The documents you need depend on the bank and the account type, but most banks require an ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number

Every bank has its own list, but the core documents are almost always the same: a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Some banks add a second form of ID or ask for employment information. A few banks that focus on people without traditional credit histories may ask for less. The fastest way to know what a specific bank wants is to call their customer service line or visit a branch in person—they can tell you in five minutes whether you have everything you need.

What you bring matters less than what you can prove: that you are who you say you are, that you live where you say you live, and that you have a tax identification number. Banks use these three pieces to comply with federal anti-money-laundering rules and to verify your identity against fraud databases.

Key Takeaways

  • A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) is required by every bank.
  • Proof of address typically means a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
  • Your Social Security number or ITIN is mandatory for tax reporting and fraud prevention, though some banks accept an ITIN if you do not have an SSN.
  • If you do not have a photo ID, some banks will accept a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a utility bill, but this varies widely.
  • Bringing more documents than required does not speed up the process, but bringing the wrong ones will delay you.

What counts as a government-issued photo ID

A driver's license or state ID card is what most banks expect. A U.S. passport works. A passport card works. A tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe works at most banks. Military ID cards work. A permanent resident card (green card) works.

An expired ID is usually acceptable as long as the expiration is recent—most banks allow IDs expired within the last year or two, though some are stricter. Call ahead if your ID is expired and you are unsure. A learner's permit or temporary ID typically does not work because it is not considered a permanent form of identification.

If you do not have a photo ID at all, some banks will accept a combination of documents: a birth certificate plus a utility bill, or a Social Security card plus a lease. This is less common and varies by bank, so you will need to ask the specific bank whether they offer this option.

What counts as proof of address

A utility bill in your name is the most straightforward proof. So is a lease agreement or mortgage statement. A property tax bill works. Government mail addressed to you—tax documents, voter registration cards, jury duty notices—works. Insurance statements (home, auto, or renter's) work.

The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. Some banks are flexible on the date if the address is current; others are strict. If you just moved, a lease or mortgage statement is your safest bet because it shows the address you are moving to, even if it is dated before you arrived.

If you do not have any of these, a bank statement from another bank counts at most institutions. A credit card statement works at some banks but not others. A cell phone bill works at some banks. The safest approach is to bring two documents—a utility bill and a lease, or a mortgage statement and a government letter—so you have a backup if one is rejected.

Your Social Security number or ITIN

Banks are required by federal law to collect either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You do not need to bring a card or document—you can straightforward tell the bank your number, and they will verify it against federal records. If you do not know your number, you can look it up on a Social Security statement, a tax return, or a W-2 form.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can obtain an ITIN from the IRS. The process takes several weeks and requires filing Form W-7 with the IRS, along with proof of identity and proof of residence. Some banks will open an account while you are waiting for your ITIN; others will not. If you are in this situation, call banks in your area and ask which ones will work with you during the ITIN process process.

Documents you may need for specific account types

A joint account requires the same documents from both account holders. Both people need to be present (in person or, at some banks, by video) to sign the account agreement. Bring ID and proof of address for both people.

A business account typically requires your personal ID and proof of address, plus your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security number, proof that the business exists (a business license, articles of incorporation, or a DBA certificate), and sometimes a recent business tax return. Requirements vary significantly by bank and by business structure, so contact the bank's business services team before you visit.

A minor's account (opened by a parent or guardian) requires the minor's Social Security number and birth certificate, plus the parent's or guardian's ID and proof of address. Some banks require the minor to be present; others do not.

What to bring in person versus online

If you are opening an account in a branch, bring originals of everything. The bank will look at them, verify they are real, and return them to you. You do not need copies.

If you are opening an account online, the bank will ask you to upload photos of your documents or to verify your identity through a video call. For uploads, take clear photos of both the front and back of your ID. For video calls, have your ID and proof of address ready to show to the camera. The process is usually faster online than in person, but it depends on the bank.

Some banks offer a hybrid: you start online and finish in a branch, or you start in a branch and complete the paperwork online later. Ask the bank which route is fastest for your situation.

What happens if you do not have all the documents

If you are missing one document, ask the bank whether they will accept a substitute. Many banks have flexibility—for example, if you do not have a utility bill, they may accept a lease or an insurance statement instead. If you do not have a photo ID, some banks will work with you using other documents, though this is less common.

If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, you cannot open a bank account at a traditional bank. Credit unions sometimes have different rules; call your local credit union and ask. If you are waiting for an ITIN, some banks will hold your process while you complete the IRS process.

If you are missing documents and the bank will not work with you, try a different bank. Requirements vary, and a bank that cannot help you may have a competitor that can.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account with just a passport?

Yes. A U.S. passport is a government-issued photo ID and is accepted by all banks. You will still need proof of address and your Social Security number or ITIN, but the passport covers the ID requirement.

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

In a branch, bring originals. The bank will look at them and return them. Online, you upload photos of both sides of your documents. Do not send originals by mail unless the bank specifically asks you to.

What if my address on my ID does not match where I live now?

Bring a separate proof of address document showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. The bank will use the proof of address document to verify where you live now, even if your ID shows an old address.

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

Not at a traditional bank. You need either a Social Security number or an ITIN. If you are explore for an ITIN, some banks and credit unions will wait for you to complete the process before opening the account. Call ahead to ask.

How long does it take to open an account once I have all my documents?

In a branch, usually 15 to 30 minutes. Online, usually a few minutes to a few hours, depending on whether the bank needs to verify your identity by video. Some banks take longer if they run additional fraud checks, but most accounts are active the same day or the next business day.