5 Legit Ways to Cash a Check Without an ID

This doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to cash or deposit your funds if you don’t have an ID, and I’ll cover some options below.

What type of ID is required to cash a check?

Most banks and stores will require you to show a government issued ID when cashing checks.

Types of ID accepted can include:

• State-issued photo driver’s license
• State-issued photo learner’s permit
• U.S. passport
• Military photo ID
• U.S. visa

The ID mustn’t be expired either. It will need to be valid and current.

What other forms of ID can I use to cash a check?

Depending on the bank or store where you’re cashing the check, you may be able to use a secondary form of valid ID, rather than one of the primary ones mentioned above.

Now, some types of secondary ID are government issued, but they’re just not as common as the types listed above. And, some forms of secondary ID may also include IDs that are issued by some entity other than the government. This, for example, could be your school or your employer.

Banks and stores will often ask for a secondary ID alongside those commonly requested government-issued photo IDs that I listed above.

Secondary forms of ID that may be required include:

• Alien registration photo card
• Firearms permit photo ID
• Foreign driver’s license photo ID
• Permanent resident photo card
• U.S. employment authorization photo ID
• Welfare photo ID
• College photo ID
• Employment photo ID
• U.S. birth certificate

Check Cashing without ID Near You

So, what if you don’t have an ID?

In that case, you can still cash or deposit your check, but you are a little more limited when it comes to your options.

Here’s how you can cash a check if you don’t have an ID:

1. Sign the check over to someone else

If you have a friend or relative that you trust, then sign the check over to someone else. This is known as a third-party check. Not all banks allow this type of endorsement because sometimes this technique is used for theft and fraud.

This means you’ll need to find out what your bank’s policy is regarding third-party checks. You’ll need to check with both the checkwriter’s bank and the bank where the check will be deposited.

To create a third-party check, you’ll need to write your check with the following in the endorsement space below your signature:

• “Pay to the order of [insert name of new payee].”

This turns your check into a brand-new check for someone else, and that person can cash it for you.

The person you sign the check over to will also need to sign it, so be sure to leave enough room for them to sign the endorsement area too.

Like I said before, not all places will cash third-party checks. For those that do, they may require you, the payee, to sign over the check in the presence of a bank teller or store associate, and provide a valid ID at the time. So, again, just check what the policy is.

2. Use your bank’s mobile app

Some banks have apps that you can use to cash a check online.

Here are some examples:

• Chase Bank: Android. iOS.
• Wells Fargo: Android. iOS.
• First Midwest: Android. iOS.
• Bank of America: Android. iOS.
• Santander: Android. iOS.
• US Bank: Android. iOS.

If you have an account with a bank that has an app with a check cashing feature, then download it. Then, follow the bank’s instructions for endorsing and depositing your check through the app. This is one of the easiest ways to cash a check without your ID. Now, you will normally need to sign up for online banking services for this method to work. Contact your bank to see if they offer an app or have a search online.

3. Use Ingo Money

If your bank doesn’t have a check cashing app, you can still cash checks using the Ingo Money app.

With it, you can cash paychecks, personal checks, business checks, and more. You can get the money in minutes, but you are charged a fee. Or, you can opt to wait for 10 days and get the money for free.

You can choose where you want the funds to be deposited, which can include having the money sent to your bank, prepaid card, or PayPal account.

Either way, it’s a good option if you don’t want to have to head out to the bank with your ID.

Here’s where you can get the app:

• Android
• iOS

4. Deposit the check using your bank’s ATM

At some banks, you may be able to deposit the check into your own account using the ATM. You’ll need your PIN of course. Check to see if check cashing is available at your bank’s ATM.

5. Get a state-issued ID

If all else fails, you could always just get yourself a state-issued ID. Sure, the upfront cost can be annoying, but it can make things easier for you.

The process is pretty simple. You can get one from the DMV, and the best part is that you can start the application process online in many states, like California. Just go to Google and enter the term “DMV get an ID online,” followed by the name of your state. Then, you’ll have to head into a local office to finish the rest of the process.

You can also get one from your local Secretary of State (SOS) office. To find your local office, just open up google and type in “Secretary of State (or SOS) office get an ID,” followed by the name of your state. You have to pay a fee, which varies from state to state, but it’s usually less than $30.

Summary

Give our tips a try if you have a check you want to cash without an ID. Like I said before, you do still have a few options for depositing or cashing your check even if you don’t have an identification. Having an ID does, however, make it an easier process, so you could consider getting one.