The documents and information banks require

To open a bank account, you need to prove who you are and where you live. Most banks require a government-issued photo ID, a proof of address document, and your Social Security number. The exact list varies slightly between banks, but these three things cover the core requirement: the bank needs to verify your identity under federal law.

Beyond those basics, you'll need to bring or provide your current contact information—a phone number and email address the bank can use to reach you. Some banks also ask for your employment information or annual income, though this is less common for basic checking and savings accounts. A few banks may ask for a reference from another financial institution if you have no banking history, but most do not.

The reason banks ask for this information is not arbitrary. Federal law requires banks to know who their customers are as part of anti-money-laundering compliance. This process is called Know Your Customer, or KYC. It protects both you and the bank.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number to open most bank accounts.
  • Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail—it typically needs to be dated within the last 60 days.
  • Banks verify this information against federal databases as part of required identity-checking procedures, not as a judgment of your creditworthiness.
  • If you don't have a Social Security number, some banks offer accounts using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
  • Online banks have the same document requirements as brick-and-mortar banks, but you upload copies instead of showing originals in person.

What counts as proof of address

Your proof of address must show your name and current street address. A utility bill is the most common document—electric, gas, water, or internet bills all work. The bill needs to be recent, usually dated within 60 days of when you open the account, though some banks accept up to 90 days.

If you don't have a utility bill in your name, other documents work: a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or mail from a government agency (like a tax notice or voter registration card). Some banks accept bank statements from another institution. A few accept insurance bills or medical bills if they show your name and address.

What does not work: a PO box address, a mail forwarding service address, or an address that doesn't match your ID. If you recently moved, bring a document dated after the move. If you're living with someone else and the utilities are in their name, ask if they can provide a bill or statement showing your name, or use a lease or written agreement that shows you live there.

Government-issued photo ID requirements

The bank needs to see a photo ID issued by a government agency. A driver's license or state ID card is standard. A U.S. passport works. A passport card works. Some banks also accept military ID, tribal ID, or permanent resident card (green card).

The ID must not be expired—banks will not accept an expired ID even if it's only expired by a few days. The name on your ID should match the name you're using to open the account. If your name has changed since the ID was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring both the old ID and a document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

If you don't have a driver's license or passport, you can get a state ID card from your state's DMV. The process and cost vary by state, but most states issue them for a small fee and accept them for bank account opening. If you're not a U.S. citizen, a passport from your country of origin works, as does a permanent resident card or employment authorization document (EAD).

Your Social Security number or ITIN

Banks use your Social Security number to report account activity to the IRS and to check your banking history. If you have a Social Security number, the bank will ask for it. You'll provide the nine-digit number verbally or on a form; you don't need to bring a card.

If you don't have a Social Security number, you may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security number but need to file taxes or conduct financial transactions in the U.S. Not all banks accept ITINs—you'll need to call ahead or check the bank's website to confirm. Banks that do accept ITINs typically require additional documentation, such as a passport and proof of address, to verify your identity.

If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, some banks offer accounts without either, though these are less common. These accounts may have higher fees or lower transaction limits. Your best option is to contact banks directly and ask whether they offer accounts for people without a Social Security number or ITIN.

What happens during the verification process

When you provide your documents and information, the bank runs them through verification systems. The bank checks your ID against government databases to confirm it's real and matches your name. The bank verifies your address using postal databases or third-party verification services. The bank checks your Social Security number against IRS records to confirm it's valid and matches your name.

This process usually takes a few minutes if you're opening an account in person at a branch. If you're opening an account online, the bank may ask you to upload photos of your documents, and verification can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few business days. Some banks use automated systems that verify documents when ready; others have staff review them manually.

If something doesn't match—for example, your address on the utility bill doesn't match your ID—the bank will ask you to clarify or provide additional documents. This is normal and doesn't mean you've done anything wrong. If the bank cannot verify your information, it will decline to open the account and explain why.

Opening an account online versus in person

The documents you need are the same whether you open an account online or at a branch. The difference is how you provide them. At a branch, you show originals to a bank employee, who may make copies. Online, you photograph or scan your documents and upload them through the bank's website or app.

When uploading documents online, take clear photos of both sides of your ID. Make sure your address document is fully legible and shows the date clearly. Some banks ask you to photograph yourself holding your ID to confirm you're the person in the photo—this is called a "selfie verification" and is becoming more common. The bank uses this to prevent identity fraud.

Online account opening is often faster than in-person opening because you don't have to travel to a branch. However, if the bank has trouble reading your uploaded documents, it may ask you to resubmit them or visit a branch in person. Having good lighting and a steady hand when photographing documents reduces the chance of this happening.

Special situations and exceptions

If you're under 18, most banks require a parent or guardian to co-sign the account. You'll still need your own ID and Social Security number, but the adult will need to provide their documents as well. Some banks offer teen accounts specifically designed for minors, with parental controls and lower fees.

If you're opening an account on behalf of someone else—such as a power of attorney or conservator—you'll need to bring documents for both yourself and the person whose account you're opening, plus legal documentation showing your authority to act on their behalf. This might be a power of attorney form, a conservatorship order, or a guardianship order.

If you've been denied a bank account in the past, you may be listed in ChexSystems, a banking history database. Some banks specialize in accounts for people with ChexSystems records. You can request your ChexSystems report for free to see what's listed and dispute inaccurate information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?

Some banks accept an ITIN instead, but not all. You'll need to contact banks directly to ask. If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, a few banks offer accounts, but they're less common and may have higher fees or lower limits. Getting an ITIN from the IRS is an option if you need to conduct financial transactions in the U.S.

What if my address on my ID doesn't match where I live now?

Bring a recent proof of address document showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. The bank will use this to update your address. You don't need to update your ID itself—the bank's records will reflect your current address.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card to the bank?

No. You only need to provide your nine-digit Social Security number. You don't need to show the card itself. The bank will ask for the number verbally or on a form.

How long does verification take if I open an account online?

Automated verification can happen in minutes. Manual review by bank staff typically takes one to three business days. Some banks complete it faster; others may take longer if they need to contact you for clarification or additional documents.

What if the bank says my documents don't verify?

Ask the bank which document didn't verify and why. Common reasons are unclear photos, mismatched names or addresses, or expired IDs. You can resubmit clearer photos, provide additional documents, or visit a branch in person so staff can see the originals. The bank will explain what you need to do next.