What type of identification is commonly accepted as a primary ID for banking transactions?

A state-issued driver’s license is commonly accepted as a primary form of identification for banking transactions because it is a government-issued document that verifies both identity and residency. A driver’s license typically includes a photograph, the individual's name, address, date of birth, and signature, making it a reliable means of confirming a person's identity.

In banking, having a primary ID is crucial to ensure compliance with regulations such as the USA PATRIOT Act, which mandates verification of a customer’s identity during account opening and other financial services. The acceptability of a driver’s license lies in its widespread recognition and reliability as a form of identification, providing assurance to the bank regarding the legitimacy of an individual's identity during transactions.

Other forms of identification, like utility bills, birth certificates, and social security cards, may not carry the same level of authority or verification for banking purposes. While they can sometimes be used for supplementary identification or address verification, they do not serve as primary identification in the same way that a state-issued driver’s license does.