The documents and information a bank will ask for

A business bank account requires three categories of things: proof of who you are, proof that your business exists, and proof of who owns or controls it. The exact documents vary by bank and by business structure, but every bank needs to verify all three before they hand you a debit card or let you move money.

You will bring a government-issued ID — a driver's license or passport — to prove you are a real person. You will bring documents that show your business is registered with your state or local government. And you will bring ownership or authorization documents that show you have the right to open an account on behalf of that business. A sole proprietor brings different papers than an LLC owner, who brings different papers than a corporate officer.

The bank also needs your Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is a nine-digit identifier the IRS assigns to your business. If you do not have one yet, you can get it free from the IRS website the same day you explore — it takes about 15 minutes. Some banks will let you open an account with a Social Security number instead if your business is brand new, but most prefer the EIN because it separates your personal finances from your business finances in their system.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government-issued photo ID, proof your business is registered with your state, and your EIN from the IRS before you walk into a bank.
  • Sole proprietors can often open an account with just a Social Security number and a DBA (Doing Business As) registration, but an EIN is faster and cleaner.
  • LLCs and corporations require articles of organization or incorporation, a certificate of good standing from your state, and proof of who is authorized to open the account.
  • Most banks now let you start the process online and finish in a branch, or complete everything online if you upload clear photos of your documents.
  • Bring more documents than you think you need — a utility bill, lease, or business license helps if the bank has questions about your address or business purpose.

What a sole proprietor needs to bring

If you are operating as a sole proprietor — meaning you are the only owner and have not filed any formal business structure — you need your personal government ID and either your EIN or your Social Security number. Many banks will accept a Social Security number for a sole proprietor account, especially if the business is new. However, using an EIN keeps your personal and business finances more clearly separated in the bank's records and makes tax time simpler.

You also need to show that your business exists. If you have registered a DBA (Doing Business As) name with your county or state, bring that certificate. If you have not registered a DBA and are operating under your own name, some banks will open an account with just your ID and EIN. Others want to see at least a business license or a utility bill showing your business address. Call the bank before you go in and ask what they need for a sole proprietor with no formal registration yet.

Bring a second form of ID if you have one — an expired passport, a state business license, or a utility bill in your name. Banks are required to verify your identity under federal law, and having a backup document speeds up the process if there is any question about your primary ID.

What an LLC owner needs to bring

An LLC requires more paperwork because the bank needs to confirm that you are authorized to open an account on behalf of the business, not just for yourself. Bring your personal government ID, the LLC's EIN, and your Articles of Organization — the document you filed with your state to create the LLC. This is the official proof that the LLC exists.

You also need a Certificate of Good Standing from your state's Secretary of State office. This is a one-page document that confirms your LLC is currently active and in compliance with state requirements. You can order it online from your state's website for a small fee — usually $5 to $15 — and many states email it to you the same day. Some banks will accept a copy of your Articles of Organization if you cannot get a Certificate of Good Standing when ready, but having the certificate makes the process faster.

Finally, bring proof of who is authorized to open the account. If you are the sole member, your personal ID is usually enough. If there are multiple members, the bank may ask for a resolution or written consent from the other members, or they may ask you to bring an operating agreement showing who has signing authority. Call the bank ahead of time and ask whether they need a resolution or operating agreement for multiple-member LLCs.

What a corporation needs to bring

A corporation is treated more formally by banks because it is a separate legal entity from its owners. Bring your personal government ID, the corporation's EIN, and your Articles of Incorporation — the document filed with your state to create the corporation. You also need a Certificate of Good Standing from your state, just like an LLC.

The bank will ask for proof of who is authorized to open the account and sign checks. This usually means a corporate resolution — a document signed by the board of directors or shareholders that authorizes a specific officer (usually the president or treasurer) to open a bank account and conduct banking on behalf of the corporation. If you have not drafted a resolution yet, the bank can often provide a template, or you can use one from your state's Secretary of State website.

Some banks also ask for a list of officers and directors, or a copy of the bylaws. These show the bank the structure of the corporation and confirm that the person opening the account actually has the authority to do so. If you are a one-person corporation, the bank still wants to see the resolution because it documents your authority in writing.

Documents you should bring even if the bank does not ask

Banks are required to verify your identity and the legitimacy of your business under federal anti-money-laundering rules. If anything about your process raises a question — an unusual business name, a recent address change, or an address that does not match your ID — the bank may ask for additional documents. Bringing them proactively can speed things up.

A utility bill or lease in your name proves your address. A business license from your city or county shows that your business is registered locally. A recent bank statement from a personal account proves you have an existing banking relationship. A business plan or website printout can help explain what your business does if the name is unclear. A letter from a landlord or client confirming your business relationship can help if the bank is uncertain about your business purpose.

You do not need all of these, but having one or two in your folder means you are ready if the bank asks. It also signals that you are organized and serious about the account, which can matter if the bank is on the fence about opening it.

Online versus in-person account opening

Most banks now let you start the process online by uploading photos of your documents, then finish in a branch or by video call. This means you can gather everything at home, take clear photos of both sides of your ID and your business documents, and submit them before you visit the bank. The bank will review them and tell you if anything is missing or unclear.

If you choose to open the account entirely online, the bank will usually ask you to verify your identity through a video call with a banker who will confirm your ID matches your face. This takes about 10 minutes. You will then sign documents electronically, and the account opens the same day or the next business day.

In-person opening is still an option at every bank. You bring your documents to a branch, a banker reviews them on the spot, and you sign the account agreement and deposit agreement right there. This usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. The account is often ready to use the same day, though the bank may take 24 hours to process it.

What happens after you open the account

Once the bank approves your account, you will receive a debit card, checks, and online banking access. The debit card usually arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Checks take longer — typically 2 to 3 weeks — because they are printed to order. You can order checks from the bank or from a third-party printer like Deluxe or Costco, which are often cheaper.

You will also set up online banking, which lets you transfer money, pay bills, and read statements. The bank will give you a username and temporary password, which you change the first time you log in. Some banks require you to set up two-factor authentication — a code sent to your phone — before you can transfer large amounts of money.

If you need to add other people to the account — an employee, a bookkeeper, or a co-owner — you will do that through the bank's online portal or by visiting a branch. The bank will ask for their ID and may require a resolution or written authorization from you, depending on the business structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a business account if my business is not registered yet?

Some banks will open an account for a sole proprietor using just a Social Security number and personal ID, even if you have not registered a DBA or obtained an EIN. However, most banks prefer an EIN because it clearly separates business and personal finances. Getting an EIN takes 15 minutes online and is free, so it is worth doing before you visit the bank.

Do I need a business license to open a business bank account?

Not always. A business license helps, but it is not required by every bank. Sole proprietors and LLCs can usually open accounts with just their state registration documents and an EIN. Corporations need their Articles of Incorporation and a Certificate of Good Standing. A business license is useful as a backup document if the bank has questions about your address or business purpose.

What if I do not have an EIN yet?

You can get an EIN free from the IRS website in about 15 minutes. Go to irs.gov, search for "explore for an EIN", and fill out the online form. The IRS will give you your EIN when ready. Some banks will let you open an account with a Social Security number while you wait for your EIN, but having the EIN ready makes the process faster and cleaner.

Can someone else open the business account for me?

Not usually. The bank needs to verify the identity of the person opening the account in person or by video call. However, if you are an LLC or corporation with multiple authorized signers, another authorized person can open the account on behalf of the business. They will need to bring their personal ID and proof of their authority — an operating agreement, bylaws, or a corporate resolution.

How long does it take to open a business bank account?

If you open in person with all documents ready, it takes 20 to 30 minutes. The account is usually active the same day or the next business day. If you open online, it takes about 10 minutes to upload documents and 10 minutes for a video verification call. The account typically opens within 24 hours. Processing times vary by bank, so ask when you start the process.