The core documents every bank will ask for
Most banks need three things before they will open a business account: proof that your business exists as a legal entity, proof of who owns it, and proof of your identity. The exact documents vary by the structure of your business — a sole proprietorship needs different paperwork than an LLC or corporation — but the principle is the same. Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity and the beneficial ownership of the business, so there is no way around providing these.
The fastest path is to gather everything before you walk in or call. Many banks now let you start the process online and upload documents, but you will still need originals or certified copies for the final step. Bring more than you think you need; banks often ask for backup documents if the first ones do not meet their standards.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a government-issued ID for yourself, your business formation documents (articles of incorporation, articles of organization, or a DBA filing), and an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
- Sole proprietors can often open an account with just a Social Security Number and a driver's license, but some banks now require an EIN even for sole proprietorships.
- LLCs and corporations must bring articles of organization or incorporation, proof of the registered agent, and a resolution authorizing the account.
- Bring originals or certified copies; banks will not accept photocopies or digital images for the final verification step.
- The process usually takes one to three business days once you submit all documents, though some banks offer same-day approval for online applications.
Documents for a sole proprietorship
If you operate under your own name with no separate legal entity, you need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and your Social Security Number. That is the minimum. However, many banks now require an Employer Identification Number (EIN) even for sole proprietors, so you may want to obtain one before you apply. An EIN is free and takes about 15 minutes to request online through the IRS website.
If you operate under a business name that is not your legal name — for example, "James's Consulting" instead of "James Rodriguez" — you will also need a DBA (Doing Business As) filing from your county or state. The location and process vary by state; some require county registration, others use the state level. Check your state's Secretary of State website to find where to file. Bring the DBA certificate or a certified copy of the filing.
Documents for an LLC
An LLC requires your articles of organization (the document filed with your state to create the LLC), proof of your registered agent, and a resolution from the LLC authorizing the account. The articles of organization come from your state's Secretary of State office; you can usually download a certified copy from their website or request one by mail. The registered agent is the person or business designated to receive legal documents on behalf of the LLC — this is often the owner, but not always.
You will also need the EIN for the LLC (not your personal Social Security Number). Request this from the IRS before you go to the bank. Bring your government-issued ID and the EIN letter the IRS sends you. Some banks will also ask for a copy of the LLC's operating agreement, though this is not always required; call ahead and ask.
Documents for a corporation
A corporation needs articles of incorporation (filed with your state), a corporate resolution authorizing the account, and proof of the registered agent. The articles of incorporation come from your state's Secretary of State office, just like an LLC's articles of organization. The corporate resolution is a formal statement signed by the board of directors or the owner stating that the corporation is authorized to open a bank account; your bank can often provide a template.
Bring the EIN letter from the IRS, your government-issued ID, and a list of all officers and directors with their titles. Some banks ask for bylaws or a certificate of good standing from the state; call the bank before you visit to confirm what they need. The process is the same whether you have a C corporation or an S corporation, but the bank will ask which one you are, so know your structure.
What the bank will verify in person or online
When you submit your documents, the bank will check that your ID is current and matches the name on the account application. They will verify that your business formation documents are real by cross-checking with your state's Secretary of State office — this usually happens automatically through their system. They will confirm that the person opening the account has the authority to do so, which is why they need the resolution or authorization document.
If you are opening the account online, the bank will ask you to upload clear images of both sides of your ID and your business documents. They may ask you to verify your identity through a video call with a bank representative. This step is required by federal law and cannot be skipped, even if you bank with them already for personal accounts.
Documents you do not need (and should not waste time gathering)
You do not need a business license, business plan, or proof of business address to open most business bank accounts. You do not need a lease or utility bill in the business name. You do not need tax returns or financial statements. Some banks ask for a business address, but a home address is usually acceptable if you are running the business from home.
You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself — just know the number. You do not need certified copies of everything; originals or one certified copy of your formation documents is enough. Do not waste time ordering certified copies from the state if you can download them yourself from the Secretary of State website; most banks accept downloaded copies as long as they are clear and complete.
Timeline and next steps after approval
Once the bank approves your account, you will receive account numbers, routing numbers, and access to online banking. This usually happens within one to three business days. Some banks offer same-day approval if you complete the application online and verify your identity through video. Others take longer if they need to mail you anything or if they are processing a high volume of applications.
After approval, you can order checks, set up direct deposit, and link the account to accounting software. Many banks now issue a debit card immediately through their app, so you can start using the account before physical cards arrive. If you need the account to be active quickly, ask the bank at the time of application what their fastest timeline is and whether they can expedite anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a business account without an EIN?
For a sole proprietorship, yes — you can use your Social Security Number instead. For an LLC or corporation, no — the bank will require an EIN. If you do not have one yet, you can request it from the IRS online at no cost, and you will receive the number immediately or by mail within a few days.
What if I do not have a government-issued photo ID?
You will need one. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. If you do not have any of these, you will need to obtain one before opening the account. The bank cannot proceed without it due to federal identity verification requirements.
Do I need to bring original documents or are copies okay?
For the final step, the bank will want to see originals or certified copies. Digital images uploaded online are acceptable for the initial application, but you will need to provide originals or certified copies when you complete the account opening in person or through a video verification call.
How long does it take to get an EIN if I do not have one yet?
If you request an EIN online through the IRS website, you receive the number immediately. If you apply by phone or mail, it takes one to two weeks. You can open a business account with a pending EIN application in some cases, but calling the bank first to ask is worth the time.
What if my business formation documents are from another state?
The bank will still accept them. They will verify the documents with the state where your business is registered. If you have registered your business in one state but are opening an account in another, bring proof that your business is registered in the first state — usually a certified copy of your articles of organization or a certificate of good standing.