The documents and information you'll bring

To open a bank account, you need proof of who you are, proof of where you live, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Most banks will not open an account without all three. The specific documents vary slightly by bank and by state, but the categories are consistent.

Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. If you don't have one of these, some banks will accept a combination of documents instead, though you'll need to call ahead to confirm. Bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement as proof of address — it needs to show your name and current address, and it typically needs to be dated within the last 60 days. Some banks accept a government benefits statement or a letter from a government agency instead.

You'll also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can still open an account with an ITIN, which is issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but don't have a Social Security number. Bring the IRS letter that assigned you the ITIN, or bring your tax return showing the number.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government-issued photo ID, a recent document showing your address, and your Social Security number or ITIN before you walk into a bank.
  • A utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works as proof of address at most banks.
  • If you don't have a photo ID, call the bank first — some will accept other documents, but policies vary.
  • If you don't have a Social Security number, an ITIN and the IRS letter that issued it will work at most banks.
  • Banks verify your identity against federal databases, so bring originals or certified copies, not photos of documents.

What happens when you bring the documents in

The bank employee will look at your ID to confirm your name and date of birth. They'll check your address document against your ID — the address doesn't have to match exactly, but they're looking for consistency. They'll record your Social Security number or ITIN and run it through a federal verification system called E-Verify or a similar service. This takes a few minutes and happens while you're there.

The bank will also check you against the OFAC list (Office of Foreign Assets Control), which is a federal database of people and entities the U.S. government has sanctioned. This is automatic and usually clears in seconds. If you have a common name, the system might flag you for manual review, which can add a day or two but is routine.

Once verification is complete, the bank will ask you what type of account you want — checking, savings, or both — and what you want to fund it with. You can deposit cash, a check, or a transfer from another bank account. Some banks require a minimum opening deposit; others don't. The account opens the same day, and you'll receive a debit card in the mail within 5 to 10 business days.

Documents you don't need but might help

You don't need a second form of ID, a credit report, or a letter of recommendation. You don't need to bring pay stubs or tax returns unless the bank specifically asks. You don't need to have a job or a certain income level — banks don't verify employment for basic checking or savings accounts.

If you're opening an account for a business, you'll need additional documents: a business license, an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS, and sometimes articles of incorporation or a partnership agreement. But for a personal account, the three categories above are all you need.

If you don't have a photo ID

Some banks will open an account without a photo ID if you bring other documents that prove your identity. You might bring a birth certificate, a Social Security card, a passport card (without a photo), a tribal ID that doesn't have a photo, or a letter from a government agency. The bank will usually ask for two or three of these documents instead of one photo ID.

Not all banks accept this route — some require a photo ID by policy. Call the bank's main number and ask whether they can open an account without a photo ID, and what documents they'll accept instead. If the bank you want to use won't do it, credit unions sometimes have more flexible policies, and some online banks have different requirements than brick-and-mortar branches.

If you don't have a Social Security number

An ITIN works at most banks. You'll need the IRS letter that assigned you the ITIN — it's called a CP-565 notice — or a tax return showing the ITIN. If you don't have either, you can order a replacement CP-565 from the IRS by calling 1-800-829-1040 or by filing Form 9091 online through the IRS website.

Some banks ask for an ITIN but won't open an account without a Social Security number. This is less common than it used to be, but it happens. If the bank you want to use has this policy, try a credit union or an online bank — they're more likely to accept an ITIN alone. You can also ask the bank manager whether an exception is possible; some branches have discretion.

If you can't prove your address

If you don't have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement in your name, bring what you do have. A government benefits statement, a letter from a shelter or social services agency, a court document with your name and address, or a letter from an employer showing your address may work. Call the bank first and describe what documents you have — they can tell you whether it will be accepted.

If you're homeless or living with someone else and have no document in your name, some banks will accept a letter from a shelter, a social services agency, or a government office confirming your address. A few banks will open an account with just an ID and Social Security number, skipping the address verification. This is rare, but it's worth asking.

Online banks and different requirements

Online banks have the same legal requirements as brick-and-mortar banks — they need to verify your identity and address. But they do it differently. You'll upload photos of your ID and address document through their website or app, and they'll verify your Social Security number electronically. Some online banks accept a wider range of documents than traditional banks do, and some have lower or no minimum opening deposits.

The verification process for online banks usually takes 24 to 48 hours instead of happening in real time. You won't have access to your account until verification is complete. If the bank flags something — a mismatch in your name, an address that doesn't match your ID — they'll contact you by email or phone and ask for clarification or additional documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account with just a passport?

Yes. A U.S. passport or passport card is a government-issued photo ID and works the same way a driver's license does. You'll still need proof of address and your Social Security number or ITIN. A passport alone is not proof of address.

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

Bring originals or certified copies. Banks need to see the actual document to verify security features like holograms and watermarks. A photocopy or a photo on your phone won't work. Some banks will make a copy for their records after they've verified the original.

What if my address on my ID is old?

Bring a recent document showing your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. The bank will verify that you live at the new address even if your ID hasn't been updated yet. You don't need to update your ID first.

How long does it take to open an account?

At a branch, the whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Verification happens while you're there. At an online bank, it takes 24 to 48 hours. Your debit card arrives in the mail within 5 to 10 business days, but your account is usable when ready — you can set up direct deposit or transfer money the same day.

Can someone else open an account for me?

No. The bank needs to verify your identity in person or through their online system. A parent, guardian, or representative cannot open a personal account in your name. If you're a minor, a parent or guardian can open a custodial account with you, but you'll both need to be present and provide identification.