---
title: How to Open an Account
group: Getting Started
subtitle: Create your Light Horse account online in a few minutes.
description: Step-by-step guide to opening a Light Horse Securities brokerage account — requirements, identity verification (KYC), and initial deposit.
---

## Requirements

Before you begin, make sure you have:

- A **U.S. Social Security Number (SSN)**
- A **government-issued photo ID** (driver's license or passport)
- A **U.S. residential address**
- At least **$100** for your initial deposit (the minimum to start trading)
- A **U.S. bank account** in your name to link for funding

## How to Apply

1. Go to [lighthorse.io](https://lighthorse.io) and tap **Open Account & Join Beta**
2. Enter your email address and create a password
3. Complete the identity verification form — name, date of birth, SSN, and address
4. Upload a photo of your government-issued ID
5. Review and e-sign the account agreements
6. Link your bank account and make your initial deposit

## Why We Verify Your Identity

Federal law (the USA PATRIOT Act and Bank Secrecy Act) requires all U.S. broker-dealers to verify the identity of every customer. This process is called **Know Your Customer (KYC)**.

## What You'll Need to Provide

- **Legal full name** as it appears on your government ID
- **Date of birth**
- **Social Security Number (SSN)**
- **Current U.S. residential address**
- **Government-issued photo ID** — acceptable forms include:
  - U.S. driver's license
  - U.S. state ID card
  - U.S. passport or passport card
  - Military ID

## How to Submit Your ID

During account opening, you'll be prompted to take a photo of your ID using your phone's camera or upload an image file. The system will automatically read and verify the document.

## Account Types

Light Horse currently offers **individual taxable cash accounts**. Margin accounts, joint accounts, IRAs, and other account types are not currently available.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How long does it take?

Verification is typically **instant** and most applications are approved automatically within minutes. In some cases manual review may be required, which can take up to **2 business days**. You'll receive an email notification when your account is approved.

### What happens if verification fails?

If we cannot verify your identity automatically, our team will contact you by email to request additional documentation. Common reasons for manual review include a blurry photo, name discrepancies, or an expired ID.

### Can non-U.S. residents open an account?

At this time, Light Horse accounts are only available to U.S. residents with a U.S. Social Security Number and a U.S. bank account.

### What is the minimum deposit to open an account?

The minimum initial deposit is $100.