The core documents every bank will ask for
Most banks require two things before they will open an account: proof of who you are, and proof of where you live. The first is almost always a government-issued photo ID. The second is usually a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and address on it. Some banks will accept a bank statement from another institution instead.
Beyond those two, requirements shift based on the type of account and the bank itself. A basic checking account at a large national bank typically needs less paperwork than a business account or an account at a credit union. If you are opening an account for someone under 18, the parent or guardian will need to bring their own ID and proof of address as well.
Bring originals, not copies. Banks will usually photocopy what they need, but they want to see the real document to verify it is genuine. If you do not have one of the standard documents, ask the bank what alternatives they will take before you make a trip.
Key Takeaways
- A government-issued photo ID and a recent document showing your current address are the baseline documents nearly every bank requires.
- Utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements all work as proof of address, but they must show your name and current street address.
- Banks will photocopy your documents, so bring originals rather than copies, even though you will get them back.
- Credit unions and smaller banks sometimes ask for additional paperwork, such as a Social Security number verification or a second form of ID.
- If you are opening a joint account, both account holders must bring their own ID and proof of address.
What counts as proof of identity
A driver's license or state ID card is what most banks expect. A passport works too. Some banks will also take a military ID, tribal ID, or passport card. The ID must be current — expired IDs are usually rejected, though some banks will make exceptions if the expiration is recent.
If you do not have a photo ID, the path gets harder but not impossible. Some banks will accept a combination of documents instead: a Social Security card plus a birth certificate, or a state ID number plus a utility bill. Call the bank branch you plan to visit and ask what non-photo alternatives they will take. Different branches of the same bank sometimes have different policies, so it is worth confirming before you go.
What counts as proof of address
A utility bill in your name — electric, gas, water, internet — is the most straightforward proof. It needs to be recent, usually from the last 60 days, and it must show your full name and street address. A lease or rental agreement works if it is signed and current. A mortgage statement or property tax bill also works.
If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, a bank statement from another bank, a credit card statement, or an insurance policy statement can sometimes substitute. A government document with your address — like a tax return or voter registration card — may work too. The key is that the document must show your current address, not an old one, and it must have your name on it.
If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, some banks have workarounds. A shelter letter, a mail forwarding address from the post office, or a letter from a social service agency can sometimes serve as proof of address. Call ahead and ask what the bank will accept in your situation.
Documents for joint accounts
When two people open an account together, both must bring their own ID and proof of address. The bank will verify both people's identities separately. If one person cannot be present, some banks will let the other person bring a power of attorney document or a notarized authorization, but this varies widely. It is simpler to have both account holders present at the same time.
You will also need to decide how the account is titled — whether it is a joint account with both names, or whether one person is the primary account holder and the other is an authorized user. This affects who can withdraw money and what happens if one person dies. The bank will explain the options and you will sign a form stating which structure you want.
What you need for accounts in someone else's name
If you are opening an account for a minor child, you are the account owner and the child is an authorized user. You bring your own ID and proof of address. You do not need the child's ID or address proof, though some banks ask for the child's Social Security number or birth certificate to verify their identity in the bank's system.
If you are opening an account as a guardian or conservator for an adult, you will need to bring court documents proving your guardianship or conservatorship. The bank will keep a copy. This is different from a power of attorney, which is a document the account holder signs themselves. If you have a power of attorney, bring the original or a certified copy.
Social Security number and tax ID requirements
Banks are required by federal law to collect a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for anyone opening an account. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can provide an ITIN instead. You do not need to bring a card or document — you can straightforward tell the bank the number and they will record it.
If you do not have either a Social Security number or an ITIN, some banks will still open an account, but they will flag it for additional review and may place temporary limits on deposits or transfers. If you are in the process of getting a Social Security number or ITIN, ask the bank whether you can provide it later or whether you need to wait until you have it.
What happens if you do not have standard documents
If you do not have a driver's license or passport, or if you do not have a utility bill or lease, you have options. Some banks will accept alternative documents: a state ID number without a photo, a birth certificate, a school ID, a work ID, a library card, or a letter from a government agency. The bank's policy determines what it will take.
Smaller banks and credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large national chains. If your local bank turns you down, try a credit union or a community bank. Some online banks have different requirements than brick-and-mortar branches, though most still require proof of identity and address.
If you have experienced identity theft or fraud, tell the bank when you arrive. You may need to bring a police report or a letter from the Federal Trade Commission. The bank will take extra steps to verify your identity, but you can still open an account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account with an expired ID?
Most banks will not take an expired ID, but some will if the expiration is very recent — within a few months. Call the branch first. If your ID is expired, you can renew it at your state's DMV or passport office while you wait, or ask the bank what other documents they will take instead.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card?
No. The bank will ask you for your Social Security number and write it down. You do not need to show a card or bring any document that proves it. If you do not know your number from memory, you can look it up on a tax return, W-2, or previous bank statement and bring that.
What if I do not have a permanent address?
Some banks will take a shelter address, a mail forwarding address from the post office, or a letter from a social service agency as proof of address. Call the branch you plan to visit and ask what they will accept. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large banks on this point.
Can someone else open an account for me if I cannot go to the bank?
Not usually. Banks require the account holder to be present and to sign documents in person. If you cannot go, you can authorize someone with a power of attorney, but the bank will need the original or a certified copy and will verify it. For a minor's account, the parent or guardian can open it without the child present.
Do I need to bring anything else besides ID and proof of address?
Bring a checkbook or debit card process if you want one, though the bank can order these after you open the account. If you are opening a business account, bring your business license and tax ID. For most personal checking and savings accounts, ID and proof of address are all you need.