What You'll Need to Bring When Opening a Savings Account

The documents and information a bank will ask for

To open a savings account, you will need to bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of your address, and your Social Security number. Most banks ask for these three things in person or online before they create your account. The exact documents vary slightly by bank, but these are the standard pieces every bank needs to verify who you are and meet federal requirements.

You do not need to have a lot of money saved already, and you do not need perfect credit. Banks open savings accounts for people starting from zero. What they do need is confirmation that you are who you say you are, that you live where you say you live, and that you have a Social Security number or tax ID number on file.

Key Takeaways

Bring a government photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) — this is required by every bank.
Bring proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Have your Social Security number ready, or a tax ID number if you do not have a Social Security number.
If you are opening an account online, you may be able to upload photos of these documents instead of visiting in person.
Some banks ask for a second form of ID or additional address proof if your documents do not clearly show both your name and address.

Government-issued photo ID

A government-issued photo ID is a document with your photograph, your name, and an expiration date, issued by a federal or state agency. A driver's license is the most common one. A state ID card (sometimes called a non-driver ID) works just as well if you do not drive. A passport also works.

The ID must not be expired. If your ID expired more than a few years ago, renew it before you go to the bank. Some banks will accept an ID that expired recently, but it is safer to bring one that is current. The bank needs to see that the photo looks like you and that the name on the ID matches the name you are using to open the account.

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 usually takes a few weeks. Bring your birth certificate, proof of address, and Social Security card (or a letter from Social Security) to explore.

Proof of your current address

Banks need to know where you live. Proof of address is a document showing your name and your current street address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the easiest option. A lease or rental agreement works. So does a recent bank statement, a mortgage statement, or a government letter addressed to you at your home.

The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and do not have a new utility bill yet, ask the bank what they will accept — some take a lease agreement even if it is older, or a letter from your landlord on letterhead. If you live with family and are not on the utility bill, a lease with your name on it or a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill can work.

If you are homeless or living in a shelter, tell the bank. Many banks have a process for this. You may be able to use a shelter address, a PO box, or a letter from a social service agency as proof of address. Call ahead and ask what the bank needs.

Your Social Security number or tax ID

Banks are required by federal law to collect your Social Security number (or a tax ID number if you do not have a Social Security number). This is how the bank reports interest you earn and how the government tracks accounts for tax purposes. You do not need to have worked to have a Social Security number — children have them too.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for one at your local Social Security office. Bring your birth certificate, proof of address, and a photo ID. The process usually takes one to two weeks. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Ask the bank whether they accept ITINs before you explore.

Have your Social Security number memorized or written down before you go to the bank. The bank will ask you to say it or type it in. Do not write it on a form and leave it behind — take it with you.

What happens if you do not have one of these documents

If you do not have a photo ID, start by getting a state ID card from your Department of Motor Vehicles. This is the fastest path. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state where you were born — this usually costs $15 to $30 and takes one to three weeks.

If you do not have proof of address because you are new to the area or do not have utilities in your name, call the bank before you visit. Some banks will accept a letter from a shelter, a social service agency, or a person you live with. Others will accept a PO box temporarily while you set up utilities. Do not assume you cannot open an account — ask first.

If you have a Social Security number but cannot find the card, you do not need the physical card. You just need to know the number. If you do not know your number, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to look it up or request a replacement card.

Opening an account online versus in person

Many banks let you open a savings account on their website without visiting a branch. The process is similar: you enter your information, take photos of your ID and proof of address with your phone, and upload them. The bank reviews the photos and creates your account, usually within one business day.

Online accounts move faster and you can do it from home. In-person accounts let you ask questions and get help if something is unclear. Some banks require you to visit in person if you do not have a U.S. address or if your documents do not clearly show your name and address together.

If you are opening an account online, make sure the photos of your documents are clear and show all four corners of the card or paper. The bank's website will tell you if a photo is too blurry or cut off. If you are not sure whether your documents will work, call the bank's customer service line before you upload anything.

What the bank does with this information

The bank uses your ID to confirm you are who you say you are. They use your address to send you statements and notices. They use your Social Security number to report interest income to the IRS and to check whether you have unpaid debts or fraud flags in the banking system.

This process is called Know Your Customer (KYC) verification. It is a federal requirement, not something the bank invented. Every bank in the United States does it the same way. The bank keeps your information private and does not share it with other companies without your permission, except as required by law.

Once your account is open, the bank will send you a welcome packet with your account number, routing number, and information about how to use your account. You can start depositing money right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a savings account if my ID is expired?

Most banks prefer a current ID, but some will accept one that expired within the last year or two. Call the bank before you go and ask. If your ID is older than that, renew it first — it is faster than explaining an old ID to the bank.

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

Bring both your ID and a separate proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. The bank will use the ID to confirm who you are and the utility bill to confirm where you live now. You do not need to update your ID before opening the account.

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

If you are opening an account in person, bring the originals so the bank can see them. If you are opening online, you upload photos of the originals. Do not send copies by mail unless the bank specifically asks you to.

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

You will need to get one before the bank can open your account. explore at your local Social Security office with your birth certificate and proof of address. The process takes one to two weeks. Some banks may let you start the account process while you wait for your number, but they cannot finish it until you have one.

Can someone else open a savings account for me?

No. You need to be present (in person or online) to open your own account. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian may need to co-sign or be listed on the account, but you still need to provide your own ID and Social Security number.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.