The documents and information banks require before they will open an account

To open a business bank account, you need to prove three things: that your business exists, that you are who you say you are, and that you have the legal right to control the account. The exact documents depend on your business structure — sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, or partnership — but all banks follow the same basic pattern. You will bring proof of identity, proof of business existence, and proof of ownership or authority.

Most banks complete this process in one visit if you bring everything at once. Some offer online account opening for certain business types, though you may still need to visit a branch or video call to verify your identity. The whole process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes in person, or one to three business days if you start online.

Key Takeaways

  • Every business bank account requires a government-issued ID for the person opening it, plus documentation that proves your business legally exists.
  • Sole proprietorships need only your Social Security number and a DBA filing or business license; LLCs and corporations need formation documents from your state.
  • Banks verify your identity in person, by video call, or through a third-party service — they will not open an account based on documents alone.
  • You will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS if your business has employees or is structured as an LLC, S-corp, or C-corp; sole proprietors can use their Social Security number instead.

What you need for a sole proprietorship

If you operate as a sole proprietor — meaning you own the business outright and have not filed separate business formation documents — you need your Social Security number, a government-issued photo ID, and proof that you are doing business under a specific name. That proof can be a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate filed with your county or state, a business license, or in some cases a lease or utility bill in your business name.

Some banks will open an account for a sole proprietor using only a Social Security number and a personal ID, without requiring a DBA or license. This varies by bank and by state. Call ahead and ask what the specific bank accepts; if they say they need a DBA and you do not have one yet, you can file one at your county clerk's office or through your state's business filing system, usually for $10 to $50 and in one to five business days.

What you need for an LLC or corporation

If your business is structured as an LLC or corporation, you need the formation documents filed with your state — the Articles of Organization for an LLC or the Articles of Incorporation for a corporation. You also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, even if you have no employees. You can obtain an EIN free at irs.gov/ein; it takes about 15 minutes online and you receive the number when ready.

Bring your personal government-issued ID, the formation documents, the EIN, and a document showing the current owners or members of the business. For an LLC, this is usually the Operating Agreement. For a corporation, it is the corporate bylaws or a certificate of good standing from your state. If you do not have these documents yet, you can request them from your state's business filing office — they typically cost $5 to $25 and arrive within one to two weeks.

What you need for a partnership

A partnership requires the Partnership Agreement signed by all partners, an EIN from the IRS, and government-issued ID for the partner opening the account. The bank may also ask for a list of all partners and their ownership percentages. If your partnership is registered with your state (some states require this, others do not), bring the registration document as well.

If you do not yet have a formal Partnership Agreement, you can create one using a template from your state's business filing office or a legal document service. The bank will not open the account without one, because they need to know who has authority to withdraw funds and make decisions about the account.

Identity verification and in-person requirements

Banks verify your identity before opening any account. If you open in person, bring your government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank employee will scan or photocopy it. If you open online, the bank will either ask you to visit a branch for verification, conduct a video call where you show your ID to a representative, or use a third-party identity verification service that checks your ID against government records.

Some banks require the person opening the account to be a business owner or authorized representative. If you are opening the account on behalf of someone else, bring a power of attorney document or a corporate resolution authorizing you to do so. Without this, the bank will only open the account in the name of the person present.

The EIN and when you actually need one

An Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS that identifies your business for tax purposes. You need one if your business is an LLC, S-corp, C-corp, partnership, or nonprofit. You do not need one if you are a sole proprietor operating under your own name — you can use your Social Security number instead. However, many sole proprietors obtain an EIN anyway for privacy reasons or to keep business and personal finances more clearly separated.

You can obtain an EIN free at irs.gov/ein by filling out Form SS-4. The online process takes about 15 minutes and you receive your number when ready. If you explore by mail or fax, it takes two to four weeks. Some banks will hold your account opening appointment while you wait for an EIN, but most want the number before they complete the process.

What happens after you bring the documents

Once the bank has verified your identity and reviewed your documents, they will ask you to sign the account agreement and deposit forms. You will choose what type of business checking account you want — most banks offer a basic checking account, a premium account with higher fees and more features, or an account designed for specific industries. You will also set up online banking access and choose whether you want a debit card, checks, or both.

The account is usually active the same day if you open in person. If you open online, the account may be active when ready for deposits, but the bank may hold transfers or large withdrawals for one to three business days while they complete their verification process. Ask the bank when you can start using the account and whether there are any temporary limits on what you can do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a business bank account without an EIN?

Yes, if you are a sole proprietor. You can use your Social Security number instead. For any other business structure — LLC, corporation, partnership — you need an EIN. You can obtain one free and when ready at irs.gov/ein.

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

It depends on the bank and your business structure. Sole proprietors sometimes need a DBA or business license; LLCs and corporations need their state formation documents instead. Call the bank before you go and ask what they accept.

What if I do not have all my formation documents yet?

Request them from your state's business filing office — they usually arrive within one to two weeks for a small fee. Some banks will hold your appointment while you wait. Others will not open the account until you have the documents in hand.

Can someone else open the business bank account for me?

Only if you give them written authority. Bring a power of attorney document or a corporate resolution signed by you authorizing them to open the account. The bank will verify this document before proceeding.

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

In person, 15 to 30 minutes if you have all documents. Online, one to three business days. The account is usually active the same day for in-person openings, or within one business day for online openings.