The documents you'll need depend on your business structure, but most banks want proof of who you are, proof of your business, and proof you have the right to open an account in the business's name
Every bank has a slightly different checklist, but they all need the same basic things: your identity, your business's identity, and permission to use the business name. The exact documents shift based on whether you're a sole proprietor, a partnership, an LLC, or a corporation. Before you visit a bank or explore online, call ahead or check their website — they'll tell you exactly what they need, and showing up with the wrong papers wastes a trip.
The reason banks ask for so much paperwork is legal. Federal law requires them to verify who owns the business and who has authority to make decisions about the account. This protects both you and the bank.
Key Takeaways
- You will always need a government-issued photo ID for yourself and proof that your business legally exists, whether that's a business license, articles of incorporation, or a DBA filing.
- The documents required change based on your business structure — a sole proprietorship needs different paperwork than an LLC or corporation.
- Most banks want to see the Employer Identification Number (EIN) that the IRS issued to your business, or proof that you applied for one.
- Bring originals or certified copies of documents like articles of incorporation or partnership agreements; banks will not accept photocopies for legal formation documents.
- Calling your bank before you go saves time — their website or a quick phone call tells you the exact list they need.
Documents every business owner brings
Regardless of your business structure, bring a government-issued photo ID with your current address. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. If your address on the ID is outdated, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your current address — banks use this to verify where you actually live.
You will also need your Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to your business. If you haven't received it yet, bring the IRS confirmation letter that shows you applied for one (Form SS-4). If you're a sole proprietor with no employees and no plans to hire any, some banks will let you use your Social Security number instead, but asking first saves confusion.
Bring a recent business document that shows your business name and address — a utility bill in the business name, a lease, or a business license. This proves the business actually exists at a real location.
What sole proprietors need
If you operate as a sole proprietor — meaning you're the only owner and haven't formed an LLC or corporation — you need less paperwork than other structures. Bring your personal ID, your EIN or Social Security number, and proof of your business address.
If you registered a DBA (Doing Business As) name with your city or county, bring that certificate. If you haven't registered a DBA and you're using your legal name as your business name, you don't need one. Either way, the bank will ask which name you want on the account.
What LLC owners need
For an LLC, bring your Articles of Organization — the document you filed with your state to create the LLC. This is the legal proof that your business exists. Bring the original or a certified copy from your state's Secretary of State office; banks will not accept a photocopy.
You will also need an Operating Agreement, which is the document that describes how your LLC is run and who has authority to open bank accounts. If you're the sole member, you still need this — some banks require it even for single-member LLCs. If you formed your LLC through an online service like LegalZoom or Rocket Lawyer, they usually provide a template; if you formed it yourself, you can find templates online or have a lawyer draft one.
Bring your EIN letter from the IRS, your personal ID, and proof of your business address.
What partnership owners need
For a partnership, bring your Partnership Agreement — the document that spells out the terms between partners, including who can sign checks and make decisions about the account. Bring the original or a certified copy.
You will also need a Certificate of Partnership or Certificate of Formation if your state requires one. Check your state's Secretary of State website to see if you filed one when you started the partnership. Bring your EIN letter, personal IDs for all partners who will have authority over the account, and proof of your business address.
If only one partner will be authorized to open and manage the account, some banks still want to see IDs for all partners listed in the partnership agreement.
What corporation owners need
For a corporation, bring your Articles of Incorporation — the document you filed with your state to create the corporation. Like an LLC's Articles of Organization, this must be an original or certified copy from your state's Secretary of State office.
You will also need a Corporate Resolution or Board Resolution — a document signed by the board of directors that authorizes someone to open a bank account on behalf of the corporation. This shows the bank that the person opening the account has the legal right to do so. If you're a small corporation and don't have a formal board, you can create a straightforward resolution yourself; templates are available online or from your state's Secretary of State office.
Bring your EIN letter, the personal ID of whoever is authorized to open the account, and proof of your business address.
What to do if you don't have everything yet
If you haven't received your EIN letter from the IRS yet, call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 and they will give you the number over the phone. Write it down and bring it with you. Some banks will open an account with just the number; others want the official letter. Asking ahead prevents a wasted trip.
If you haven't filed your business formation documents yet — your Articles of Organization, Articles of Incorporation, or Partnership Agreement — you cannot open a business bank account. Banks need proof that your business legally exists. File these documents with your state first, then gather the rest of your paperwork.
If you're waiting for certified copies from your state, many states now offer expedited processing for a small fee. Check your state's Secretary of State website for the timeline and cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a business bank account online, or do I have to go to a branch?
Some banks let you start the process online and finish it by video call or in person; others require you to visit a branch. Call your bank or check their website to see which option they offer. Online accounts are faster, but you may still need to upload photos of your documents or verify your identity in real time.
Do I need a business license to open a business bank account?
Not always. A business license proves your business is registered with your city or county, but banks care more about proof that your business legally exists — which comes from your Articles of Organization, Articles of Incorporation, or DBA filing. Some industries require a license; others don't. Check with your city or county to see if you need one.
What if I'm the only person authorized to sign on the account?
Bring your personal ID and the business formation documents. If you're an LLC owner or corporation owner, the bank may still ask for an Operating Agreement or Corporate Resolution that names you as the authorized person, even if you're the only owner.
Can I use a PO box as my business address?
Most banks want a physical street address, not a PO box. If your business doesn't have a physical location yet, some banks accept a home address or a virtual office address. Call ahead to ask what they will accept.
What happens if I bring the wrong documents?
The bank will tell you what's missing and ask you to come back or send them the correct documents. This is why calling ahead is worth the five minutes — you'll know exactly what to bring and won't waste a trip.