The documents you need depend on your business structure, but most banks want proof of identity, proof of the business itself, and permission to act on its behalf

Every bank has a slightly different checklist, but the core documents fall into three categories: who you are, what your business is, and whether you have the authority to open an account for it. Before you walk in or start an online application, call the bank's business line and ask for their specific list—some banks want originals, some accept copies, and some let you upload everything online while others require you to come in person.

The documents listed below cover what most banks ask for. Bring more than you think you'll need; it's easier to leave something behind than to make a second trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government-issued photo ID for yourself and any co-owner or authorized signer, plus proof of your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
  • Your business structure—sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, or partnership—determines whether you need articles of incorporation, an operating agreement, or an EIN letter from the IRS.
  • Banks require proof that the business actually exists, which can be a business license, DBA certificate, or articles of formation filed with your state.
  • If you are not the sole owner, you will need documentation showing who owns the business and who has signing authority over the account.
  • Call your bank before you go in; their exact requirements vary, and some documents take weeks to obtain from your state.

Personal identification documents for you and any co-owners

Bring a current government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank will copy it and verify your name matches the business records. If someone else will have signing authority on the account (a co-owner, partner, or manager), that person needs to bring their own photo ID as well.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or, if you don't have one, your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The bank uses this to run a background check and report account activity to the IRS. Have it ready in writing or be prepared to say it aloud during the application.

Proof of your business structure and ownership

What you bring here depends on how your business is legally set up. A sole proprietorship (you, operating alone under your own name or a DBA) typically needs only a DBA certificate or business license from your city or county. If you operate under your own name with no DBA, some banks will open an account with just your ID and Social Security number.

An LLC requires articles of organization filed with your state. Request a certified copy from your state's Secretary of State office; some banks accept a photocopy, but certified is safer. You will also need an EIN letter from the IRS, which proves the business has a federal tax ID. You can request this free from the IRS website or by phone after you file Form SS-4; it arrives by mail in about two weeks.

A corporation needs articles of incorporation from your state and the same EIN letter. A partnership needs a partnership agreement (signed by all partners) and an EIN letter. If your business is a nonprofit, bring your IRS information letter showing 501(c)(3) status.

Documentation of signing authority

If more than one person will sign checks or make withdrawals, the bank needs to know who that is and that the other owners or managers approve it. For an LLC, bring a copy of your operating agreement showing who has authority. For a corporation, bring a corporate resolution—a document signed by the board stating who can open and manage the account. For a partnership, bring the partnership agreement.

If you are a sole proprietor with a co-signer (such as a spouse or business partner), the bank will ask both of you to sign the account agreement and may require a separate authorization document. Ask the bank what form they use; some have their own template.

Business license and proof of address

Bring your business license or permit from your city or county. If you don't have one yet, ask the bank whether you can open the account before the license arrives; some will, some won't. A few banks will let you proceed with a letter from your city showing you've applied.

You will also need proof of your business address. This can be a lease, a utility bill in the business name, a property tax statement, or a letter from your landlord. If you operate from home, a utility bill or mortgage statement with your home address usually works. The bank uses this to verify the business is real and to comply with anti-money-laundering rules.

EIN letter and tax documentation

An EIN letter from the IRS is required for any business structure except a sole proprietorship operating under the owner's Social Security number. You can get this free by filing Form SS-4 on the IRS website (irs.gov) or by calling 1-800-829-4933. The letter arrives by mail; if you need it faster, some banks will accept a printed confirmation from the IRS online account portal.

If your business has been operating for a year or more, some banks ask to see a copy of your most recent tax return or a profit-and-loss statement. This is less common for new businesses, but ask when you call ahead.

What to bring if you are opening the account online

Many banks now let you open a business account entirely online. You will upload photos or scans of your documents instead of bringing originals. Make sure the images are clear, show the full document, and are in a format the bank accepts (usually PDF or JPG). Have your documents ready before you start the application; the process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes once you begin, and you won't want to stop halfway through to hunt for a file.

If the bank asks you to verify your identity by video call, have your photo ID ready and make sure you're in a quiet place with good lighting. The bank may also call you after you submit to confirm details or ask follow-up questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a business account without an EIN?

Yes, if you are a sole proprietor operating under your own name and Social Security number. Many banks will open the account with just your ID and SSN. However, if you have an LLC, corporation, or partnership, an EIN is required. Even sole proprietors with a DBA often need an EIN to keep the business finances separate from personal ones.

How long does it take to get an EIN letter from the IRS?

If you apply online at irs.gov, you receive your EIN immediately and can print a confirmation. A formal EIN letter by mail takes two to four weeks. Most banks accept the printed online confirmation, so you don't have to wait.

What if I don't have a business license yet?

Call the bank and ask whether you can open the account before the license arrives. Some banks will proceed with a letter from your city showing you've applied. Others require the actual license. Getting a business license usually takes one to three weeks depending on your city.

Do I need to bring original documents or can I bring copies?

Call your bank first. Most accept certified copies of articles of organization or incorporation, but some want originals. For your ID, most banks will photocopy it themselves. For online applications, you upload scans or photos, which the bank verifies later.

What happens if I'm opening the account as a manager of an LLC but not the owner?

You will need a document from the owner authorizing you to open and manage the account—usually a resolution or a letter on company letterhead signed by the owner. Bring your own ID and the owner's ID if they are present, or a copy of their ID if they are not. The bank may require the owner to sign the account agreement even if they don't visit in person.