The documents you'll need depend on your business structure, but most banks want proof of identity, proof of the business itself, and proof of ownership

Every bank has a slightly different list, but the core documents are the same: something that proves who you are, something that proves your business exists, and something that shows you have the authority to open an account on its behalf. The exact papers depend on whether you're a sole proprietor, an LLC, a corporation, or a partnership. Before you go to the bank, call ahead and ask for their specific checklist — some banks want originals, some want copies, and some want both.

The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes in person, or 10 to 20 minutes online if the bank offers remote account opening. You'll need to bring or upload everything at once; banks won't let you come back later with missing documents.

Key Takeaways

  • A government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) is required from the person opening the account, regardless of business structure.
  • Sole proprietors typically need only their Social Security number and a DBA registration or business license, if one exists in their state.
  • LLCs and corporations must provide formation documents (Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation) and an EIN letter from the IRS.
  • Most banks require a signed resolution or certificate authorizing the account opener to act on behalf of the business.
  • Call your bank before visiting to confirm their exact requirements, because some banks ask for documents others do not.

Documents for sole proprietors

If you operate as a sole proprietor — meaning you haven't formed an LLC or corporation — you need less paperwork than other business structures. Bring your government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and your Social Security number. That's the minimum.

If your state or local government requires you to register a DBA (Doing Business As) name, bring that registration certificate. Some banks ask for it even if it's not legally required in your area, so call ahead. If you have a business license from your city or county, bring that too — it helps but isn't always mandatory. A few banks also want to see a recent utility bill or lease agreement showing your business address, especially if it's different from your home address.

Documents for LLCs

An LLC needs more documentation because the bank has to confirm that the business is a separate legal entity and that you have the right to represent it. Bring your Articles of Organization (the document you filed with your state to create the LLC), your government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security number.

You'll also need an EIN letter from the IRS — this is the document that proves your LLC has a federal tax ID number. You can get this from the IRS website (irs.gov) by logging into your online account, or by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-4933. If you applied for an EIN but haven't received the letter yet, some banks will accept a printed confirmation from the IRS website or a copy of your Form SS-4 (the process itself).

Many banks also ask for a Certificate of Good Standing from your state's Secretary of State office, which confirms the LLC is in good legal standing. This costs $5 to $25 depending on the state and takes a few days to arrive. Some banks waive this requirement if your Articles of Organization are recent and your state allows you to check status online.

Documents for corporations

Corporations require similar documentation to LLCs, with one addition. Bring your Articles of Incorporation (filed with your state), your government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and your EIN letter from the IRS. The process for getting the EIN letter is the same as for LLCs.

You'll also need a corporate resolution or board resolution — a document signed by the board of directors (or, if you're the only director, signed by you) that authorizes a specific person to open and manage the business checking account. Some banks provide a template for this; others accept a straightforward one-page letter on company letterhead stating who is authorized. Ask your bank which format they prefer before you draft it.

Like LLCs, corporations may need a Certificate of Good Standing from your state. If your corporation is brand new, ask the bank whether they'll accept your Articles of Incorporation instead.

Documents for partnerships

A partnership — whether general or limited — needs proof of the partnership agreement and proof of identity from the person opening the account. Bring a copy of your Partnership Agreement (the document that outlines how the partnership operates), your government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security number.

You'll also need an EIN letter from the IRS, since partnerships have their own federal tax ID separate from the partners' personal Social Security numbers. If the partnership is registered with your state (which is required in some states for limited partnerships), bring that registration document as well. Some banks ask for a partnership resolution or authorization letter signed by all partners, confirming that one partner has the authority to open the account. Check with your bank first.

What happens if you're missing a document

If you show up without something the bank needs, they'll turn you away and ask you to come back. They won't hold a spot for you or let you open the account conditionally. This is why calling ahead matters — you avoid a wasted trip.

If a document is taking time to arrive (like a Certificate of Good Standing or an EIN letter), ask the bank whether they'll accept a temporary substitute. Some banks will open the account with a printed confirmation from the IRS website or a letter from your state's Secretary of State office saying the document is in process. Others won't. A few banks offer remote account opening, which sometimes gives them more flexibility to follow up with documents later, but this varies widely.

Online account opening vs. in-person

Many banks now let you open a business checking account online, which means you upload documents instead of bringing them in person. The documents themselves don't change — you still need the same ID, formation documents, and EIN letter. The difference is timing and format.

Online applications usually take longer to process (3 to 5 business days instead of 15 to 30 minutes) because a human has to review your uploads. You'll also need to take clear photos or scans of both sides of your ID and any multi-page documents. If a photo is blurry or a page is cut off, the bank will ask you to resubmit. Some banks require you to verify your identity through a video call as part of the online process, so have your ID ready and make sure you're in a quiet space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an EIN if I'm a sole proprietor?

Not always. Sole proprietors can use their Social Security number instead of an EIN. However, if you have employees or operate under a DBA name, the IRS recommends getting an EIN. Some banks ask for one anyway, so call ahead. Getting an EIN is free and takes about 15 minutes online at irs.gov.

What if I don't have a Certificate of Good Standing yet?

Ask your bank whether they'll accept your Articles of Organization or Incorporation instead. If the bank insists on a Certificate of Good Standing, you can order one from your state's Secretary of State office online or by mail — it usually arrives in 3 to 10 business days and costs $5 to $25. Some banks will let you open the account while you wait and provide the certificate later.

Can someone else open the account on behalf of my business?

Only if you give them written authorization. For corporations, this is a board resolution. For LLCs and partnerships, it's usually a power of attorney or authorization letter signed by the owner or partners. The person opening the account still needs to bring their own government-issued photo ID. Call your bank to ask what authorization document they need.

Do I need to bring my business plan or financial statements?

No. Banks don't ask for these when opening a checking account. They may ask for them later if you explore for a business loan, but for a checking account, they only need proof of identity, proof the business exists, and proof you can represent it.

What if my business address is my home address?

That's fine. Bring your government-issued ID (which shows your home address) and your formation documents. Some banks ask for a utility bill or lease showing the address, but most don't require it for a home-based business. If the bank asks, a recent electric bill, internet bill, or mortgage statement works.