Bring government-issued ID and proof of address — that is the core requirement at every bank

Banks need two things before they will open an account: proof of who you are, and proof of where you live. A driver's license or passport covers the first. A recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement covers the second. Some banks will accept a government benefits statement or tax return for address instead. You do not need to bring anything else to walk out with an open account, though some banks ask for additional documents depending on your situation.

The exact documents vary slightly by bank and by state. A few states require additional verification steps. But the ID-plus-address combination works at every major bank and credit union in the country. If you are missing one of these, the bank will tell you what they will accept instead before you sit down.

Key Takeaways

  • A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and a recent document showing your current address are the two documents every bank requires.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government benefits letter dated within the last 60 days — the bank will tell you what they accept.
  • Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, which the bank will ask for verbally and verify against your ID.
  • If you have an existing account at another bank, bring a voided check or your account number to set up direct deposit or transfers, though this is optional.
  • Some banks ask for additional documents if you are opening a business account, a joint account, or if you have a history with ChexSystems, but personal checking and savings accounts rarely require more than ID and address proof.

Government-issued photo ID: what the bank will accept

A driver's license is the most common form of ID banks accept. A U.S. passport, passport card, or state-issued ID card works just as well. Some banks also accept a tribal ID card, a military ID, or a permanent resident card (green card). The ID must not be expired — banks check the expiration date on the spot.

If you do not 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 one to two weeks in most states. You will need a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of address. The DMV website for your state lists the exact documents required and the cost, which ranges from free to about $30.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, a passport from your country of origin works at most banks. A permanent resident card (green card) also works. Some banks accept a visa or travel document, but this varies — call the bank before you go in.

Proof of address: documents the bank will take

A utility bill in your name dated within the last 60 days is the standard proof of address. Electric, gas, water, internet, or phone bills all work. The bank needs to see your name and current address on the bill.

If you do not have a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement works. So does a property tax statement, homeowner's insurance bill, or renter's insurance bill. Some banks accept a government benefits statement (Social Security, unemployment, SNAP, or housing information) if it shows your current address and is dated within the last 60 days. A tax return from the current year also works at many banks.

A few banks will accept a bank statement from another institution, a credit card statement, or a letter from your employer showing your address. Ask the bank what they accept before you come in — their website usually lists acceptable documents, or you can call the branch.

If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, some banks will accept a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or nonprofit organization on letterhead stating your name and the address where you receive mail. This varies by bank and by state. Call ahead to confirm.

Your Social Security number or ITIN

The bank will ask for your Social Security number verbally during the account-opening process. You do not need to bring a Social Security card — the bank will verify the number against your ID. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. The bank will ask which one you have and will record it in their system.

The bank is required by federal law to collect this information as part of anti-money-laundering compliance. They will not open an account without it. If you do not have either a Social Security number or an ITIN, you will need to get one before opening an account. The Social Security Administration issues Social Security numbers; the IRS issues ITINs. Both processes take several weeks.

Documents for direct deposit or transfers from another bank

If you want to set up direct deposit from your employer or transfer money from another bank account, bring a voided check from your current account or write down your account number and routing number. A voided check shows both numbers clearly and is the fastest way to give this information to the bank. You can also provide the numbers verbally, and the bank will enter them into the system.

You do not need to bring these documents to open the account itself — you can set up direct deposit or transfers after the account is open. But bringing them on the day you open the account saves a trip back to the bank or a phone call later.

What you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring a credit report, a letter of reference, proof of income, or a deposit check. You do not need to bring documentation of your employment. You do not need to bring proof of citizenship unless you are explore for a state ID card first. The bank will not ask for these things for a standard checking or savings account.

Some banks ask for additional documents if you are opening a business account, a joint account with another person, or if you have had problems with ChexSystems (a banking history database). If you are opening a joint account, the other person will need to bring their own ID and proof of address. If you are opening a business account, you will typically need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or a business license, depending on the bank and the type of business. Ask the bank what they need before you come in.

What happens if you are missing a document

If you arrive without proof of address, most banks will let you open the account on the spot using just your ID. They will ask you to bring proof of address within 30 days. Some banks will not open the account without both documents present, so call ahead if you are unsure.

If your ID is expired, most banks will not accept it. You will need to renew it at the DMV or get a new passport before you can open an account. This takes one to two weeks for a state ID and two to four weeks for a passport, depending on the type of service you choose.

If you do not have a government-issued ID at all, get a state ID card from your DMV first. This is the fastest route and costs less than a passport. Bring your birth certificate, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, tax return, or W-2), and proof of address to the DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account with just a passport if I do not have a driver's license?

Yes. A U.S. passport or passport card is a valid government-issued photo ID at every bank. You still need proof of address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement — but the passport alone covers the ID requirement.

What if my address on my ID does not match my current address?

Bring a separate document showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. The bank will use the ID for identity verification and the other document for your address on file. You do not need to update your ID first.

Do I need to bring a deposit to open an account?

No. Most banks will open a checking or savings account with zero dollars. Some banks have a minimum opening deposit of $25 to $100, but this is rare and the bank will tell you upfront. You can deposit money after the account is open.

Can someone else bring documents on my behalf?

No. Banks require the person opening the account to be present with their own ID. This is a federal requirement. You must come in person.

What if I do not have a Social Security number yet?

You cannot open an account without a Social Security number or ITIN. You will need to get one first. The Social Security Administration processes applications in about two weeks. Once you have a number, you can open an account at any bank.