The documents you need depend on your business structure and the bank

Most banks will ask for three things: proof of who you are, proof that your business exists, and proof of what you own in it. The exact list changes based on whether you are a sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, or corporation — and it changes from bank to bank. Some banks ask for more; some ask for less. Calling ahead or checking the bank's website before you gather everything saves you a trip back home.

The documents below cover what most banks ask for most of the time. Your bank may ask for additional items, and some banks have streamlined their process to ask for fewer. Bring originals or certified copies unless the bank says otherwise.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government-issued photo ID for the person opening the account, even if you are not the owner.
  • Sole proprietors usually need only a Social Security number and proof of identity; partnerships and LLCs need formation documents filed with the state.
  • Corporations must bring articles of incorporation and a corporate resolution authorizing the account.
  • An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is required for all business structures except sole proprietorships using the owner's Social Security number.
  • Some banks ask for a business license, lease, or utility bill to verify your business address.

Documents for sole proprietors

If you operate as a sole proprietor under your own name, you need the least paperwork. Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and your Social Security number. That is often all a bank requires.

If you operate under a business name that is not your legal name — for example, "Sarah's Cleaning Service" instead of "Sarah Okonkwo" — you will need a Doing Business As (DBA) certificate, also called an assumed name certificate. This is filed with your county clerk or secretary of state, depending on your state. Some banks will also ask for a business license or an Employer Identification Number (EIN), even though sole proprietors do not legally need one.

Bring the original or certified copy of your DBA filing. If you have not filed one yet, ask the bank whether they will open the account without it or whether you need to file first.

Documents for partnerships

Partnerships require more documentation because the bank needs to know who has authority to sign checks and make decisions. Bring the partnership agreement — the document that outlines how profits are split and who has decision-making power. If you do not have a written agreement, some banks will ask you to create one before opening the account.

You will also need the partnership's EIN, issued by the IRS. You can request one online at irs.gov using Form SS-4, or by phone at 1-800-829-4933. The EIN takes a few minutes to issue if you apply online.

Bring government-issued photo IDs for all partners who will have signing authority on the account. Some banks require all partners to be present; others allow one partner to open the account on behalf of the partnership if they bring a signed authorization letter from the other partners.

Documents for LLCs

Limited liability companies need to prove they exist as a legal entity. Bring your Articles of Organization — the document you filed with your state's secretary of state when you formed the LLC. This is the LLC equivalent of articles of incorporation for a corporation.

You will need the LLC's EIN, obtained from the IRS using Form SS-4. You can request it online, by mail, or by phone.

Bring a government-issued photo ID for the person opening the account. If that person is not the owner, bring a signed authorization letter from the owner stating that this person has permission to open the account. Some banks also ask for an operating agreement — the internal document that describes how the LLC is managed — though not all banks require it.

Documents for corporations

Corporations require the most documentation because the bank needs to verify that the person opening the account has legal authority to do so. Bring your Articles of Incorporation, filed with your state's secretary of state. Bring the original or a certified copy.

You will need the corporation's EIN, obtained from the IRS using Form SS-4.

Bring a corporate resolution — a document signed by the board of directors or shareholders authorizing the opening of the bank account and naming who can sign checks. This does not have to be a formal legal document; many banks provide a template you can fill out and have signed. If your corporation is brand new and has not held a board meeting yet, ask the bank whether they will accept a resolution signed by the incorporator or whether you need to hold a formal meeting first.

Bring a government-issued photo ID for the person opening the account and for any person named in the corporate resolution as having signing authority.

Address verification and additional documents

Most banks ask for proof of your business address. This can be a commercial lease, a utility bill in the business name, a property tax statement, or a business license. If you work from home, a utility bill or mortgage statement with your home address usually works.

Some banks ask for a business license, even if your state does not require one. Check with your city or county to see whether you need one; if you do, bring the original or a certified copy.

A few banks ask for a recent business tax return or a letter from your accountant confirming that the business exists. This is less common for new businesses, but if the bank asks, you may need to provide it or open the account at a different bank.

What to bring to the bank

Call or visit the bank's website before you go. Ask for a checklist of what they need for your specific business structure. Bring originals and one copy of each document. Bring the government-issued photo IDs of everyone who will sign on the account. Bring your Social Security number or EIN written down so you do not have to look it up.

If a document is not in English, bring a certified English translation along with the original. If a document is more than a few months old, ask the bank whether they need a fresh copy — some banks have rules about how recent documents must be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a business bank account without an EIN?

Sole proprietors can use their Social Security number instead of an EIN. All other business structures — partnerships, LLCs, and corporations — need an EIN. You can request one online at irs.gov and receive it immediately, so there is no reason to delay opening your account.

Do I need to bring all owners to the bank?

No. One owner or authorized representative can usually open the account. Bring a signed letter from the other owners authorizing this person to act on their behalf. The bank may ask to see photo IDs for all owners, but they do not need to be present in person.

What if I do not have a DBA certificate yet?

Call the bank first. Some will open the account under your legal name and let you add the business name later. Others require the DBA to be filed before they open the account. Filing a DBA takes a few days to a few weeks depending on your county, so if the bank requires it, file it first.

Can I open a business account online without going to the bank?

Some banks offer online account opening for sole proprietors and simple LLCs, but most require at least one in-person visit to verify your identity and sign documents. Check with your bank about their process before you gather documents.

What if my business address is a PO box?

Most banks will not accept a PO box as your business address. You need a physical street address — a home address, office, or commercial space. If you do not have one yet, ask the bank whether you can use a virtual office address or a coworking space address.