What ID You Need to Open a Bank Account

The ID you need depends on the bank and the account type, but a government-issued photo ID is always required

Every bank in the United States will ask for at least one form of government-issued photo identification before opening an account. The most common forms are a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. Some banks will also accept a military ID or tribal ID. Without one of these, the bank cannot open an account for you — it's a federal requirement under the Bank Secrecy Act, not the bank's choice.

Beyond the photo ID, most banks will ask for a second form of identification or verification. This is often a Social Security number, which the bank uses to check your banking history and run a background check. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can still open an account, but the process takes longer and some banks may decline.

The specific documents vary slightly by bank and by the type of account you're opening. A checking account usually requires less documentation than a business account or a savings account with special features. If you're opening an account for someone else — a minor, for example — the requirements change.

Key Takeaways

A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID, or tribal ID) is required by federal law for every bank account.
Most banks also ask for a Social Security number to verify your identity and check your banking history.
If you don't have a Social Security number, you can still open an account, but you'll need to provide additional documents and the process may take longer.
Banks may ask for proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease, especially if your ID doesn't show your current address.
If you're opening an account for a minor or as a business, bring extra documents — the bank will tell you what's needed when you call ahead.

Government-issued photo ID: what counts and what doesn't

A driver's license is the most widely accepted form of ID. Banks recognize it when ready, and it includes your photo, signature, and address. If your driver's license is expired, most banks will still accept it as long as it's not more than a few years old, though policies vary. Call your bank before you go in if your license is expired.

A state ID card works the same way as a driver's license and is accepted by all banks. You get it from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles if you don't drive or don't have a driver's license. The process takes a few weeks, so plan ahead if you need one.

A U.S. passport is accepted by every bank and is often preferred because it's federal ID. It does not show your address, so the bank may ask for a second document proving where you live. A passport book works; a passport card also works.

A military ID (active duty, retired, or dependent) is accepted by most banks. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe is also accepted. Some banks accept other forms of ID — a foreign passport, a consular ID, or a state-issued ID for people without a Social Security number — but acceptance varies widely. Call the bank first if you have an ID that's not on this list.

School IDs, work IDs, and library cards do not count as government-issued photo ID, even if they have your photo. Neither do expired IDs from other countries. If your only ID is not on the list above, contact the bank directly to ask what they can accept.

Social Security number and what to do if you don't have one

A Social Security number is the second piece of information almost every bank will ask for. The bank uses it to pull your credit report and check whether you have unpaid debts or a history of fraud. It also helps the bank report your account activity to the IRS.

If you have a Social Security number, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it — a tax return, a W-2, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. You don't have to bring the physical card; the bank just needs to verify the number.

If you don't have a Social Security number, you can still open a bank account, but the process is more complicated. You'll need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, which the IRS issues to people who don't may have access to for a Social Security number. You can explore for an ITIN through the IRS website or by mail. The process takes several weeks, and you'll need a passport or other government ID from your home country.

Some banks will not open an account without a Social Security number or ITIN. Others will, but they may ask for extra documents or charge higher fees. Call ahead and ask whether the bank accepts ITINs. If it doesn't, try a credit union or a community bank — they are often more flexible.

Proof of address and when the bank will ask for it

Many banks will ask for proof of your current address. This is not always required — it depends on the bank and whether your ID shows your address. If your driver's license or state ID shows your current address, you may not need anything else. If your ID is from another state or is outdated, the bank will likely ask for a second document.

Acceptable proof of address includes a recent utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, a credit card statement, or a government letter with your name and address. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days, though some banks accept older documents. Call the bank to ask what they need before you come in.

If you don't have proof of address — for example, if you're homeless or living with someone else — tell the bank. Some banks have workarounds, such as accepting a letter from a shelter or a government agency. Others may decline. A credit union or community bank is more likely to work with you.

Opening an account for a minor

If you're opening an account for someone under 18, the bank will need ID from both the minor and the parent or guardian. The minor needs a government-issued photo ID (usually a state ID card or passport, since minors often don't have a driver's license). The parent or guardian needs their own photo ID and proof of guardianship.

Proof of guardianship can be a birth certificate showing the parent's name, a custody order, or a court document. A birth certificate is the easiest option. The bank will make a copy, so bring the original or a certified copy.

Some banks have a minimum age for account holders — often 13 or 16 — and some require the parent to be a co-owner of the account. Ask the bank about their policy before you go in. If the minor is 18 or older, they can open an account on their own with just their own ID.

Opening a business account

A business account requires more documentation than a personal account. You'll need a government-issued photo ID for the person opening the account, plus documents proving the business exists. These typically include an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, a business license from your state or city, and articles of incorporation or organization (if your business is a corporation or LLC).

If you're a sole proprietor — you're self-employed and haven't formed a business entity — you can use your Social Security number instead of an EIN, though some banks prefer an EIN. You may also need to bring a DBA (doing business as) certificate if you operate under a name other than your own.

The bank will also ask for proof of your business address. This can be a lease, a utility bill, or a government letter addressed to the business. Call the bank before you go in and ask for a complete list of what they need — business account requirements vary more than personal account requirements.

What to bring: a checklist for your visit

Before you go to the bank, gather these documents:

One government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID, or tribal ID)
Your Social Security number or ITIN (bring the card, a tax return, a W-2, or a letter from the Social Security Administration)
Proof of your current address if your ID doesn't show it (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days)
If you're opening an account for a minor: the minor's ID, your ID, and proof of guardianship (birth certificate or custody order)
If you're opening a business account: your ID, your EIN letter from the IRS, your business license, and articles of incorporation or organization

Call the bank before you go and tell them what type of account you want to open. They can tell you exactly what documents they need and whether they accept the forms of ID you have. This saves you a trip if something is missing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account with an expired ID?

Most banks will accept an expired driver's license or state ID if it's not more than a few years old. A passport is usually accepted even if expired. Call the bank first to ask — policies vary, and some banks are stricter than others.

What if I don't have a photo ID?

You cannot open a bank account without a government-issued photo ID. If you don't have one, go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and explore for a state ID card. The process takes a few weeks. Some states offer expedited service if you pay a higher fee.

Can I use a passport from another country?

Some banks accept a foreign passport, especially if you also have a U.S. visa or ITIN. Many do not. Call the bank first. If they decline, try a credit union or a bank that specializes in serving immigrants.

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

The bank will ask to see original documents, but they will make copies for their records. Bring originals or certified copies. For proof of address, a recent utility bill or bank statement is fine — the bank will copy it.

What happens if the bank declines to open an account for me?

Banks can decline for several reasons: unpaid debts, a history of fraud, or missing required documents. Ask the bank why they declined. If it's a missing document, you can reapply once you have it. If it's a debt or fraud issue, try a credit union or a second-chance banking program — some specialize in people with banking problems.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.