Bank Account Opening Documents: What You Actually Need
Opening a bank account in India typically requires two main documents: your PAN and a government-issued ID that shows your name and address. Banks follow the Reserve Bank of India’s KYC (Know Your Customer) guidelines, so the list of required documents usually remains the same. However, what can change is whether you have a clear copy of the correct document when the bank officer asks for it. This guide outlines the common documents banks request, the reasons behind it, and what to do if something is missing, so you can have everything ready on your phone before you visit the bank or start the online application.
Core Documents
The documents that cover almost every individual savings account application.
PAN Card
Banks must collect your PAN, or Form 60 if you don’t hold a PAN. PAN is not on the RBI’s list of identity documents, so it is collected in addition to your ID, not instead of it.
Aadhaar Card
The most widely used proof of identity and address. Banks accept your Aadhaar in the form of UIDAI-issued documents (such as e-Aadhaar), and they can verify it online with your consent.
Passport
Accepted as identity and address proof, as long as the address on it is your current one.
Voter ID (EPIC)
An officially valid document issued by the Election Commission of India, and a common fallback if you don’t have a passport or driving licence.
Election Commission of India →
Driving Licence
Accepted as identity and address proof at most banks, provided the address is current.
Recent Photograph
A passport-size photo is still asked for on physical account opening forms. Online and video KYC flows capture a live photo instead.
Two rarer accepted IDs
A job card issued under the NREGA program and signed by a State Government officer, and a letter issued by the National Population Register that includes your name and address. Along with the passport, driving license, voter ID, and proof of Aadhaar possession mentioned earlier, these documents collectively form the Reserve Bank of India’s list of six “Officially Valid Documents” (OVDs).
If Your ID Does not Show Your Current Address
This is often the case after relocating to a new city. In such situations, the RBI permits banks to accept one of the following as proof of address, along with your ID:
- A utility bill not older than two months (such as for electricity, landline, post-paid mobile, piped gas, or water)
- A property or municipal tax receipt
- A pension or family pension payment order issued to a retired government or public sector employee
- An accommodation allotment letter from a government, public sector, or listed company employer
You are then required to submit an OVD that reflects your current address within three months. If your name was changed after your ID was issued, for instance, following marriage, you must provide a State Government marriage certificate or a Gazette notification to support the name change.
Documents by Situation
Which extras you need depends on how and why you’re opening the account.
Salaried or first-time account holder
PAN, one OVD and a photo; salary accounts may also need an employer letter or payslip.
Online or video KYC
Aadhaar OTP or offline verification plus PAN; keep your original PAN or e-PAN handy, as printed e-documents aren’t valid for video KYC.
Accounts opened with Aadhaar OTP alone.
Capped at ₹1 lakh balance and ₹2 lakh yearly credits until full KYC is completed within a year.
Joint account
Every holder needs their own PAN or Form 60 and ID.
No PAN yet
Submit Form 60, a declaration you fill in at the bank.
No officially valid document
You may get a limited “small account” with a self-attested photo, valid for 12 months (extendable by 12).
Sole proprietor or freelancer
Your own KYC plus any two business proofs, such as an Udyam registration certificate, a GST certificate or a shop licence.
NRIs and foreign students
NRIs submit certified copies, students need a passport with a visa and an admission letter.
A Note on Aadhaar
Sharing your Aadhaar number is optional for KYC purposes unless you are applying for government benefits or subsidies. If a bank does not require authentication of the number, mask the number on a copy of your Aadhaar.
Keep Your Bank KYC Documents Ready on Your Phone
Stop digging through screenshots and WhatsApp chats. With Docu Wallet, you can store your PAN, Aadhaar, and other important documents in a single, PIN-locked location on your phone. Just search for “PAN”, and it will appear instantly, even without an internet connection. Your documents are automatically backed up to your own Google Drive, so you won’t lose them if you switch to a new phone.
Download Docu Wallet from the Google Play Store and have your KYC documents ready before the bank asks.
