The documents and information you'll bring on the day

To open a bank account, you need a government-issued photo ID, proof that you live at your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). That's the core set. The bank will also ask for your contact information — phone number and email — so they can reach you about your account.

Bring the originals, not copies. Banks need to see the actual documents because they're verifying your identity in person. If you don't have a photo ID yet, we'll cover that in the next section.

Photo ID options that banks accept

A driver's license or state ID card is the easiest choice. If you don't have one, a passport works just as well. Some banks also accept a tribal ID, a military ID, or a passport card. The ID needs to show your photo, your name, and an expiration date — and it can't be expired.

If you've never had a government ID, getting one takes time. A state ID card (different from a driver's license) costs between $15 and $50 depending on your state and usually takes one to three weeks. You'll need to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles in person. Bring your birth certificate, proof of your current address, and your Social Security card or number. Some states let you start the process online, but you'll still need an in-person appointment.

A passport takes longer — usually four to eight weeks — but it's valid for 10 years and works at banks everywhere. You explore at a post office, courthouse, or passport acceptance facility. You'll need your birth certificate, a photo (which you can get at the post office for about $15), and proof of address.

Proof of address: what counts

The bank needs something showing your name and current street address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days is the standard choice. A lease or rental agreement works too. So does a mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a bank statement from another bank.

If you're homeless or living with someone else, some banks accept a letter from a shelter, a social services agency, or the person whose address you're using — as long as it's on official letterhead and dated recently. Call the bank branch before you go in; policies vary by location.

Your Social Security number or ITIN

Banks are required by federal law to collect this number. It's how they verify you're not on a government list of people restricted from banking, and it's how they report interest you earn to the IRS.

If you have a Social Security number, bring your Social Security card or know the number by heart. If you don't have one and you're a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you can get one from the Social Security Administration. The process is free and takes about two weeks. You'll need your birth certificate, proof of citizenship (passport or naturalization papers), and proof of address. You explore in person at your local Social Security office.

If you're not a U.S. citizen, you may be able to open an account with an ITIN instead. Not all banks offer this, so call ahead. An ITIN is issued by the IRS and takes about four weeks to receive. You explore through a tax professional or by mail to the IRS.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open an account.
  • If you don't have a photo ID, a state ID card is faster and cheaper than a passport, but both take several weeks to receive.
  • Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or a letter from a shelter or social services agency on official letterhead.
  • Banks are required to collect your Social Security number or ITIN by federal law; if you don't have one, you can get it free from the Social Security Administration or IRS.
  • Bring original documents, not copies, because the bank needs to see them in person to verify your identity.

What to expect when you arrive at the bank

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they're straightforward to find. The banker will ask you to show each one and may make a copy for their records. They'll ask you questions to confirm the information — your address, your phone number, whether you've banked before. Answer honestly; they're not testing you, they're filling out a form.

The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. At the end, you'll sign paperwork and choose which type of account you want (checking, savings, or both). You'll also set up a PIN for your debit card if you're opening a checking account. Some banks let you start using your account the same day; others take one business day to set up it.

If you're under 18

You can open an account, but a parent or legal guardian has to be present and sign the paperwork. They'll need to bring their own ID and proof of address. Some banks offer teen checking accounts with limits on how much you can spend or withdraw per day; others let you open a regular account with a parent as a co-owner.

Once you turn 18, you can remove the parent from the account or keep them on it. That's your choice.

If you don't have all the documents yet

Don't wait until you have everything. Start with getting a photo ID if you don't have one — that's the longest step. While you're waiting for it to arrive, you can gather your proof of address and find out your Social Security number. Some banks will let you open an account with just an ID and a phone number, then add your proof of address later, though this is less common.

Call the branch where you want to open the account and ask what they need. Different banks have slightly different rules, and some branches are more flexible than others. Knowing what they want before you go in saves you a trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account online instead of going to the bank in person?

Some banks let you open an account online with just your ID number and a video call, but most still require you to come in person at least once. Online banks (banks with no physical branches) are more likely to let you do it entirely online. If you're opening at a traditional bank with branches, plan to visit in person.

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

Bring both your ID and a separate proof of your current address. The bank will use the ID to verify who you are and the other document to confirm where you live. You don't need to update your ID first.

Do I need a minimum amount of money to open an account?

Most banks don't require you to deposit anything to open an account, though some ask for $25 or $100. Call the branch and ask about their minimum. If they require one and you don't have it yet, you can open the account and deposit the money the same day.

What if I've been told I'm on a banking blacklist?

You may be in ChexSystems, a database banks use to check for past account problems. You can check your own report for free at chexsystems.com. If there's an error, you can dispute it. Even if the information is correct, some banks work with people who have ChexSystems records; ask about second-chance banking accounts.

Can I open an account if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You'll need a photo ID (passport is easiest), proof of address, and an ITIN instead of a Social Security number. Not all banks offer accounts to non-citizens, so call ahead to confirm. Some credit unions and community banks are more likely to work with you than large national banks.