The documents you'll need depend on the bank and the type of account, but most banks require the same core set

Every bank needs to verify who you are and confirm your address before opening an account. This is a federal requirement called Know Your Customer (KYC), and it protects both you and the bank. The specific documents vary slightly between banks and between account types — a checking account may need different paperwork than a savings account — but the pattern is the same everywhere.

Start by calling the bank branch where you want to open the account or checking their website. Ask them directly what documents they accept, because some banks are stricter than others, and some accept documents others don't. This takes five minutes and saves you a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and proof of your current address to open any bank account.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail — it must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.
  • If you don't have a photo ID, some banks will accept a combination of other documents like a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, but call ahead first.
  • Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) — the bank will ask for it even if you don't have a card in hand.
  • If you're opening an account for a minor or as a joint account, bring documents for every person whose name will be on the account.

Government-issued photo ID

This is the document banks ask for first. It must have your photo, your name, and an expiration date. A driver's license or state ID card is the most common choice. A U.S. passport works too. Some banks also accept a passport card, a tribal ID, or a military ID.

The ID must not be expired. If your ID expired recently, you can still use it at some banks, but call first — policies vary. If you don't have a photo ID at all, tell the bank before you go in. Some will accept a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, but not all do, and you need to know which documents that particular bank will take.

Proof of your current address

Banks need to confirm where you live right now. The document must show your name, your current address, and a date. It must be dated within the last 60 days — older documents won't work.

Common documents that work include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or government mail like a tax return or voter registration card. Some banks also accept a bank statement from another bank, a credit card statement, or an insurance bill.

If you live with someone else and your name isn't on the utility bill, ask if you can use a lease or a letter from your landlord instead. If you're homeless or living in a shelter, call the bank and ask what they can accept — many have options for people without a permanent address.

Your Social Security number or ITIN

The bank will ask for your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You don't need to bring the card itself — you just need to know the number. If you don't have either, tell the bank before you arrive. Some banks can open accounts without one, but most require it.

If you're not a U.S. citizen and don't have an SSN, an ITIN serves the same purpose for the bank's records. You can get an ITIN from the IRS even if you don't file taxes.

Documents for joint accounts or accounts for minors

If you're opening an account that will have two names on it, bring identification and proof of address for both people. Both people usually need to be present at the bank, though some banks allow one person to open a joint account if they have a signed form from the other person.

If you're opening an account for a child under 18, bring your ID and proof of address plus the child's birth certificate or Social Security card. Some banks require the child to be present; others don't. Ask when you call.

What to bring if you don't have standard documents

If you've recently moved and don't have a utility bill or lease in your new name yet, bring what you have — a lease from your old address plus a piece of mail showing your new address, or a signed lease for your new place even if it's not dated yet. Bring two documents instead of one and explain the situation. Most banks will work with you.

If you don't have a driver's license or state ID, bring your passport or passport card. If you don't have any photo ID, bring a birth certificate, Social Security card, and a second document like a school ID, work ID, or tribal ID. Call the bank first to confirm they'll accept this combination.

If you're not a U.S. citizen, bring your passport or visa plus proof of address. Some banks ask for an ITIN or SSN; others don't. Ask when you call.

What to bring in person versus what you can do online or by mail

Most banks require you to come in person to open an account, and they'll make copies of your documents while you're there. Some online banks let you upload photos of your documents instead. A few banks let you open an account by mail, though this is less common.

If you're opening an account online, the bank will tell you exactly which documents to photograph and how to upload them. If you're opening by mail, the bank will send you a list of documents to include. In both cases, you'll usually need to verify your identity a second time — by phone, video call, or in person — before the account is fully active.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my address on my ID doesn't match where I live now?

Bring both your ID and a separate proof of your current address, like a utility bill or lease. The bank uses the ID to verify who you are and the second document to confirm where you live now. You don't need to update your ID first.

Can I use a passport if it's expired?

Some banks will accept an expired passport if it's only recently expired, but others won't. Call the bank and ask. If they won't take it, bring a state ID card or driver's license instead, or ask if they'll accept a combination of documents like a birth certificate and Social Security card.

Do I need to bring original documents or can I bring copies?

Bring the originals. The bank needs to see them to confirm they're real. The bank will make copies for their records while you're there. Don't send originals by mail unless the bank specifically asks you to.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

Tell the bank before you go in. Some banks require an SSN or ITIN; others will open an account without one if you bring extra identification. A few banks ask for an ITIN and can help you understand how to get one. Policies vary, so call first.

Can someone else open a bank account on my behalf?

No. You need to be present and show your ID. The only exception is for minors — a parent or guardian can open a savings account for a child, though some banks require the child to be present too. For joint accounts, both account holders usually need to be there, though some banks allow one person to sign a form on behalf of the other.