What Documents You'll Need to Open a Bank Account

What to bring when you open an account

Most banks will ask for a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address. The photo ID is almost always required — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current street address on it. The document usually needs to be from the last 60 to 90 days, though this varies by bank.

Some banks also ask for a second form of ID or a Social Security number. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can open an account with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), though not every bank offers this option. Call ahead if you're unsure whether your bank accepts ITINs.

A few banks will ask for your employment information or a recent pay stub, but this is less common for basic checking or savings accounts. Online banks often need fewer documents than branches do, sometimes just your ID and a way to verify your address by mail.

Key Takeaways

• A government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address are the documents almost every bank requires.
• Proof of address must usually be dated within the last 60 to 90 days and can be a utility bill, lease, or government mail.
• If you don't have a Social Security number, ask the bank whether it accepts an ITIN before you visit.
• Online banks typically need fewer documents than branch banks, and some can verify your address by mail instead of in person.
• Bring your original documents or certified copies — banks will not accept photos or scans for your first visit.

Photo ID requirements and what counts

Your photo ID must be current and issued by a government body. A driver's license or state ID card is the most straightforward choice. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID also work. Some banks will accept a tribal ID or a foreign passport if you're not a U.S. citizen.

The ID does not have to match your current address — banks understand that people move and don't always update their ID right away. What matters is that the name on the ID matches the name you're using to open the account. If your name has changed, bring both your old ID and a document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

If you don't have a photo ID, some banks and credit unions will open an account with alternative documents, such as a passport card without a photo, a birth certificate, and a second form of ID. This is less common, so call your bank first to ask what it will accept.

Proof of address: what documents work

Proof of address means a document showing your name and your current street address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease or mortgage statement works just as well. Government mail counts too — this includes tax documents, voter registration cards, or notices from Social Security or unemployment offices.

The document must be dated within the last 60 to 90 days. Some banks are stricter than others, so if your document is close to that cutoff, bring a second one just in case. Bank statements from another bank do not count as proof of address for opening a new account, even though they have your name and address on them.

If you're homeless or living with someone else and don't have mail in your name, ask the bank what it will accept. Some banks will take a letter from a shelter, a social services agency, or a trusted person who can confirm your address. Others will let you use a P.O. box or a care-of address temporarily while you get other documents in order.

What to do if you don't have standard documents

If you don't have a driver's license or state ID, a passport works just as well. If you don't have any of these, a birth certificate plus a second form of ID (such as a school ID, work ID, or library card) may work at some banks. Call ahead to ask what the bank will accept before you make a trip.

If you don't have proof of address in your name, bring what you do have and explain your situation. A letter from your employer on company letterhead, a lease with your name on it, or a utility bill in a roommate's name with a note from them can sometimes work. Some banks will also send a verification letter to your address and ask you to mail it back, which takes a few extra days but solves the problem.

If you're opening an account for a child or teenager, the rules are different — you'll typically need the child's birth certificate or Social Security card, plus your own ID and proof of address. Some banks require both parents or guardians to be present.

Documents for joint accounts and authorized users

If you're opening a joint account with another person, both of you will need to bring a photo ID and proof of address. The bank will verify both names and addresses before opening the account. Both people usually need to be present in person, though some online banks allow one person to open the account and add the other person later.

If you want to add an authorized user to an existing account (someone who can use the debit card or write checks but doesn't own the account), that person will need to bring a photo ID. The account owner does not need to be present for this step at most banks.

What happens with your documents after you open the account

The bank will make copies of your ID and proof of address for its records. You keep the originals. The bank is required by federal law to keep these copies on file, so don't be surprised if the process takes a few extra minutes while staff scan or photocopy your documents.

The bank will also run a background check through ChexSystems, a banking history database. This check looks for fraud or unpaid overdrafts at other banks. It does not affect your credit score. If the check comes back with a problem, the bank will tell you and may ask for more information before deciding whether to open your account.

Bringing documents to an online bank

Online banks usually ask you to upload photos of your ID and proof of address through their website or app. Make sure the photos are clear and show all four corners of the document. Some online banks will also ask you to take a photo of yourself holding your ID to confirm you're the person in the photo.

If the online bank cannot verify your address from the documents you upload, it may mail a verification letter to your address. You'll need to open the letter, follow the instructions inside, and mail it back. This adds about one to two weeks to the process, but it's a common step and not a sign that anything is wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account with just a passport and no other ID?

Yes, a passport is a government-issued photo ID and works on its own. You still need proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. If your passport doesn't have your current address on it, bring a separate document showing where you live now.

What if my proof of address document is older than 90 days?

Call the bank and ask whether it will accept the older document. Some banks are flexible if you explain why you don't have a newer one. If the bank won't accept it, a recent utility bill or a letter from your landlord or employer confirming your address may work instead.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card to open an account?

No, you don't need to bring the physical card. The bank will ask for your Social Security number, and you can provide it verbally or write it on the application. If you don't have a Social Security number, ask whether the bank accepts an ITIN before you visit.

Can someone else open an account on my behalf if I can't go to the bank?

No, most banks require you to be present in person with your own ID. Some online banks may have different rules, so call and ask. If you have a power of attorney or guardianship, that person may be able to open an account for you, but you'll need to bring the legal documents proving that authority.

What if the name on my ID doesn't match the name I want to use for the account?

Bring both your old ID and a document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The bank will update its records to show both names. If you haven't updated your ID yet, the bank can still open the account, but you may need to show the name-change document.