The Aadhar Card is perhaps the most important document that one needs to open bank account under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY). However, you can open a bank account without the Aaadhar card as well.

The RBI has clarified that those persons who do not have any of the ‘officially valid documents' can open "Small Accounts" with banks.

A "Small Account" can be opened on the basis of a self-attested photograph and putting his/her signatures or thumb print in the presence of an officials of the bank. Such accounts have limitations regarding the aggregate credits (not more than Rupees one lac in a year), aggregate withdrawals (nor more than Rupees ten thousand in a month) and balance in the accounts (not more than Rupees fifty thousand at any point of time).

Documents needed to open bank account under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana

1) If an individual has an Aadhaar Card or Aadhaar Number then no other documents are required. If address has changed, then a self certification of current address is sufficient.

2) In case there is no Aadhaar Card, then any one of the following documents is required:

a) Voter ID Card

b) Driving Licence

c) PAN Card

d) Passport & NREGA Card

If these documents also contain your address, it can serve both as "Proof of Identity and Address".

3) If a person does not have any of the "officially valid documents" mentioned above, but it is categorized as ‘low risk' by the banks, then he/she can open a bank account by submitting any one of the following documents:

4) Identity Card with applicant's photograph issued by Central/State Government Departments, Statutory/Regulatory Authorities, Public Sector Undertakings, Scheduled Commercial Banks and Public Financial Institutions;

5) Letter issued by a gazette officer, with a duly attested photograph of the person.

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