID and proof of address, plus a parent or guardian's ID and address proof. The parent or guardian usually has to be present and sign the account agreement. Some banks offer youth accounts with limited features that require less documentation.

If you are opening an account as a power of attorney or on behalf of someone else, bring the original power of attorney document along with your own ID and the account holder's ID. The bank will likely need to verify the document with a lawyer or notary.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. Banks need to see the actual document to verify it is genuine. If you bring a photocopy, the bank will likely ask you to come back with the original.

Bring more than one form of ID if you have it. If a bank questions whether your primary ID is current or valid, a second ID (a passport, a military ID, or a state ID card) can back it up. This is especially useful if your driver's license is close to expiration.

If any of your documents have your old name on them — because of marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring documentation of the name change as well. This might be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The bank needs to confirm that you are the same person across all your documents.

Before you go to the bank or start an online process, check the bank's website or call their customer service line. Ask specifically what documents they need for the account type you want. This takes five minutes and saves you a trip or a rejected process.

Online banks versus branch banks

Online banks often have simpler document requirements because they cannot verify documents in person. Many online banks accept a photo of your ID and address proof uploaded through their website or app. Some use third-party verification services that check your documents electronically. A few online banks will open an account with just your name, email, and phone number, then ask for ID and address proof later.

Branch banks typically require you to bring documents in person. This means the bank can examine the originals and ask follow-up questions on the spot. If something is unclear or missing, you can often resolve it when ready rather than waiting for an email response.

Credit unions have their own requirements, which can be stricter or more flexible than banks depending on the union. Some credit unions require you to be a member of a specific group (employees of a company, members of a profession, residents of a geographic area) before you can open an account. Check with your credit union about membership requirements and document needs before you explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?

Yes, but it depends on the bank. Some banks will open an account and collect your SSN later. Others require it upfront. If you have an ITIN instead, ask the bank whether they accept it — not all do. Contact the bank directly before you explore.

What if my address proof is older than 90 days?

Call the bank and ask. Some banks are flexible with the date if the document is still clearly yours and you can confirm you still live there. Others will not accept it. A recent utility bill or bank statement is usually easier to get than waiting for a property tax bill, so if you have options, bring the newest document you have.

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

Bring originals or certified copies. Banks need to see the actual document to verify it is real. Photocopies are not acceptable. If you are opening an account online, you will upload photos of your documents through the bank's app or website, which is different from sending a photocopy by mail.

What documents do I need if I am opening an account for my child?

You will need your child's government-issued ID (usually a state ID or passport, since minors may not have driver's licenses) and proof of their address. You will also need your own ID and address proof. You must be present to sign the account agreement, and some banks require both parents or guardians to sign.

Can I open a bank account if I do not have a permanent address?

Yes, but you will need to show the bank some proof of where you are currently staying. This might be a letter from a shelter, a temporary lease, a statement from someone who can verify your location, or a recent mail from a government agency. Call the bank ahead of time to ask what they accept for proof of address in your situation.