Do You Need an ID for a Bank Account?

Opening a bank account in the United States requires identification. This requirement protects financial institutions and customers. Identification ensures transaction security and financial system integrity. It establishes a verifiable link between an individual and their financial activities.

Essential Identification for Account Opening

Banks require proof of identity, a residential address, and a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. These requirements stem from federal regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act and the USA PATRIOT Act. These acts mandate Customer Identification Programs (CIP) as part of broader Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols.

These programs verify customer identity to deter financial crimes like money laundering and terrorism financing. Banks collect minimum identifying information: full name, date of birth, physical residential address, and an identification number (SSN or ITIN). This allows banks to form a reasonable belief of a customer’s true identity. Records must be maintained for at least five years after account closure.

Accepted Forms of Identification

Banks generally accept specific government-issued documents for identity verification. Primary photo identification includes:
A state-issued driver’s license
A state-issued identification card
A U.S. passport or passport card
A U.S. military identification card
A permanent resident card
Documents must be unexpired and valid. Some banks may request a secondary ID, such as a Social Security card or another government-issued document.

For proof of address, banks require documents showing your name and current residential address. Accepted examples include:
Recent utility bills (electricity, gas, or water)
Current bank statements
Credit card statements
Mortgage statements
Signed lease agreements
Property tax receipts
Official government letters
Electronic statements can be printed. While specific requirements vary, all institutions follow federal guidelines for identity and address verification.

Alternative Identification Scenarios

Individuals who may not possess standard forms of identification can still explore pathways to open a bank account. For minors, accounts are generally opened jointly with a parent or legal guardian. The parent or guardian must provide their own valid identification, and often the minor’s birth certificate, Social Security card, or a school ID. The presence of the parent or guardian is usually required during the account opening process.

For individuals experiencing homelessness, obtaining a traditional residential address can be a significant hurdle. Some financial institutions may offer flexibility, potentially accepting a letter from a shelter or a community organization, or allowing the use of a temporary mailing address. Certain federal programs, like the Veterans Benefits Banking Program, facilitate account opening by permitting the use of a VA ID and a VA Homeless Coordinator’s office address as valid identification and proof of residence. Individuals in these circumstances should contact banks directly to inquire about specific policies and alternative options.

Non-citizens who do not have a U.S. Social Security Number or a U.S. driver’s license can often open accounts using alternative forms of identification. This typically includes a foreign passport, a consular ID, or another government-issued identification document from their country of origin. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can serve as a substitute for an SSN on bank account applications for tax reporting purposes. Banks may also require additional documentation, such as a U.S. visa or other immigration documents, to establish U.S. residency status. Policies for these situations can vary between financial institutions, making direct consultation with the bank essential.