If you've decided which type of account you'd like to open, there are a few things a customer representative needs from you to open the account.

Two Forms of Ids

A bank's customer representative needs to see your identification before opening an account.  The bank employee needs at least one form of identification that has a photograph of you such as your driver's license or state issued identification.  Other photo IDs may include a passport, a resident alien card, or a foreign government identification card, such as a matricula consular card for Mexicans.

Next, you will have you fill out an application form.  Be sure to include your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) (if you have one) so the bank can verify your information.  If you are from another country and you have not been issued a SSN or ITIN be sure to let the bank employee know. You are not required to have a SSN or ITIN to open an account. However, you are required to complete an additional form called a W8BEN. The bank employee will also need to collect other information such as your address, telephone number, date of birth, and your mother's maiden name. And finally, the bank employee will need the check or cash you want to use as your first deposit.  

Account Verification

The next step in opening your account is account verification.  Banks will review your banking history and how you have handled bank accounts in the past. If someone has a history of bouncing checks or misusing their accounts, a financial institution may not open an account.  Depending on the situation, however, a banks may be willing to work with someone who previously mismanaged a bank account.