The documents you'll need depend on the type of account and the bank, but most require an ID and proof of address

Banks ask for documents to verify who you are and where you live. This protects both you and the bank from fraud. The exact list varies by bank and by the type of account you're opening, but nearly every bank will ask for at least two things: a government-issued ID and something showing your current address. If you're opening an account in person at a branch, you can bring originals. If you're opening online, you'll photograph or upload them.

Some banks are stricter than others, and some accounts require more paperwork than others. A basic checking account usually needs less than a savings account or a money market account. If you're opening an account as a representative for someone else — for example, as a guardian for a minor — you'll need additional documents proving that relationship.

Key Takeaways

  • Nearly every bank requires a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
  • You may need a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which the bank uses to report interest earned and to check your banking history.
  • If you have no address or your address is recent, bring a letter from a shelter, employer, or social service agency on letterhead stating your current location.
  • Opening an account for a minor or as a guardian requires the child's birth certificate and your proof of guardianship, which varies by state.
  • Some banks ask for a second form of ID or a recent utility bill even if you have a driver's license, so call ahead or check their website to confirm what they want.

Government-issued photo ID

This is the document the bank uses to confirm you are who you say you are. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. The ID must not be expired, though banks vary on how long past expiration they will accept — some take IDs expired less than a year ago, others require current IDs only. If you don't have a driver's license or state ID, a passport is the next best option.

If you don't have any of these, you can get a state ID card from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You'll need to bring proof of your date of birth (a birth certificate works) and proof of your address. The process takes a few weeks and costs money, which varies by state. Some banks will work with you while you're waiting for your ID to arrive — call the branch directly and ask whether they can open an account with a passport or another form of ID while you explore for a state ID.

Proof of your current address

Banks use this to confirm you live where you say you do. A utility bill, lease agreement, or recent bank or credit card statement all work. The document must show your name and current address, and it should be dated within the last 60 to 90 days — banks vary on how recent they require it to be. If you have a utility bill in your name from the last two months, that's the easiest option.

If you don't have a utility bill or lease in your name, a recent statement from another bank, a mortgage statement, or a property tax bill will work. Some banks also accept a letter from your employer on company letterhead showing your name and address. If you're living in a shelter, transitional housing, or with family and have no document in your name, bring a letter from the shelter, housing program, or social service agency on official letterhead stating your name and the address where you're currently staying. Many banks will accept this.

Social Security number or ITIN

Banks use this number to report interest you earn on your account and to check whether you have a history of unpaid accounts at other banks. A Social Security number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (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 open a bank account.

If you have a Social Security number, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number — a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form works. If you don't have a Social Security number and are not a U.S. citizen, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS. The process takes several weeks. Some banks will open an account without an SSN or ITIN if you're a non-resident alien, but most will not. Call the bank before you go in to ask whether they can open an account without one.

Documents for accounts in a child's name

If you're opening a savings account for a minor or a custodial account where you manage money for a child, you'll need the child's birth certificate and proof of the child's Social Security number or ITIN. You'll also need your own ID and proof of address, the same as for any account.

If you're opening an account as a legal guardian (not a parent), you'll also need to bring proof of guardianship. This is usually a court order or guardianship document issued by your state. The exact name and format varies by state — some call it a "guardianship order," others a "letters of guardianship." You can get a copy from the court that issued it. If you don't have one, call the bank and ask what form of guardianship proof they accept, because some will work with a notarized affidavit or a letter from a social worker instead.

What to bring if you're opening an account online

Most online banks let you photograph or upload your documents instead of showing originals. You'll photograph both sides of your ID and upload a photo or scan of your proof of address. The bank will review these images and may ask you to resubmit if the image is blurry, cut off, or too dark to read. Some online banks also ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history or by confirming recent transactions on accounts in your name.

If you're opening an account online and the bank asks for documents you don't have, contact their customer service before you start the process. Many online banks have phone numbers on their website, and some offer live chat. Asking ahead saves you time and tells you whether that bank can work with your situation.

What to do if you don't have standard documents

If you've recently moved, don't have a utility bill in your name, or are experiencing homelessness, you still have options. A letter from your employer, a recent bank statement, a lease agreement, or a letter from a social service agency, shelter, or transitional housing program all count as proof of address at most banks. The letter should be on official letterhead, dated within the last 60 to 90 days, and show your name and current address.

If you don't have a government-issued ID, start by explore for a state ID card at your DMV. While you wait, call banks in your area and ask which ones will open an account with a passport or another form of ID. Some community banks and credit unions are more flexible than large national banks. If you're working with a social service agency or nonprofit, ask whether they have a relationship with a local bank that works with people in your situation — many do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account with just a passport?

Yes, if you also have proof of your address. A passport counts as a government-issued photo ID at every bank. Bring it along with a utility bill, lease, or other document showing where you live. If you don't have a U.S. address yet, some banks will accept a letter from an employer or social service agency instead.

What if my address on my ID is old?

Bring your ID and a separate document showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease dated in the last 60 to 90 days. The bank will use the newer document as your official address. You don't need to update your ID before opening the account.

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

If you're opening an account in person, bring originals so the bank can verify them. If you're opening online, you'll photograph or upload images of both sides of your ID and your proof of address. The bank will review the images and may ask you to resubmit if they're unclear.

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

If you're a U.S. citizen or permanent resident without a Social Security number, you can explore for one through the Social Security Administration. If you're not may be able to access for a Social Security number, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS. Some banks will open an account without either, but most require one. Call ahead to ask.

Can someone else open a bank account for me?

No. You must be present in person or complete the online process yourself, and you must provide your own ID and proof of address. If you're a minor, a parent or guardian must be present or complete the process with you, but you still need your own documents.