The documents you'll need depend on the bank, but most require the same core set

Every bank in the United States is required by federal law to verify your identity before opening an account. This means you will need to bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of your address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Some banks also ask for a second form of ID or additional documentation. The specific requirements vary by bank and by the type of account you want to open, so calling ahead or checking the bank's website saves you a trip if you're missing something.

What makes this straightforward is that the documents banks ask for are the same ones you likely already have or can get without much trouble. The harder part is understanding what counts as proof of address, which documents are acceptable as ID, and what to do if you don't have a Social Security number yet.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days — not a piece of mail with your name printed on it by the bank itself.
  • If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN, and some banks will open accounts for people without either if you bring additional documentation.
  • Bring originals or certified copies, not photos of documents, and expect the process to take 15 to 30 minutes in person or a few minutes online if you have all documents ready.
  • Some banks ask for a second form of ID or proof of employment; calling ahead tells you exactly what that bank requires before you arrive.

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

A government-issued photo ID means a document issued by a federal, state, or local government agency that has your photograph on it. A driver's license or state ID card is the most common. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID also work. Some banks will accept a tribal ID or a foreign passport if you also bring additional proof of your U.S. residency.

What does not count: a school ID, a work badge, a library card, or an expired ID. The ID must be current or expired no more than a few years ago — banks vary on how old they will accept, but most will not take an ID that expired more than five years ago. If your ID is expired but still has a clear photo and matches your current appearance, call the bank and ask; some will accept it anyway.

If you don't have a driver's license or passport, you can get a state ID card from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The process takes a few days to a few weeks depending on your state, and you will need proof of your date of birth and address to get one. If you're in a situation where you cannot get a government ID — for example, if you're experiencing homelessness or your documents were lost — some banks have alternative processes; ask the bank directly what they can do.

Proof of address: documents that work and timing that matters

Banks need to confirm that you actually live where you say you do. Proof of address means a document that shows your name and your current street address, issued by a government agency or utility company, and dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet), a lease agreement or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a government notice (like a tax return or voter registration card) all work.

The document must be dated within 60 days of when you open the account. If your utility bill is three months old, it won't work. If you just moved and your new address isn't on any bills yet, you can use a lease agreement or a signed letter from your landlord on letterhead that includes your name, the address, and the move-in date. Some banks will also accept a government mail piece like a tax notice or voter registration card.

What does not work: a bank statement from another bank, a credit card statement, or a piece of mail with your name printed on it by a marketing company. These don't prove you live there — they just prove a company has your address on file. If you're in a situation where you don't have a document with your current address yet, ask the bank what alternatives they accept. Some will take a combination of documents, like a lease plus a utility bill in a roommate's name that shows the address.

Social Security number or ITIN: what to bring and what to do if you don't have one

Banks ask for your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) as part of federal identity verification and fraud prevention. You don't need to bring a physical card — you just need to know the number. If you have a Social Security card, bring it anyway so the bank can verify the number matches your ID.

If you don't have a Social Security number, you may still be able to open an account. An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security number but need to file taxes or conduct financial business in the United States. You can explore for an ITIN through the IRS; the process takes several weeks. Some banks will open accounts for people with an ITIN instead of an SSN.

If you have neither an SSN nor an ITIN, some banks will still open an account if you bring additional documentation — for example, a passport from another country plus a lease agreement plus a second form of ID. This varies widely by bank. Call ahead and explain your situation; the bank can tell you whether they can work with you and what documents you'll need to bring.

Second forms of ID and other documents some banks request

Many banks ask for a second form of ID in addition to your government-issued photo ID. This can be another government ID (like a passport if you brought a driver's license), a credit card, a bank card from another bank, or a utility bill. The second ID doesn't have to have your photo on it — it just has to show your name and match the name on your primary ID.

Some banks also ask for proof of employment, especially if you're opening a business account or if you're explore for certain types of accounts. A recent pay stub, a letter from your employer on letterhead, or a business license works. If you're self-employed, a business license or a recent tax return showing your business income is usually acceptable.

A few banks ask for a phone number and email address and may call or email to verify them before finalizing the account. This is part of their fraud prevention process. If the bank calls, they're checking that the number you provided is actually yours and that you're the person opening the account.

What to bring in person versus online, and what format documents need to be in

If you're opening an account in person at a branch, bring the original documents or certified copies. The bank will look at them, verify the information, and keep copies on file. You don't need to bring anything else — the bank has the technology to scan and store what you show them.

If you're opening an account online, the bank will ask you to upload images of your documents. Take clear photos or scans of both the front and back of your ID and your proof of address. Make sure the text is readable and the entire document fits in the frame. If the photo is blurry or cut off, the bank will ask you to resubmit it. Some banks also offer video verification, where you hold up your ID to your camera and a bank employee confirms it matches your face.

Do not send documents by email unless the bank specifically asks you to. Most banks have a find upload portal on their website or in their app. Using that portal is safer than email because it's encrypted and you know the document is going to the right place.

Timeline: how long the process takes and what happens next

Opening an account in person at a branch usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The bank employee will verify your documents, ask you questions to confirm your identity, and set up the account while you're there. You'll leave with a debit card (or information about when it will arrive) and access to your online banking.

Opening an account online takes a few minutes if you have all your documents ready and your photos are clear. The bank will review your information and either approve you when ready or ask for additional documentation. If they ask for more information, they'll email you a link to upload it. Approval usually happens within a few hours to a few business days.

Once your account is open, you can start using it right away for transfers and bill payments, even if your debit card hasn't arrived yet. Most debit cards arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you need cash before the card arrives, you can withdraw money at the bank's branch or at an ATM if the bank gives you a temporary card or PIN.

What to do if you're missing a document or can't get one

If you don't have one of the documents the bank is asking for, call the bank before you go in or before you start the online process. Explain what you have and what you're missing. Many banks have flexibility — they can accept alternative documents or a combination of documents that add up to the same proof.

If you're experiencing homelessness and don't have proof of a current address, some banks will accept mail from a shelter or a social services agency that shows your name and the shelter's address. If you don't have a government ID, some banks will work with you if you bring a combination of other documents like a passport, a birth certificate, and a utility bill. If you don't have a Social Security number or ITIN, ask whether the bank can open an account without one or what the process is to get an ITIN first.

If one bank turns you down, try another. Banks have different policies, and what one bank won't do, another might. Credit unions also open accounts and sometimes have more flexible requirements than large banks. Calling ahead saves you time and frustration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account with an expired ID?

It depends on how long ago it expired. Most banks will accept an ID that expired within the last few years if the photo is still clear and looks like you. If your ID expired more than five years ago, call the bank and ask. Some will still accept it; others won't. If your ID is too old, you'll need to get a new one from the DMV or passport office before opening the account.

What if I don't have a utility bill or lease agreement for proof of address?

A mortgage statement, property tax bill, government notice, or a letter from your landlord on letterhead all work. If you just moved and nothing is dated yet, ask the bank what they'll accept. Some will take a combination of documents, like a lease plus a piece of mail showing the address, even if the mail is old.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

You don't need to, but it's helpful. You just need to know your Social Security number. If you bring the card, the bank can verify the number matches your ID. If you don't have a card, you can still open an account as long as you know your number.

How long does it take to get approved after I submit my documents online?

Most banks approve online applications within a few hours to a few business days. If the bank needs more information, they'll email you a link to upload additional documents. Once you're approved, you can use the account when ready, even if your debit card hasn't arrived yet.

Can I open an account if I don't have a Social Security number?

Yes, if you have an ITIN or if the bank will accept alternative documentation. Some banks open accounts for people without either if you bring additional documents like a foreign passport, a lease, and a second form of ID. Call the bank and explain your situation — they can tell you whether they can work with you.