Can I Open a Bank Account With an Expired ID?

Opening a bank account is a key step in managing personal finances and accessing financial services. Financial institutions are legally mandated to confirm your identity, making valid identification an indispensable element of the banking process. This adherence to identity verification ensures the integrity of the financial system.

Why Banks Require Valid Identification

Banks operate under stringent federal regulations that necessitate robust identity verification for all new account openings. The Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) serves as the primary legislative framework, requiring financial institutions to assist government agencies in detecting and preventing money laundering and other financial crimes. Under the BSA, banks must implement a Customer Identification Program (CIP) as part of their broader Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures. This program mandates that banks collect and verify specific information from individuals opening accounts.

The purpose of these regulations is to deter illicit activities, such as terrorism financing and fraud, by ensuring transparency in financial transactions. An expired identification document cannot fulfill these requirements because it does not provide current, verifiable proof of identity. The expiration date on an ID confirms its validity and accuracy, serving as a security measure to protect against identity theft and to ensure that the information presented is up-to-date. Banks will not accept an expired ID for account opening, as it fails to meet the federal standard for current and reliable identity verification.

Acceptable Forms of Identification

To satisfy banking requirements, individuals need to present specific forms of identification. Financial institutions require at least one primary form of identification, which must be a current, unexpired, government-issued photo ID. Common examples include a state-issued driver’s license, a state identification card, a U.S. passport, or a U.S. military identification card. These documents provide essential details like your full name, date of birth, photograph, and an identification number, used by the bank to confirm your identity.

In addition to a primary ID, banks often request a secondary form of identification or proof of address. This can include a Social Security card, a birth certificate, or a utility bill. The combination of these documents helps banks further verify personal details and establish residency.

Steps to Obtain a Valid Identification

If your primary identification document, such as a driver’s license or passport, is expired, obtaining a new, valid one is the necessary first step before approaching a bank. For a state-issued driver’s license or identification card, visit your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. Required documents often include proof of identity (like a birth certificate or U.S. passport), proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and two documents proving your current residency (such as a utility bill or bank statement). Fees for renewal generally range from $20 to $50.

For a U.S. passport, apply through the U.S. Department of State. A first-time adult passport book costs around $165, including application and execution fees. Renewal by mail is often possible for eligible individuals, requiring Form DS-82, your most recent passport, a new photo, and the applicable fee. For a new passport application, you will need to submit:
Form DS-11
Proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate or previous passport)
A valid photo ID
A passport photo
An in-person appearance is often required. Processing times vary from several weeks for routine service to a few weeks for expedited service, which incurs an additional fee of approximately $60.

Opening a Bank Account with Valid Identification

Once you have obtained valid and unexpired identification, opening a bank account becomes straightforward. You can choose a financial institution that best suits your needs, whether a traditional bank branch or an online-only bank. To begin, you will need your valid government-issued photo identification, your Social Security number or Taxpayer Identification Number, and proof of your physical address.

The application can be completed online or by visiting a branch in person. Many banks require an initial deposit to activate the account, which can range from $25 to $100 depending on the account type. You will provide personal details, such as your employment information and beneficiary designations. The bank will then use the provided identification and information to verify your identity, ensuring compliance with federal regulations before finalizing your account opening.