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🇲🇽 ITIN Guide for Mexican Immigrants

From getting your ITIN to opening a bank account, building credit, and getting a driver's license — everything that actually works in the U.S. if you're from Mexico.

🇲🇽 Mexico 📅 Updated Apr 23, 2026 ✍️ By Kevin E.

Quick Links — What Are You Looking For?

Step 1

How to Get an ITIN

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Step 2

Open a Bank Account

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Step 3

Build U.S. Credit

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Also useful

Driver's License by State

Read guide →

Identification — What to Bring

Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo all accept the Matrícula Consular (issued by Mexican consulates in the U.S.) as a valid ID for opening an account. Bring it alongside your ITIN.

Standard documents required at any U.S. bank for an ITIN account opening:

Banking With an ITIN

These four major banks accept ITIN for personal checking and savings accounts. You must apply in person — online applications are designed for SSN holders.

Building Credit

A bank account does not build your credit score on its own. After opening your account, the next step is a credit card that reports to the three major bureaus.

Pay the full balance every month. After 12–18 months of on-time payments, your credit score will qualify you for unsecured cards like Chase Freedom Unlimited or Amex Blue Cash Everyday.

Driver's License

California, Illinois, New York, and Texas all have large Mexican immigrant communities. California, Illinois, and New York issue driver's licenses to ITIN holders — see the state-by-state guide for details.

See the full list: all states that accept ITIN for a driver's license →

Taxes

Mexican citizens living in the U.S. who earn income here must file a U.S. tax return. Your ITIN is used in place of an SSN. Mexico and the U.S. have a tax treaty that may reduce withholding on certain types of income — consult a tax professional if you have income from both countries.

For step-by-step filing guidance, see: ITIN guide — how to apply and how to file →

Community Organizations

These organizations offer free or low-cost immigration legal help, community support, and referrals:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Mexican immigrants open a bank account in the U.S. without an SSN? +
Yes. Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, and Wells Fargo all accept an ITIN in place of an SSN. Bank of America and Wells Fargo also accept the Matrícula Consular (Mexican consular ID) as a valid form of identification. You must apply in person at a branch.
Does the Matrícula Consular work for opening a U.S. bank account? +
Yes — at most major banks. Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo officially accept the Matrícula Consular alongside your ITIN. Call ahead to confirm your specific branch accepts it before visiting.
Can I get a driver's license in the U.S. as a Mexican immigrant without a green card? +
Yes, in many states. California (AB 60), Illinois, New York, Washington, Oregon, and 14 other states issue driver's licenses to ITIN holders or to people regardless of immigration status. See the full list of states in our driver's license guide.
Do I need to file U.S. taxes as a Mexican immigrant? +
If you earn income in the U.S., yes — regardless of your immigration status. You file using your ITIN instead of an SSN. The U.S.–Mexico tax treaty may affect how your income is taxed if you also have income in Mexico.
Where do I get a Matrícula Consular? +
At any Mexican consulate in the United States. Bring your Mexican birth certificate, a valid Mexican passport or ID, and proof of your U.S. address. Many consulates operate by appointment only — book ahead on the consulate's website.

Guides by Country

🇲🇽 Mexico 🇮🇳 India 🇸🇻 El Salvador 🇬🇹 Guatemala 🇭🇳 Honduras 🇻🇪 Venezuela