The documents and information banks require to open an account
Most banks need four things before they'll open a checking or savings account: a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit (though some accounts have no minimum). The exact documents vary slightly by bank and by state, but these four categories cover what nearly every institution will ask for.
The reason banks ask for these things is not arbitrary. The photo ID confirms you are who you say you are. The address proof and Social Security number are part of federal anti-money-laundering rules that all banks must follow. The initial deposit shows the account will actually be used. If you're missing one of these, you can often substitute a similar document—but you need to know what each bank will accept before you walk in or start an online process.
Key Takeaways
- A valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) is required by every bank and cannot be substituted.
- Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days—banks vary on which documents they accept.
- Your Social Security number is mandatory for all U.S. bank accounts due to federal law, and you cannot open an account without providing it.
- An initial deposit is often required but the amount varies widely; some banks have no minimum, while others require $25 to $300 to open.
- Online accounts often have lower documentation barriers than in-person accounts, and some banks will verify your identity through third-party databases instead of requiring physical documents.
Government-issued photo ID: what banks will and won't accept
Banks will accept a driver's license, state ID card, or U.S. passport. Some will also take a military ID, tribal ID, or passport card. What they will not accept is a school ID, work ID, library card, or any ID without a photo. The ID must not be expired, though banks vary on how recently it expired—some allow IDs expired within the last year, while others require current IDs only. Call the bank before you go in if your ID is expired or close to expiring.
If you don't have a driver's license or passport, you can get a state ID card from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. This costs money (usually $15 to $50 depending on your state) and takes one to three weeks. If you're in a hurry, a U.S. passport card can be issued in as little as two weeks if you pay for expedited processing, though it costs more. Neither of these is free, but both are the standard way to get a photo ID if you don't have one.
Proof of address: documents banks accept and how recent they need to be
Banks need proof that you actually live where you say you do. They will accept a utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days in most cases, though some banks accept documents up to 90 days old. If you just moved, a lease or rental agreement dated within the last 60 days will work even if it's for a new address.
If you don't have any of these documents, you have a few options. Some banks will accept a bank statement from another bank showing your address. Others will accept a government benefits letter (Social Security, unemployment, SNAP) if it shows your current address. A few banks will accept a cell phone bill or insurance statement. The safest approach is to call the bank before you explore and ask which documents they accept—what one bank takes, another might not.
If you're homeless or living in a shelter, some banks have workarounds. A few will accept a shelter address as your proof of address, or a letter from the shelter on letterhead confirming you live there. Others will accept a P.O. box address. This varies by bank, so call ahead.
Social Security number: why it's required and what to do if you don't have one
Every bank in the United States is required by federal law to collect your Social Security number before opening an account. This is part of the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money-laundering rules. Banks use it to check you against government databases and to report account activity to the IRS. You cannot open a bank account without providing it, and there is no exception or workaround.
If you don't have a Social Security number, you need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration. This is free and takes about two weeks. You'll need to go to your local Social Security office in person with a birth certificate or passport and proof of address. If you're not a U.S. citizen, you can still get a Social Security number if you have a valid visa or work authorization. Non-citizens can also open bank accounts using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number, though not all banks accept ITINs—you'll need to call ahead and ask.
Initial deposit requirements: how much banks ask for and whether you can skip it
Some banks require an initial deposit before they'll open your account. The amount varies widely: some banks have no minimum at all, while others require $25, $100, or $300. A few require $500 or more. This deposit is your own money—it goes into the account you're opening, not to the bank. You can withdraw it when ready after the account is open if you want to, though most people leave it in.
If you don't have money for an initial deposit, you have options. Many online banks and credit unions have no minimum deposit requirement. Some brick-and-mortar banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit (like a paycheck or government benefits) going into the account. A few banks will waive it if you open the account online instead of in person. Call the bank and ask what their current minimum is and whether they have any way around it.
Online accounts versus in-person accounts: which requires fewer documents
Opening an account online usually requires fewer documents than opening one in person. Many online banks will verify your identity through a third-party database using just your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number—they don't ask you to upload a photo ID or proof of address. Others will ask you to take a photo of your ID with your phone and upload it. A few still require you to mail in physical documents.
In-person accounts almost always require you to bring physical documents to a branch. You'll hand over your ID and proof of address, and a teller will photocopy them or scan them into the system. This takes longer but is sometimes faster if you need the account open the same day. Online accounts can take one to three business days to fully set up, even after you've submitted all documents.
If you're worried about privacy or identity theft, in-person accounts let you see exactly what documents the bank is keeping. Online accounts are convenient but you have less control over how your documents are handled. Both are legitimate approaches—choose based on what matters more to you: speed or control.
What happens if you can't provide one of the required documents
If you're missing one document, call the bank before you explore and ask what alternatives they accept. Most banks have a list of acceptable substitutes for each category. For example, if you don't have a utility bill for proof of address, they might accept a lease, mortgage statement, or government letter instead. If you don't have a current photo ID, some banks will accept an expired ID plus another form of ID (like a Social Security card or birth certificate) to confirm your identity.
If you genuinely cannot provide any of the standard documents, some banks will work with you on a case-by-case basis. Credit unions are often more flexible than large national banks. Community banks are also more likely to make exceptions. Call and explain your situation—the worst they can say is no, and many will find a way to help. If one bank turns you down, try another.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account with just a passport and no driver's license?
Yes. A U.S. passport is a valid government-issued photo ID and is accepted by all banks. You'll still need proof of address and your Social Security number, but the passport covers the ID requirement.
What if my proof of address document is older than 60 days?
Most banks won't accept it. Call the bank and ask their specific policy—some allow up to 90 days, and a few will make exceptions if you're a new resident. If your document is too old, get a new utility bill, lease, or government letter dated more recently.
Do I need to bring my original documents or can I bring copies?
For in-person accounts, bring originals. The bank will photocopy or scan them. For online accounts, you'll usually photograph or scan them yourself and upload digital copies. Never mail original documents to a bank unless they specifically ask you to.
Can someone else open a bank account on my behalf?
No. You must be present (either in person or online) to open the account. Banks need to verify your identity directly. A parent can open an account for a minor child, but the child must be listed as the account owner.
What if I don't have a current address because I just moved?
Use your new address and bring a lease, rental agreement, or other document dated within the last 60 days showing that address. If you haven't received a utility bill yet at the new place, a signed lease is usually sufficient proof.